Leica... worth the money or just hype?

I've been obsessed with Leicas for a few years now... desperately wanting (but not having the cash for) an M7 or an M8 (really don't care if it's film or digital).

So, is Leica worth the price of admission? Or are they just all hype?

It's a bit like asking is an early '70s Green Frame 750SS Ducati worth $25,000?? Pose value would be great and nice to have in my shed but the cost of it and the maintenance upkeep would be prohibitive..

You need a third option. I think they are wonderful tools absolutely worth using, but horrendously overpriced.

I am with Perry on this. They are great-- they produce sharp photos-- but you can get the same results with a little work -=-- for a little less.

Going against my better judgement I will pause to comment. Sure Leica is about the glass but it is more about the form factor. People who have used Leica (and by used I mean some experience not tried it out for a week and by Leica I mean M series) generally have a love for them that looks fanatical (think rabid Apple freak) but is based on the love for a simple (a light meter is entirely optional) light weight (but solid in constructed) and quiet (real quiet) camera. There are things about a rangefinder that an SLR cannot do (SLRs do things that rangefinders cannot do so keep cool). If you want/need/prize those things you are willing to pay the price (not just the cost in $$$$).


What do I love about the Leice M

absolute quality control
can see what is about to enter frame
quiet
looks like a piece of junk to the majority of humanity so is not intimidating or the other thing
and some other stuff as well

Leica photographers often are better because they cannot afford to buy lots of lenses so they get to know what they own well (and select what they want with a bit more care). That may sound tongue in cheek and it may be but then again it may not be.