And the lint... The usb and audio ports of my phone get clogged by it, what does it do to a machanical camera? I don't want to know. I used to carry the Ricoh GR in my front pockets, that probably wasn't good for it either. But being able to carry a camera like that is great, even if it isn't ready to use instantaneously. I felt inconspicuous (just happy to see you!) and it's much easier and also less conspicuous to pull out than from some sort of bag. Today I'd try a silk bag for lint protection.
Ok, to stay somewhat on topic, I haven't tried any Barnackish camera, I use a Canon P and a 7, where does that leave me? While they are ltm, in function they're closer to an M. I would use a Barnack if I were given one, but I don't think I'll seek one out. While I do value compactness, a pocket camera for me needs a wider lens than a 50, and with external finder, the compactness is lost. So might as well use something with grown up ergonomics, and cheaper to get than the Leica ltms and perhaps cheaper to maintain than all (will never need new curtains, cheap enough for me to dare DIY repairs).
