I'm a bit wary about posting this in the film forum, but I've actually acquired a digital companion to my M mount system. After researching the matter extensively (and repeatedly) over the last couple of months, I came to the conclusion that while I may not get the ultimate in optical image quality out of the lenses without a digital Leica M series body, those are just too expensive and somewhat underwhelming when it comes to technical aspects; furthermore, if I want a pure rangefinder experience, nothing beats the film bodies anyway.
So I finally picked the most inexpensive Sony that has I.B.I.S. - the Sony A7 II - after prices dropped considerably. I know that the next version is around the corner, but I'm not bothered about technical prowess and AF speed or whatever anyway, I just want a camera with a nice full frame sensor that I can adapt my maual lenses to and get a nice user experience, and there's loads of evidence online that this should work out fine. I also invested in a special adapter: the Voigtländer M to E mount close up adapter is coming my way.
The *only* AF lens I'm planning on acquiring (I'm fully equipped on that front anyway, through my Nikon system) is the tiny, yet quite enjoyable Samyang 35mm f/2.8 - it gets very nice reviews and makes for a very compact package in a pinch. It also reminds me of an old favourite: the Voigtländer 40mm f/2 SL II pancake I shoot on my Nikon FE/FM film bodies (it's still my favourite manual lens for F mount - in spite of all competition).
Does this mean I'll use my rangefinders less? I don't think so (even though it would be a bit of a relief, thinking of all the film that awaits development in the fridge) - my absolute favourite cameras are my two Leica RF bodies, closely followed (and superceded when it comes to convenience) by my Zeiss Ikon ZM. In fact, the lowly M4-P owns the top spot in my heart - it's sturdy, no-frills, heavy-duty and liberatingly simple; Sunny 16 and an old, but fully operational CdS meter from the sixties are all it takes to make photography fun. Plus, of course, the range of wonderful lenses!
But what *will* change is that I'll be able to use my lenses for time-critical stuff with quick turnaround as well. So, the Sony will probably find its own niche, but mostly, accompany the RF camera on duty as a second body that allows for the occasional quick post or documentary. So, even though it's digital, it's a strictly film related purchase. In a very satisfying way, I find this remarkable ...
M.