What camera do I buy Leica M2, R3, R4 or R5??

I am not sure what to buy, I am looking for a camera that can take very good quality images. (What Leica is known for) It will be my travel camera so it must be reliable. I do like how the Rs have a built in light meter though. What does it mean R3 electronic? I do not no if I should buy the M2, R2,R4 or R5.

For pure precision, the Leica is defiantly a camera of note.

That said, are you aware that no matter what camera you own, you are NOT guaranteed reliable, high quality images unless you have all the skills necessary to produce exquisite images.

I own and use Leica's, Nikon's and Sinar cameras. If I had not gone to Brooks Institute, had over twenty years of experience, none of those cameras would mean a thing .. It is the 12 inches behind the camera that produces the images.

If you buy an M2, you will have a superior rangefinder camera (I own two) ... if you buy any of the 'R' series Leicas, you will have 35mm SLR's with different features as the numbers go up.

The R3 "electronic" just means that the shutter is electronic, rather than mechanical.

You really need to google Leica .. most of your questions here would be answered.

http://www.leicagallery.com/r3.htm

Please see my answer to this same question asked by Ian W in the Photography section.