I started with an SLR before trying the Leica. I hated the Leica at first. Put it in the drawer and didn't use it for six or eight months. Finally, something someone said about allowing some time with the camera caught my attention, and I started using the camera again. After understanding it, and being a little more comfortable with it, I was sold. For certain types of photography it beats an SLR by a long mile. After using the Leica exclusively for a few months, going back to an SLR was like shooting in a tunnel. I was always worrying what might unknowingly appear in the negative.
They are different, require somewhat different techniques, and are not best for all types of shooting. But for some types of photography, they excel. Shel > [Original Message] > From: E.R.N. Reed > I wonder whether the people who consider the rangefinder more > "natural" started on rangefinders before moving to SLRs? >