Camera choice

[Jordbill@aol.com]

As a 30-year user of an old Canon Pellix and a 20-year user of a Rollei 35S,
I am now in the market for a new camera.  I'm not interested in a fully
electronic, auto-everything heavyweight.  I'd prefer simple, reasonably
compact, and high quality.

I've been thinking about a Contax S2 or Nikon F3 or FM2N.  But back in the
recesses of my mind, I have fond memories of an old M4 that I used to use
back in the early 1970's when I was a newspaper reporter at a small daily
paper.  The paper had a shelf full of Nikons and M4's, and unless I thought I
was going to need the in-camera metering or a long lens, I usually drifted to
one of the Leicas when I was doing my own photography.  My 35S was my poor
man's Leica substitute when I bought it.

I'm at the stage of my life where I'm fortunate to be able to afford any of
the cameras I'm considering.  On the other hand, I have no interest in
wasting my money.  Although my heart wants an M6, my head wonders whether for
the kind of photography I do (mostly color print family, travel, scenics and
landscape), I wouldn't be just as happy with one of my SLR choices.  On the
other hand, I don't need telephoto lenses beyond 90mm, and I don't do macro
or copy work, so the Leica would certainly do everything I want it for.

Naturally, I have elected to come to this objective group for advice. I know
you're here because you're Leica users, but based on what I've seen, you're
mostly an honest and thoughtful bunch and not blind to the virtues of other
equipment.  I welcome your thoughts, and I thank you in advance.

                                                               Bill