> >>>>>>>>I've been using a canon rebel for a year now, I do mostly black and white > street photography, and still-life. My rebel is ok but what I really need > is a quick, inconspicous, quiet camera with great image quality. Try the M-series and see if the manual focus RFDR is quick enough for you, compared to AF. The M's are nice as they do not have the time lag as do many SLR's, esp. AF. The M's are inconspicuous (black), quiet and image quality is great.
>>>>>>>> Leica M's are a waste of money. After examining an M Leica, you can decide whether the fit, finish, makes it worth the money. If worth is measured as a box that can accept lenses, then any 35 SLR will do. However, if you enjoy what the Leica is, that makes it worth the $$$.
>>>>>>>>> but getting scared of the commitment.I'm just worried about spending too much money on a > camera i might not even know how to use. Commitment? You can sell the Leica and not lose a lot (if you buy used). If you understand manual operation (f/stop and shutter speeds), you'll know how to use it. I use 35 SLR's, and 645. When I need a 24mm, or a zoom, a longer than 135mm, or closeups, I'll take the 35 SLR. When I have the time to use it, I will use 645. In almost every other situation, I will grab my Leica M6, 50 2.8 Elmar, and 135 4.5 Hektor. I enjoy using the M6, and I seem to compose quicker and get more usable photos. For ex&le, I haven't got lots of good pictures with wildlife where you cannot anticipate the action (spawning salmon, whales, etc.) But with a RFDR, you see outside the image area.
Best wishes.