tomasis said:
I paid the price for Rd1 which was high almost as the same of 5D. I got small sensor with low mpx, very slow, very few choices on menu compared to even cheapest DSLR. But I got the very important thing. It is RF. Yeah it is rangefinder camera with digital sensor. It is so fantastic and I was happy that I didnt bought 5d, D300, D3, 1Ds III, Hb H3, whatever
RD1 was released in 2004... which placed it somewhere between the Canon 20D and the 1DMII. Both cameras were 8mp which doesn't make the R-D1 too far off in terms of specs. For the price I paid (refurb EPson direct), it is still a bargain.
The M8 is indeed too expensive for what it does (and its flaws). I don't see the point of comparing a DigiRF to a DSLR. Two completely different tools for the job. I am thankful that I'm fortunately enough to own both a Canon DSLR, Film SLR, M3, and R-D1 all complete with lenses... I enjoy all of them.
Part of the problem I see with Leica is that they are the masters of producing a wonderful MECHANICAL work of art. They did it too well to the point that they refused to change. Unfortunately for them, there is very little in digital cameras that remain completely mechanical and Leica is going through growing pains from years of absense from the realm of electronics R&D. They are currently dependent on outside partnerships to compete in the digital world..
... partnerships that might not be up to the standards the Leica loyalists expect.
... partnerships that make the current Leica M8 well.. less "Leica".
From an R&D electronics/digital point of view, Leica just cannot compete with the likes of Nikon, Canon, and other digital camera makers. Epson, although not a big player in the market, probably has a bigger R&D budget than Leica (seems evident from their surprise release of the R-D1 back in '04). When that much of the camera doesn't seem to meet many Leica loyalist's expectations, I just can't see my self paying that much money for a Leica body with internals that doesn't meet Leica (real or perceived) standards/expectations.
In my opinion, the M8 should be CHEAPER than an MP. One is made of mass produced electronics and outsourced parts. The other is a handmade work of art. Its the difference between the quarts AA battery driven clock in my office and the 100 year old grandfather clock at home.
The lenses on the other hand will always be expensive and in that case they should be... we are paying a premium for craftmanship.