So far as I understand, the Bernina once again did not use interchangeable feet. My friend had to get new feet for the 770 she bought and gave me all the 820 feet with the machine.

I too have the first 830 and wondered why they gave that number to a new machine. I figured since the first 830 was such a good machine that that number was a marketing ploy. Just guessing. Even the repair people have told me that the first 830 was the best they had. That I should keep it!
Lynda

one of my quilting buddies has a 1974 830 and says it's the best machine she's ever used.

Thanks for the update ...

My friend bought a new 830. She had it in the shop more then she used it. It took weeks to get the new sensors and parts needed each time. She wanted a new one to replace it but was told the parts could be replaced so no new machine. She took a loss selling it before the warranty ran out. You couldn't melt and pour her in a Bernina shop now and her experience stopped many guild members from buying Bernina. The dealer should have given her a new one and would have gotten many more buyers. Guild members stick together. One is burned, they all back off.

Oh she did contact Bernina Headquarters. Always got the same response. Go to dealer.

I bought the 770 in May and it's a fantastic machine. I replaced my 150QE which I kept as it's a wonderful machine too.
But reading this thread makes me glad I didn't get an 800 series.

I just traded my 830 for a 790plus. I bought the 830 used and only paid $3000 for it. It included the big hoop and lots of extras. I hated the way it threaded and the bobbin loading. They gave me a $4000 trade in value and all I had to turn in was the machine and the embroidery unit. My dealer wanted the Bsr and since you get a new one it did not matter to me. I got to keep all the hoops, feet and other accessories which does work on the new machine. I really did not wan tto spend the money, but I felt if the machine had issues I would have to buy another machine at full price. I went with the deal. They had a special for accessories that was in cluded so that was $2800+ in extra accessories. My dealer showed me all about the new machine and it was so fantastic. Such an improvement in my old 200 and the 830. They fixed the threading issue and the bobbin issues. I should have it next week and I cannot wait. I was just glad I had the money to make the trade. They did offer financing interest free with payments of $151.00 per month. The 830's were 10 to 12 years ago so it all seemed a positive trade for me. I had not had any issues with the 830 and had no idea if the old owner had issues.