[Leica] Go ahead, buy that Leica

[pklein at threshinc.com (Peter Klein)]

Some interesting advice from the NY Times' "Sketch Guy" and financial 
columnist, Carl Richards.
<http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/22/your-money/the-financial-benefits-of-buying-what-you-love.html?_r=0>

Now, of course, you have to actually have the money to spend it (or at 
least a reasonable expectation of paying off  the credit). But it does 
make sense to buy something expensive that will last longer than a cheap 
equivalent, and will bring you pleasure, happiness or function that the 
inexpensive thing won't.  IMHO, most Leica lenses have always fallen 
into that category. Leica film bodies, definitely.

With Leica digital bodies, it's more complicated. For me, being able to 
use my Leica lenses digitally, with RF focusing and simple, discrete 
controls, is very important.  From that standpoint, even with all the 
"issues," I still think Leica digital M bodies are worth having.  
There's also the "feel" of one's tools, which can be very important.  
And it is possible to buy used from someone who gets their happiness 
from having the latest.

If one is just interested in ultimate image quality, there may be equal 
or even slightly better choices. If feature lists, the very latest 
technology, or ultimate cost-to-function ratio are vital, look elsewhere.

--Peter