Picked up an NEX-3N for a pocket/street camera - who’s using one? What do you like? Favorite images from it?

[somnambulist_squirrel]

Traded in an older P&S I don’t use toward a good condition, used NEX-3N. Figured a small body that can use my existing lenses would be a nice option for street use, and for my kids to learn on. My tiny but great little Samyang 35mm f2.8 should be a nice and compact AF companion, and I grabbed a dirt cheap (sub-$30) 7artisans 25mm f1.8 for manual focus fun. I’ll likely shoot more often in jpeg on this, too...

Those of you who use this body, what are your favorite kinds of ways to use it? I don’t do video, and for more technical shots I really want to think about, I’ll use my A7Rii. This is mostly for fun, and especially the fun of using a camera and not my iPhone (which may do better in some circumstances than this body). Looking forward to hearing what you like this body for, and seeing your favorite images from it!

 

[TedG954]

You may be surprised by the results you get. The 3N was the first mirrorless camera I bought. It was used and I just wanted to see what all the hype was about. With the Sony 35/1.8 I got stunning results. That was years ago. The camera is gone but I kept that lens. A couple of years ago I missed the NEX and I picked up a NEX5T and didn't hesitate since I knew how well the NEX performed. I converted that camera to Infrared and still use it today. It's great. I only shoot RAW and that's what I'd suggest so you can get the most from that NEX3N. Good luck.

I couldn't find regular photos, but here are some IR taken with the NEX3N.

NEX-3N    E 35mm F1.8 OSS    35mm    f/4.0    1/320s    ISO 200

NEX-3N    E 35mm F1.8 OSS    35mm    f/5.6    1/1000s    ISO 200

NEX-3N    E 35mm F1.8 OSS    35mm    f/5.6    1/1000s    ISO 200

NEX-3N    E 35mm F1.8 OSS    35mm    f/5.6    1/1250s    ISO 200

NEX-3N    E 35mm F1.8 OSS    35mm    f/5.6    1/1600s    ISO 200

 

[somnambulist_squirrel]

Thanks! Looking forward to seeing what I can do with it!

 

[jimmoore]

I also used one as a pocket camera, I mainly used the Sony 20 F2.8 lens. On a crop body that is 30mm a good general use size for me. The compact hood was especially good in this application.

 

[unlo]

i have my Nex5r purposed for this .. works wonders. I keep the EVF attached. and usually have an all MF lens attached

 

[somnambulist_squirrel]

Arrived today. Here it is with the Sammy 35mm f2.8 next to an a6300 with the Sony 50mm f1.8 OSS:

ILCE-7RM2    FE 85mm F1.8    85mm    f/1.8    1/100s    ISO 1600

And here's a quick snapshot (OOC JPEG) with the NEX-3N and the Sammy 35....... at ISO 3200.....!!

NEX-3N       0mm    f/2.8    1/60s    ISO 3200

I think I'm going to like this little combo.....

 

[TedG954]

The quality of the NEX series brought SONY to the success they enjoy today.

 

[bdbits]

I've forgotten just how compact the NEX cameras were. The 5N was my first Sony mirrorless.

 

[somnambulist_squirrel]

This thing was $84 used, in excellent apparent condition, at mpb.com. I think that’s a solid value.

 

[somnambulist_squirrel]

Playing with the zoom toggle switch - Clear Image Zoom makes a prime pretty versatile on this little body:

NEX-3N       0mm    f/2.8    1/250s    ISO 200

NEX-3N       0mm    f/2.8    1/320s    ISO 200

NEX-3N       0mm    f/2.8    1/400s    ISO 200

NEX-3N       0mm    f/2.8    1/320s    ISO 200

 

[somnambulist_squirrel]

The 7artisans 25mm f1.8 arrived today. So far, seems similarly surprisingly good:

NEX-3N       0mm    f/1.0    1/60s    ISO 1000

NEX-3N       0mm    f/1.0    1/60s    ISO 1250

NEX-3N       0mm    f/1.0    1/30s    ISO 3200

NEX-3N    ----    0mm    f/1.0    1/60s    ISO 400

NEX-3N       0mm    f/1.0    1/60s    ISO 400

 

[Richard Crowe]

I have an older NEX-7 which I converted to full-time Infra red. It does the job quite nicely and uses all my Sony E-mount lenses... It also only weighs 400 grams (.88 lb) for the body so it doesn't add too much weight to my kit when I travel...

 

[JLBrown]

I recently dug my old Nex F3 out of the closet after sitting there for several years. I've also got quite a few older Nikon and Canon lenses so I ordered some adapters off Amazon, just to have some fun. Haven't used these Canon lenses in over 35 years and I'm surprised at their sharpness. I've always like the older Nex cameras for their small, but powerful size images.

 

[Tipton]

I say again, Sony needs to come out with a true pancake lens for emount. Yeah the Samyang 35/2.8 is pretty close.
(I realize they're out of fashion.)

 

[AlwaysOnAuto]

You guys are ALMOST making me wish I hadn't sold my Nex-7.
My problem is working up the stamina to carry either of my A7 variants.

 

[Richard Crowe]

I converted an NEX-7 to full time infra red. It is lightweight and can accept any of my Sony lenses - so carrying it along with the rest of my gear on a trip is no problem.

NEX-7    E 50mm F1.8 OSS    50mm    f/4.5    1/100s    ISO 100

I was quite surprised at the difference in form factor between the NEX-7 and my A6600. The NEX-7 is almost a half pound (actually 7.46 oz.) lighter in weight than the A6600... Sure, the A6600 is a better camera hands down, but the little NEX-7does a very adequate job for my infra red needs... When I was shooting Canon I made the mistake of converting an old D60 (not the 60D) to full-time IR. It was quite heavy and, even though it was an APSC sensor, it would not accept anon EF-s lenses.

 

[Kirkp]

I started with the NEX-6. It‘s a bit larger and heavier than the 3N but has an excellent EVF, which is a feature I can’t live without. It’s still my backup and perfectly adequate for shooting in non-challenging conditions. I’m sure the 3N would be a nice backup for someone who can live without the EVF.