[biglouis]

Since returning to photography as a hobby it has been inevitable that I would soon outgrow my Leica D-LUX 2.

I cannot countenance returning to film photography after being able to shoot, review, revise and re-shoot all in the space of a few minutes. It has to be digital and given the superb results I've seen in this forum, if I am going to buy I might as well sell my soul for a Leica.

I'm trying to evaluate whether to go down the R/DMR route or the M/M8 route.

Looking at budget I estimate it costing me about the same whichever route I go down. One reason is that I have to buy a brand new M8 but going down the R route there is a lot of good second hand equipment from what looks like reputable dealers over the net (e-Bay) and in any case, as I live in London I have choice of a number of good Leica outlets (or even further afield if I use mail order). I estimate I can get a R8 plus a 24mm and 60mm lens for about £1600 or even less if I e-Bay them. Add on a DMR, assuming brand new and I am looking at approximately £4000-4500 overall.

Going down the M8 route it appears from speculation about the price of the M8 plus say a 21MM and 50mm lens (which I would purchase s/h) that again I'm looking at the £4000+ mark, easily.

I'm finding it hard to see beyond some pretty obvious advantages of each route. R/DMR has the possibility of some bargain hunting with respect to camera body and lenses which makes the sticker shock a bit less. But on the other hand a veritable beast of a set-up when compared to the much smaller form factor of the M8.

I suspect the M8 will be in short supply for some time whereas I also anticipate there may be a lot of people giving up their R/DMR equipment to get the latest thing which might also lead to some more bargain hunting.

I do like rangefinder cameras, for some reason I find focussing a lot easier when I compared a M7 to a R8 and R9 (should I have done, or was it a lack of familiarity with the R?). I do have back problems but not serious enough to make me incapable of working with a R/DMR.

You can tell that cost is of importance to me, especially as I'd have to finance this but as they say, you pay for what you get.

My main interest is architecture, landscapes and the odd bit of macro flower shooting. I am not into portraits, street photography, reportage, candid etc.

My head says R/DMR because I think ultimately I would find a SLR a lot easier to work with but my heart say M/M8 because of size and quite frankly looks.

Head or heart? I know everyone must be sick and tired of newbs like me speculating but I figure I might as well take advantage of the collective wisdom of the group.

LouisB