Yep, Leica stopped making cameras and started making jewelry about half way through the M8 run. That seems to be the only way they can stay in business. It's pretty tragic. Their lenses are fabulous. Their digital bodies are junk.
I have not touched a Leica since '65 and to tell you the truth, I think that absence was a mistake. Apart from anything else, I believe that the change in style of working an M when compared with an slr 35m would have given me a certain broadening of personal photo-look; not necessarily better pics but slightly different in the right circumstances.
As for an M9, well, were the lottery to work properly for once... I remember watching that interview that Michael had on here after his visit to Germany and the factory: I couldn't listen properly to the engineer because I simply could not take my gaze off the camera sitting there on the table. Lust takes many forms!
Rob C
