tqlla

You can get Hoya Pro1 UV filters for cheapish on ebay. If you are worried about Fakes, you can get Quantaray Professional Digital Filters for cheapish on ebay.  They are very similar to the Pro1s.

According to BH, the 3N does Dust Reduction System Anti-dust charge protection coating on low-pass filter and electromagnetic vibration mechanism

If you believe that the "Blur index" at wide open, is the only thing that matters in picture quality. IMO, the proof is in the pictures.

LOL, Sony WONT do this, Sony WILL do that.  You sound pretty sure of yourself. The 5N is no longer on Sony's website.  Its possible that the inventory was sufficiently low enough, that Sony didnt...

The reason Sony would lower the price is to clear out inventory.  They wouldnt continue to make Nex7s at the lower price point.

I hope it does.  The A57 dropped pretty significantly. I believe its the only Nex that can use the F20am without an adapter.

Zeiss like?  Come on.  The 10-30mm might be a good lens, but I couldnt see it, in my pictures. I bought a V1 and sold it.  I was surprised at how good most things were.  The body is good quality,...

This has been reported a couple times?  Yikes.

Hmmm, I am interested in the refurbished lens they offered.  I wonder if there is a way to get them to sell one to me.

Buy the 3N.  Save money, and she will have a much more compact camera and lens combo.

Take pics when you get the lens back.  If they took it apart to diagnose it... maybe they put the spring and stuff back in the correct place. Bummer about the other parts that need replacement.

I would suggest the Minolta 24-85 F3.5-4.5.  They are around $100.  Then wait/Save up for the Tamron 24-70mm F2.8 or the Zeiss Here is a comparison of the Tamron 28-75 vs the 24-70mm on a Canon...

The point is, you CANT buy a new A99(from an authorized reseller) for $1870, or $2200.

Dont forget to add money for Sensor wipes to clean the oil and dust off.

To get the A99 body new, the price is $2800. The Combo is a good deal, but you cant sell that stuff for $930.

Apples to Apples.  The A77, is $1000 body only new. You can find one for $800 used. The A99 is $2800, without a lens.  $2200 used.

I wouldnt have an confidence either.  Is there a local camera repair shop near you?

The Amount cant work without a Mirror?   IS THIS WHAT PEOPLE THINK? How do you think the A100 takes a picture....with the opaque mirror in the way?

I think the A mount will survive, if there is demand for it.

Unless Sony Sells the tech to Nikon... and makes us wait.