Leica Introduces Three New Safari M Lenses

Today, Leica has expanded its long-standing Safari tradition with a new trio of M lenses finished in the distinctive matte olive-green paint first seen on Leica cameras more than sixty years ago. The new Safari lineup includes the Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH, Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH, and Summicron-M 28mm f/2 ASPH, all featuring Leica’s latest close-focusing optical and mechanical designs. While not special or numbered editions, these Safari variants will be produced in limited quantities. The 50mm and 35mm lenses begin shipping immediately, with the 28mm Summicron-M following in February 2026.

Leica has offered only a few Safari lenses before, most recently in 2020 with limited editions of the Summicron-M 28mm ASPH and APO-Summicron-M 90mm ASPH, produced in runs of 500 and 250 units respectively, as well as 500 units of the Summicron-M 50mm in 2019. With the M11-P Safari now part of the standard lineup, it’s nice to see Leica offering the most popular M lenses in a matching finish.

Safari Aesthetic and Construction

All three lenses feature Leica’s matte olive-green Safari finish applied to aluminum barrels, matching the dimensions and handling of their standard black anodized counterparts. The use of aluminum keeps the lenses light and well balanced on any M body, while the painted surface provides a uniform, durable finish that complements the M11-P Safari and earlier Safari cameras. And unlike other special finishes like glossy black paint which are designed to patina over time, the olive green paint is exteremly rugged and meant to hold up even with extensive use.

Each lens includes a silver-chrome brass focus tab, red feet scale, white meter markings, and a matching green leather lens case. The detailing maintains consistency across the trio and reinforces the visual connection to Leica’s long-running Safari design language.

Modern Close-Focusing Optical Designs

All three Safari lenses are based on Leica’s most recent close-focusing versions, introduced between 2022 and 2023 as major updates to the already high-performing Summilux and Summicron designs. These revisions brought extended close-focus capability, redesigned helicoids, updated coatings and refinements in optical correction, while maintaining full rangefinder coupling down to 0.7 meters.

In their latest versions, the 35mm and 28mm lenses focus as close as 0.4 meters, while the 50mm gets down to 0.45 meters, with the additional range accessible through Live View. These updates represent the first major mechanical and optical redesigns of these lenses in more than a decade, offering smoother focusing, improved performance at wider apertures, and better compatibility with high-resolution digital sensors. By bringing these current close-focusing designs into the Safari family, Leica now offers its most popular M primes in a finish that matches the M11-P Safari and earlier Safari bodies.

Pricing and Availability

The Leica Summilux-M 50 f/1.4 ASPH Safari and Leica Summilux-M 35 f/1.4 ASPH Safari will start shipping this week, priced at $5,495 and $6,795 respectively. The Leica Summicron-M 28 f/2 ASPH Safari will follow in February, 2026 at a price of $5,995. As with other recent special releases, supply will be limited at launch. To purchase any of the Leica Safari M lenses, you can visit Leica Store Miami by clicking the buttons below, calling 305-921-4433, or sending an email to info@leicastoremiami.com. If you’re interested in trading in other Leica equipment toward one of these lenses, please note it during the pre-order process.

Leica Summicron-M 28mm f/2 ASPH Safari – Tech Specs

Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH Safari – Tech Specs

Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH Safari – Tech Specs