Update: Gene's R3A & Nokton 40/1.4

Photo: copyright Gene Wilburn

On a stopover at Gene's Sunday morning, I was able to play with the Bessa R3A & Nokton 40/1.4. The grey finish of the camera is absolutely gorgeous. If I were to get an R3A it would definitely be the grey. And the Nokton is certainly smaller than I ever would have imagined.

Likes:

• Nokton size and smoothoperation
• Solidity of the Bessa
• Brightness of the Bessa viewfinder, and layout of framelines

Not-so-likes:

• Handling of the Bessa. Its shape feels a bit odd/clunky, especially compared to my 35SP. That might be because Gene had the inexpensive half case on, though. While decent protection, I don't like half cases unless they are luxurious ones such as the Luigi case.
  
• While overall the VF is great, I found using it with spectacles not optimum. I'd need to wear my contacts for best results
• Shutter sound. While not terribly loud, louder than my Olympus 35SP and a Leica. I think maybe the pitch and metallic quality might be what stood out

Sadly, Gene says this sample has jammed three times, so it is back to the vendor for replacement.