I have never been a Leica man, always preffered Nikon for their excellent value and performance. But the new Leica M9 is starting to change my thinking! It is still insanely priced at 7000 USD for the body, 4000K for a standard fixed lens, and another 1000K for essential accessories. Thats not taking into account the eventual need to add more lenses (at least another 6-8K for a pretty basic system)
But the sheer quality of its construction, its down to buisness design, size, and uncompromising components are very attractive and although they do not justify the cost, they do make the camera very apealing. I love the relentless attention to detail, like the fact that they make sure the black paint and chrome surface age well and as time goea by reveal the bronze body slightely, creating a beutifull patina, or the fact that every single hide chosen for the leather goes through a ten step selection process to ensure the highest quality, etc etc
I have to say I would never consider spending that much on a camera before, but I suppose that is the same mentality a Casio G-Shock owner would have, why spend 10K on a Mechanical JLC when a 60USD Casio does more and better. My Nikon D700 takes amazing pictures and is very fast, but it lacks the refinement, size, design, logical interface, and over all apeal of the Leica.
I think I am just trying to convince myself, but the more I think about the similarities the more convinced I am that I will eventually turn to Leica. Hoo boy, just what I needed another expensive hobby
