You know what I like about shooting with the Leica, using the viewfinder. It's so clear and gives you a great idea what you are going to see in the end. With the DSLR you are looking at something that is through the lens at 2.8, at least with my L lenses it is. I like it but it's just different from the way I see with a Leica. The other day I picked up my Canon 7D with the 70-200 and said damn this thing is heavy. It is slowly losing it's luster as I get older. The Leica on the other hand is light in comparison. Even with the 90mm it's light. Working with it has become effortless. Yes, the M9 has it's flaws but I have learned how to deal with them and have the camera set-up the way I like to use it. But using the rangefinder is great. With the 50mm Summilux wide open you can make your background disappear. This shot of my dog "Kodak" is an example. I wanted to show some personality with this image and making sure there was no background was paramount in my decision to shoot wide open. I love this shot as "Kodak" is giving my the hairy eyeball, like ain't no way you are getting this ball.

Leica M9 w/50mm Summilux

The other day I decided to shoot this interesting fall foliage photo. I was using my Leica M9 with the 35mm Summicron. I was a distance away so I knew the background would not be totally out even at f2. But as you can see I was able to knock out enough of it so it is not distracting. Whenever you can focus the attention where you want it the photograph will have much more impact. Shooting close to your subject with a wide aperture will take care of the background and bring the impact you are looking for.

Leica M9 w/ 35mm Summicron