Lots of M9 hype going around right now- the M9 is very sexy. in fact it is so attractive that it has got me wondering about rangefiders and Leica in particular.
A quick jaunt around the net tells me that to even get into the M7 is a costly game. Is it then safe to say that it is impossible to buy a cheap(er....range of $1K) used M8 body and lens combo?
The cheapest modern way into rangefinder photography is through a Voigtlander body. I have an R2m (normal viewfinder) and an R4m (wide angle viewfinder) and both are very nice cameras. I've also got a Zeiss Ikon that is even nicer, but more expensive (and possibly fragile).
For lenses, Voigtlander make some very good glass and the Zeiss (Cosina Voigtlander built) and Leica are both excellent. Wides are often better than slr glass, or equivalent for less money.
Of course, you'll have to shoot film (better than most realise if you scan it yourself), but at least it's full frame...
I like rangefinders and for a lot of walk around stuff much prefer them to slrs. Best start with a less expnsive one though as they are not for everyone and, with respect to JOhn Camp, won't automatically make you a better photographer. Of course you may just find they fit your way of working and so relaease you to express yourself more than an slr does:)
Oh, given where you live, you should be aware that rf focus mechanisms can potenitally be more fragile than slr. Still worth a go in my view.
Mike