As always I'd caution to try before you buy. In my opinion the M240 offers a significant improvement in terms of versatility but that said it is still fatally flawed in that it's impossible to scroll the focus point around the frame. Apparently Leica are well aware that this is seen by many as a balls-up and are unlikely to repeat the omission on the next incarnation which will probably be announced later this year.
That said, there have been some incredible offers on new M240s recently.
Good shooting
Keith,
From what I have read and from what you say I gather that the M 240 is the better and more versatile "rangefinder" camera.
As above-mentioned I feel that Leica really needs a state of the art built-in EVF for the next M. Anything less is simply not going to cut it and will only appeal to the already converted.
The EVF of Leica was probably already underwhelming 2 years ago and since then the gap with Fuji, Sony, Olympus, etc has only increased.
Which files you like best is a matter of personal preference. I can say that I like the M9 files better out of the box but I am not sure whether after post there would still be a lot of difference.
The M currently goes for $6,500 in the US. Despite a price increase (official price now $7,450) the promotion was prolonged because apparently the inventory is not moving fast enough. Plus the stronger dollar.
Used ones go for anywhere between $4.5K and $5.5K, used M9 $3-3.5K...
Best, Joris.