Originally posted by DSims The current Fujifilm bodies would be the better choice here. If you don't get the very latest model they can be very affordable, and many are rangefinder style so they're even a good match in terms of shooting style (especially to the popular Leica M series). Fuji has specifically targeted the Leica crowd with a more affordable alternative to the digital Leicas.
I presume you've seen the Ken Rockwell article on this camera? Despite the silly things he's said at times, he has some nice write-ups like this:
LEICA IIIf (1950-1957) When the X•Pro•1 came out, the typical set of incompatibility issues with the wider FL rangefinder lenses came up right away. I was interested, having Contax-G lenses. Is the current Mk-II version of the X-trans sensor said to be any better in that regard? As you say, fire sale prices on the older Fuji bodies are out there; and who knows how low they might go, if prices on the older Olympus m4/3 Pens is anything to go by. I have to say, I am very intrigued by their 14mm prime (DA 15 Ltd. fanatics eye me suspiciously... as they stop down their f.4 lenses 😇; and now by the upcoming 10-24mm/f.4 -- the Strobist guy got his hands on one pre-release, and my, my, my...) I suspect you noticed the fast & compact 23mm/f.1.4, DSims!
BTW, Rockwell took his bashing here recently on a thread; but you are right -- some of his write-ups are quite a bit better than just O.K.: I think of his film era "donation" camera reviews, in particular. His take on the Nikon FE (my first SLR) vs. the FE-2 was right on the money -- uniquely so, so far as I've seen; same with his 2012 (!) review of the old Canon FTb[-n], which sure isn't getting much respect on eBay these days.