[Leica] Why I bought my M.

[Gammanyne@aol.com]

    I keep reading all these posts about the validity and usefullness of the 
Leica family of cameras and lenses. I am new to this school, and  respond 
with according humility. 
    I bought into Leica this time intending to shoot it. Previous owned 
Leicas were investments, that now, I am sad to have sold. So why this 
decision to shift gears? 
     I am not too busy shooting commercially these days, I took a desk job a 
while ago after doing a corporate gig for many years. By the time that job 
ended I had used a number of cameras and never stopped loving 35mm. I like 
the frame. Simple things make me happy. And the Leica M camera seems to suit 
my need to go back to when I had to really work to make a great shot. I love 
the Hasselblad, but it is  slow and heavy. The negs are excellent but my back 
aches after a day of lugging one body+ back and three lenses around. Not to 
mention the days I carry a full bag!
    I am hoping to reschool myself to think Leica. Not the brand,but the way. 
I am not worried about missing a shot or two, not everyshot was meant to be. 
When I need a shot I make it happen. If I miss a shot I get better so it 
doesnt happen again. And when I happens again I still get better so it doesnt 
happen again. This is the school I come from, and the M camera seems like it 
is the only choice to make. I dont think this camera has any shortcomings. It 
is I who has shortcomings . Of course I am a newbie here and have no 
experience in shooting these cameras on a regular basis. I could be totally 
wrong and have made a bad choice by buying a couple of these lenses and 
bodies. But I doubt it. 
    I thank all the LUGGERS who responded to my questions about the m6. Turns 
out it wasnt the right tool for me right now. An m4 and an m4p will start me 
off fine. No Noctilux now either but I am not ruling it out. The vignetteing 
sounds like fun to work with. For now I will keep with the 35mm and the 
135mm.  After a few rolls of testing perhaps I will have more questions, and 
maybe some answers!!.   Keith J.