For those who know their Leica history, the Safari colorway is a direct lineage back to military-spec M3s and M4s from the 1960s. That matte olive-green finish was originally developed for durability and field use, evolving from practical camouflage into one of the most collectible aesthetics in photography.
After the M11-P Safari dropped earlier this year, the natural next step was giving shooters some glass to match. Leica’s now doing exactly that with three new Safari-finished M-lenses, and they’re throwing in a glossy black variant of the Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 Classic for good measure.
Military Roots Meet Modern Glass
The Safari trio includes the Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH., the Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH., and the Summicron-M 28mm f/2 ASPH. All three sport that signature olive-green finish alongside silver-chrome brass focus tabs, red feet scales, and white meter scales — design cues pulled straight from vintage military units but refined for contemporary shooters. Beyond the aesthetics, these lenses pack extended close-focus distances compared to their standard counterparts, giving you more compositional flexibility. Optically, they’re identical to the regular production versions, so you’re getting the same legendary Leica rendering wrapped in a finish that’ll age beautifully over time.
That Glossy Black Finish
Then there’s the glossy black Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 Classic, which might be even more desirable than the Safari variants for some. This is the finish that Leica collectors obsess over — not because it stays pristine, but because it develops a patina as the black paint wears down to reveal brass underneath. Each lens effectively writes its own story through use, which is about as analog and romantic as it gets in an increasingly digital world. It’s paired with a matching glossy black round lens hood.
Spec Sheet
Lenses: Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH., Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH., Summicron-M 28mm f/2 ASPH (Safari); Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 Classic (Glossy Black)
Extended Close Focus: Yes (exclusive to Safari editions)
Construction: All-metal, manufactured in Germany
Compatibility: Leica M-mount
Pricing & Availability
The Summilux-M 35mm Safari runs $6,795, the Summilux-M 50mm Safari is $5,495, and the glossy black Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 Classic comes in at $4,595 — all available now through Leica Stores and authorized dealers. The Summicron-M 28mm Safari won’t arrive until February 12, 2026, priced at $5,995.
Recap
Leica Safari & Glossy Black M-Series Lens Variants
Leica just dropped three M-lenses in that classic Safari olive-green finish to match the M11-P Safari, plus a glossy black Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 that’ll develop its own patina over time. The Safari variants feature extended close-focus distances and run between $5,495 and $6,795, while the glossy black 50mm is $4,595 — all available now except the 28mm Safari, which hits in February 2026.
