Starting with Leica? - literally

If you can afford it without worrying yourself or your family, I see no reason why not.

Some have said the M is  a demanding camera not for a beginner, etc. I don't know why that would be. Using the M9 is simpler than using my first 'real' camera, an Argus C3, and no harder to learn than using any other mostly manual camera—which to me is easier than learning most automated cameras. The new M has a few more features but you only use them if you want or need to; most of the time, you just ignore thm.

Focus, set exposure, release the shutter .. How difficult can that be?

What will take you time is learning what to do with it, as fooling with the features goes fast on a camera with so little to distract you. That is the real challenge, and the real joy.

--
Godfrey
http://godfreydigiorgi.posterous.com