After a handful of previous Safari editions of its mid-level cameras, Leica has now finally debuted the olive-green colorway on its most premium model, the M11-P. Continuing the German manufacturer’s tradition of military-inspired special editions, the new variant luckily still packs all the technological firepower of the flagship digital rangefinder. Let’s take a look…
Green With History
The story behind Leica’s Safari cameras is almost as fascinating as the Red Dot’s devices themselves. Compared to other heritage-inspired products that have flooded our industry in recent decades, Leica’s Safari editions actually trace their DNA directly to functional military equipment. The original olive M3 and M4 models from the 1960s weren’t fashion statements but purpose-built tools designed for battlefield documentation and reconnaissance, when discretion mattered more than what brand you were toting.
These military-only models eventually sparked enough public interest that Leica made civilian versions for the first time in 1977, debuting the R3 Safari. What began as a utilitarian color for camouflage quickly became Leica’s most recognizable special edition colorways from then on. Important models include the film-based M6 TTL Safari in 2000, the M8.2 Safari digital camera in 2008, and most recently the M10-P special edition with the first Safari M-Lens in 2019. However, this M11-P Safari is the most top-shelf version of the colorway we’ve seen so far.
Battle-Dressed Beauty
Admittedly, we’re suckers for the military-inspired Safari series – it just instantly transforms the luxury shooter into something almost adventurous. Not that you’d be using this $10,500 camera to blend in during a literal safari (although I guess you might) but the matte green chassis will certainly stand out in the urban jungle at the very least.
The meticulously applied paint across its solid brass top and bottom plates is complemented by matching olive leather wrap on the body. And as contrast, the silver dials and controls give a dramatic pop against the earthy tones for a decidedly picturesque camera worth photographing itself.
As you can see, this new edition is not just a simple color swap but features intentional details that elevate the M11-P Safari to become worthy of your collection. The signature red Leica badge has been removed, instead replaced by a small silver screw as a nod to the brand’s utilitarian history. On the other hand, the rear controls still come in black, which create a cool two-tone aesthetic when viewed from behind. Against the green backdrop, the Leica script signature and “Wetzlar Germany” markings are now more pronounced as well.
Field-Ready Firepower
Never compromising function for form, the new edition still gives you the technological greatness of the standard M11-P once you strip away the Safari’s distinctive skin. The 60-megapixel full-frame BSI sensor remains the heart of the system, incorporating Leica’s fascinating Triple Resolution Technology that lets photographers toggle between 60, 36, or 18MP outputs from the same sensor. The internal storage clocks in at a generous 256GB, complemented by the UHS-II SD card slot for expanded capacity.
Another big innovation from Leica lately is their Content Credentials system, an image verification feature that comes with models in other ranges as well. All this modern technology comes wrapped in Leica’s distinctly analog shooting experience, featuring an optical rangefinder with its mechanical focusing system, furthering the brand’s dedication to blending both analog and digital together seamlessly.
Spec Sheet
Camera Type: Digital rangefinder system
Sensor: 60MP full-frame BSI CMOS (Triple Resolution: 60/36/18MP)
Storage: 256GB internal + UHS-II SD card slot
Display: 2.95″ scratch-resistant sapphire crystal LCD
Body Color: Olive green-finished brass plates, olive leatherette
Viewfinder: Optical rangefinder with automatic parallax compensation
Shutter System: Electronic and mechanical focal plane (up to 1/16000s)
Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi (2.4/5GHz), USB-C
Battery Life: ~700 shots (rangefinder mode)
Limited Edition?: No
Pricing & Availability
Hitting shelves globally today, Leica’s M11-P Safari hoists a price tag of $10,495, which is actually about $655 more than the standard M11-P. Unlike many Leica collector editions, the Safari isn’t limited to a specific edition size, though you should still act fast if you want one for yourself. It comes with a black strap but the cognac leather-style strap used in a lot of the promotional imagery is sold separately.
Recap
Leica M11-P Safari
Nodding to the brand’s military past, Leica has given its top-shelf M11-P digital rangefinder the Safari treatment, wrapped in olive green but bumping the price tag by over $600.
