[Leica] Quirky digital R "solution"?

[photo.forrest at earthlink.net (Phil Forrest)]

I put that in the subject line to possibly gain a few more looks at the
thread. I cheated.
Anyways, I've been wanting a Leica R camera since before I got my first
M2 in 2003. Once i went with the rangefinders I strayed away from using
SLRs, eventually becoming RF-only.

I've recently found that for a very few applications, the Leica RF
bodies just can't cut it. Macro and telephoto just can't be done
without a Viso III and a bunch of extra gear. An SLR is the most
expedient solution.

Now I want to get back into an SLR at the lowest cost of entry possible
with the highest performance I can get. Yeah, there are plenty of D200
and EOS 5D bodies used on the market for very cheap but I also love the
incredible sharpness of the Leica M8 and M9 with their Kodak sensors.

A few months ago, Dante opened my eyes to how good an old Kodak DCS 14n
could be and I've been thinking that I could use the newer, slightly
upgraded Kodak DCS SLR/n or SLR/c for my SLR needs.

The Kodak SLR/n bodies are available with a whole kit as shipped from
the factory for about $800. The RAW images that old camera produces
rival the best that today's top end Nikon and Canon offerings can
produce, from what I've seen.

I'm thinking I can get a DCS body and a good Leica R telephoto and
Macro lens with Leitax adapters and chips for less than the cost of
a D700 body alone. I'd prefer a full frame camera as well having been
spoiled by the M9.

So, are any LUG'ers out there using the same system? Kodak DCS SLR or
14n + Leica R glass? I know about the camera's quirks and have read
most of the negative reviews. I'm not using it for sports, so fast
response isn't as big of a concern.

Your opinions are appreciated.

Thanks all,
Phil Forrest