Everyone, thank you for the comments. I didn't notice that R-D1 could be as expensive as M8. I thought I could get the R-D1 about $1,200.
I think I will try to get GXR for now.
Occasionally you can find the R-D1 available at around that money. At present, there's one listed on Ebay for $1400 BIN from Matsuistore in Japan ... but camera, charger, battery only, not mint. I am tempted myself, but then I think to myself, "That's money that I could keep in the bank for an M9-P next year."
Although I'm champing at the bit, the truth is that I'm horrendously busy right now and even the GXR-M is only getting light use. I think I'm just going to force myself to be patient and acquire what I really want, the M9, next year when I planned to.
BTW, I agree with the comment
... Also, Pro has nothing to do with it... there are many Pros who cannot afford Leica. It is a matter of priorities, salary, and frugality that generally makes one not buy a Leica.
I've been a working pro and not off and on since 1970. I am "not" at present: having accepted a full-time position doing something else for my living and doing photography as my avocation, not my career, again. I always weight the cost and advantages of equipment against my other priorities very carefully.
I am fortunate to say that I can easily afford the M9 now ... my new position is quite lucrative, a huge change from where the photography business was going ... but I find it better not to distract myself with too much equipment buying in too short a time. I've already been through a round of new equipment gathering this year and now will start simplifying as my photographic interests and intent has re-formed away from the pressures of making money once again.
I know, however, that I want a Leica M in my kit again ... the M4-2 proves that to me beyond the shadow of a doubt ... and as much as I still like the look and feel of film, I'm much more productive and happier with a digital camera. So an M9 will be mine when the moment is right. ;-)
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Wanted to add that I really like using the GXR as well too. It's a different tool, a different kind of camera, with far more flexibility than a rangefinder, and tremendous lens versatility. For instance, I use it with both Ricoh's own A12 50mm and Micro-Nikkor 55 and 200mm Macro lenses, with the Micro-Nikkor 200 plus TC-300 teleconverter for an ultra-tele field of view, etc etc. The Ricoh GXR-M produces incredibly good quality images and by popping another camera unit in can be everything from an ultra zoom point and shoot to a pro-capable serious shooter, all with the same control interface. A wonderful little beast!!