Re: [Leica] Leica and a new M?

[Mark Rabiner <mrabiner@concentric.net>]

Ruralmopics@aol.com wrote:
><Snip> 
> The bigger issue seems to be the SLR. There just isn't enough to distinguish
> the Leica line from everything else. The mystique will only go so far. Lots
> of slr makers offer outstanding lenses. The photographer looking for the most
> complete/versatle/practical system combined with co-comprimise optics has
> lots to chose from. Leica simply does not stand out of the slr crowd like it
> does in rangefinders (yeah, I know, they were the only game in town so that
> almost doesn't count). One really must ask the question, Why in the world buy
> a Leica R -- OK for many in this group it makes sense but for most mere
> mortals, it doesn't.
> 
> Bob (cockroaches, Cher and Leica rangefinders will always survive) McEowen

Bob! don't you think the R8 is a very unusual approach in design, size and
function for an SLR in today's market. 
I think it is just as unusual of a choice as the M and certainly stands out
among the Nikons and Canons. The reason starting with a fondness for focusing
yourself that excludes AF at all:
THE GLASS
Mark Rabiner