360Photography

Leica Camera introduces three new M-lens variations

Wetzlar, February 14, 2020. Leica Camera is delighted to present three new lenses for the Leica M-System: the silver anodised APO-Summicron-M 75 f/2 ASPH. as well as two limited editions, the Summicron-M 28 f/2 ASPH. and APO-Summicron-M 90 f/2 ASPH. which both come in an olive-green ‘Safari’ finish. The technical specifications of the three new lenses are identical to those of their serially produced counterparts.

The APO-Summicron-M 75 f/2 ASPH. is known as one of the most high-performing lenses for the Leica M-System and is particularly suitable for portrait photography. The new lens variation features an anodised finish and in contrast to the black-paint variant, the feet markings on the distance scale as well as the focal length engravings are inlaid in red, while all other engravings feature black inlays, emphasising the sophisticated design of the Leica M.

Leica is also releasing two limited editions, the Summicron-M 28 f/2 ASPH. and APO-Summicron-M 90 f/2 ASPH. with a special, olive-green paint finish. Both ‘Safari’-edition lenses feature red-inlaid feet markings on the distance scale and red focal length markings, while all other engravings are inlaid in white, creating a stylish juxtaposition with the olive-green lens.

The exceptionally hard-wearing, olive-green paint has a long-standing tradition at Leica. The first Leica cameras to be treated with this superior-quality enamel finish were designed for military use in 1960. Shortly after, the cameras became widely renowned as robust tools that could withstand even the most extreme conditions and what had started with the Leica M1 ‘Olive’ for the German Armed Forces went on to become an enduring success story. While the Leica M3 and M4 in olive-green were still manufactured exclusively for military use, a growing demand among private customers prompted Leica to release the first market version – the Leica R3 ‘Safari’ – in 1977. This was followed by the M6 TTL ‘Safari’ in 2000, the M8.2 ‘Safari’ in 2008, the M-P (Typ 240) ‘Safari’ of 2015 and, most recently, the M10-P Edition ‘Safari’ in 2019. Today, the olive-green cameras are highly sought-after by collectors and Leica enthusiasts alike.

Aside from the Leica Summicron-M 50 f/2, released in 2019, the new Summicron-M 28 f/2 ASPH. and APO-Summicron-M 90 f/2 ASPH. are the only M lenses to perfectly match the olive-green Leica M10-P Edition ‘Safari’, making the lenses a desirable addition to any Leica M Camera. Only 500 units will be available of the Summicron-M 28 f/2 ASPH. Edition ‘Safari’; the APO-Summicron-M 90 f/2 ASPH. Edition ‘Safari’ is limited to 250 units.
You can download high-res images here; all three lenses are available from end of February.

RRP:

• APO-Summicron-M 75 f/2 ASPH. silver anodised: £3,500
• Summicron-M 28 f/2 ASPH. Edition ‘Safari’: £3,800
• APO-Summicron-M 90 f/2 ASPH. Edition ‘Safari’: £4,000