If you could own only one camera...

No, not that one. Not crazy about digital. Probably an old folder w/ a good lens. Why? It's pretty subjective, but I just like the whole experience, and then there's the image quality. Less is more, that sort of thing.
 
Oooops let me clarify - If you could own just one digital camera....

More need for clarification: only one of those, I already have, or any existing?

Of the digital ones I own, the R-D1 would be it.

Of the ones existing it would be a hard choice between a M9 or a Pentax 645D, which is a MF DSLR...
 
as much as I like the R-D1, it'd be my M4+35mm cron v4...


[edit]:from all available digital cameras, I'd get an M9+35mm cron v4... if budget weren't a concern.
 
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Leica M9. Six months with the M9 and still impressed. For film, though, my favorites are my M6TTL 0.58 and Pentax MX.
 
If I must choose then it would be a Hasselblad SWC. When I am rich enough I'll get a digital back for it.
 

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No, it would be the M9. The RD1 is unique and a pleasure to use, but I strongly prefer what I can produce with the M9 over the RD1.

Since I don't have to choose one camera, I will keep the RD1 around. I like using it casually around the neighborhood, and take it with me on trips, but it's not going to (again, at least) my go-to camera, i.e., the 'one.'
 
Since I'm still working professionally, the essential camera for me is my 5D. (Will upgrade to a 5DII when I can). It does more of the things I need a camera to do than any other camera I own. In fact, it really does everything I need a camera to do.

If we were to include film cameras, though, I would make my second choice the Pentax 6x7. I had one for about 20 years, and though I didn't shoot a lot with it, I easily had a higher percentage of keepers with that camera than with any other I've ever owned. I wish I hadn't sold it, but at the time I thought I would never shoot film again.

Third choice would be a Rolleiflex 2.8F.
 
My first choice would be the M9, but since I'd barely be able to afford the body, let alone the Leica Lens to use with it, think I'll stick with my M8+ the CV, Canon and Leitz lens I'm currently using.
 
Forever is hopefully a long time. An M9 would be tempting, but ten years down the road it might be showing its age compared to my M2, so I'll take it instead. I'd like to have an M9 in real life all the same though...
 
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