Let's cut to the chase and provide a direct answer to the question you asked:(snip) … So I'm really wanting to get some perspective from those of you who left it behind. Are you happy with the switch? Do you ever miss your Leica?
While I never "left" the M system, I did opt out of the M240 camera for color work and now strictly shoot a M Monochrome. So in essence, I left the M behind as an everyday camera, and now use other cameras for color work.
What I left behind, was a M9P … which while flawed, provided a special aesthetic look and feel for color images compared to other choices. That I DO miss.
I never felt 18 meg was a hindrance even compared to 36 meg that's more common now … at least for work I used a M for.
As a very long time M shooter, I feel quite lost. On one hand I'm loath to return to the older tech M9 or a new ME still sporting the same older tech and poor LCD. On the on the hand, the M240 just doesn't do it for me aesthetically. Trust me, I have tried to accept it, but cannot.
I have no real love for most alternatives, be it three fourths, or any of the "Mighty Mouse" FF Sony cameras. I'm reminded of this every time I snap a M lens into place and bring my MM to eye. There's nothing like a Leica Rangefinder.
If you already have a M240, and (unlike me) are satisfied with the imagery, I'd suggest renewing your relationship with it and improving how you make photos with-in its rangefinder parameters. Skill cost nothing but time and effort … and there is always room to improve one's skill.
- Marc