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CONSTRUCTION:
*outer material: made out of PU (artificial leather), but I personally don't think it looks cheap or cheesy; in black, it is inconspicuous. I've seen similar cases made of a crappy vinyl, so this is certainly a step up. I haven't seen any real leather cases for the 3N anyway.
*inside material: lined with a soft, plush velvety fabric. some parts of the case (i.e. near the lens) are slightly padded to provide extra protection.
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DESIGN:
The case is made of TWO pieces:
1. a bottom part that screws securely into the 3N's tripod mount (and serves as a tripod mount of its own), and
2. a top part (covers the lens, top, screen, etc) that snaps into the bottom part. The two parts are attached by 4 snaps (one on either side of the camera, two on the bottom near the tripod mount).
HOW 'EVER-READY' WORKS: Unsnap the side snaps and the top case hangs loosely from the bottom snaps (thereby allowing you to quickly take pictures). Infinitely better than fumbling around and removing your camera from a generic case, or worse--going case-less.
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UNFORTUNATELY: This case doesn't play nice with accessories.
*filters: in order to use a quality 49mm UV filter I had lying around, I attached a 40.5-49mm step up ring, and then added the 49mm filter. On top of the filter, I have a snap-on cover. Albeit very thin, that's still 2 extra threads and a cover. with that extra thickness, the top case doesn't fit flush with the camera anymore. if you add one 40.5mm filter, you'd *probably* be ok.
*tripod:
1. if you have anything attached to the tripod mount, the top case will NOT swing down entirely. you better entirely remove the top case before putting any tripod/monopods on the camera (since removing the bottom snaps would be impossible if you have anything already attached...)
2. trying to unscrew anything from the case's tripod mount will most likely end up simply unscrewing the case from the camera instead. it's awkward/difficult trying to remove anything snugly attached to the case's built-in tripod mount.*
SD card, battery: a no-brainer, but the bottom piece completely obscures the SD and battery compartments. IN order to change the battery or SD card, you'll have to completely unscrew the case off. not really an issue for me, but good to keep in mind.
Swivel LCD: The 3N's LCD screen swivels to 90 degrees; trying to pry open the screen to rotate is a bit of an extra hassle. Again, the extra second it takes to open isn't really an issue for me, but I figured I'd point it out anyway.
*By FAR the most annoying setback is the fact that it is difficult to unscrew anything from the tripod mount, without entirely unscrewing the case from the camera. Every time I use my monopod with the bottom case attached, I have to unscrew my camera first, and THEN unscrew the monopod.
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OVERALL: If you don't plan on using a monopod/tripod and are just walking around shooting free-hand, this case is PERFECT; it adds the protection of a full case, but allows you to take photos in less than 5 seconds (just unsnap the side snaps to free the lens from the case). HOWEVER, if you plan on using a monopod, or a couple filters, it'll be more of a pain than it's worth keeping on. Regardless, in my opinion this case is a must-have for the 3N.
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I have mixed feelings about this case.First, I have a Sony NEX 3N. This case is a bit large when used with the smaller lens. It does include a very small section for at least two cards; however, I wish it would have given a bit more space for an extra battery or other items.
I put my zoom lens on and unzipped the expandable bag to fit the length of the longer lens. I was very unhappy with the padding on the lens area once I extended the case. I didn't feel comfortable that the lens was protected enough so I added more protection to the lens area before I felt at ease.
This isn't the "perfect" case for me. However, I haven't really found one that I like any better but I will keep looking.
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