[crbirchenhall]

Tom

I use Nikon and Leica and both are excellent systems and can compliment each other. I am not a professional photographer but if you are planning on commercial work then I have to suggest Nikon is the safer bet and some of the new Nikon prime lenses, not to mention the new Zeiss ZF series, challenge Leica. At the same time, a Leica M can be a very rewarding counter point to a SLR, but be warned they are dangerously addictive. Running two systems can be expensive.

My first M, a M6TTL, still holds its own in my affections and produces rewarding photographs. If you stay with the plan of a M8 in the future then I suggest a 35mm lens as it is the most versatile single lens on a M and it can be become the 47mm on your M8. Although I do not own one you might consider the new cheaper Leica 35mm f2.5; it has had good reviews and will be 6-bit coded ready for the M8.