 |
Leica has announced the launch of a limited edition Leica M10-P Edition ‘Safari’ camera and accompanying Summicron-M 50mm F2 Edition ‘Safari’ lens.
The launch of the limited edition pieces continues Leica’s tradition of olive green camera releases. In Leica’s own words, ‘Leica cameras with the olive green enamel finish were originally designed and created for hard-wearing military use, as they were seen as robust and reliable tools that consistently delivered under extreme conditions.’
The Leica M10-P Edition ‘Safari’ is identical to its less colorful counterpart in terms of specs and includes a full-grain cowhide leather carrying strap as well as a matching leather case for memory cards and credit cards, both of which were designed to ‘complement the unique aesthetic of the limited edition camera.’
The Leica Summicron-M 50mm F2 Edition ‘Safari’ lens is the first time a Leica M lens will be available in the olive green finish. Aside from the new color, the limited edition lens features a distance scale and focal length engravings that are hand-filled with red paint to ‘contrast to the other bright white engravings on the lens.’ Like the camera, this lens is identical to its black and silver counterparts.
Interestingly, the camera and lens are being sold separately with no option of getting them together as a kit. Leica says the M10-P Edition ‘Safari’ camera body is available today for $ 8,450 in a limited run of 1,500 units while the matching lens will be available on February 15, 2019 for $ 2,750 in a run of just 500 units. Both the camera body and lens are available for pre-order at B&H.
Leica Camera Continues a Longstanding Tradition with the Leica M10-P and Leica Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 “Safari” Limited Editions
The first-ever release of a Leica M-Lens in the olive green coloring accompanies the fifth iteration of “Safari” camera offerings
January 31, 2019 – The launch of the limited Leica M10-P Edition “Safari” camera and Leica Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 Edition “Safari” lens reopens a beloved chapter in Leica Camera’s ongoing tradition of special olive green camera releases. Dating back nearly 60 years, the eye-catching finish has recurred throughout the brand’s rich history, making each rare piece highly sought after among Leica collectors and enthusiasts alike. Leica carries forth this tradition with the new limited edition camera body and limited edition lens in the olive green enamel finish, which when paired together, create the perfect symbiosis of functionality, design and history.
Leica cameras with the olive green enamel finish were originally designed and created for hard-wearing military use, as they were seen as robust and reliable tools that consistently delivered under extreme conditions. The rugged aesthetic of the Leica M1 “Olive” for the German armed forces, made in 1960, proved to be a great success from its onset. The subsequent olive green Leica M3 and M4 cameras were also created exclusively for the rigors of military use in the field, however, in response to rising popularity and increasing demand, in 1977 the olive green Leica R3 “Safari” camera became the first of its ilk to be created for sale to the general public. As popularity grew and the legacy carried on over the years, Leica Camera launched the M6 TTL “Safari” in 2000, the M8.2 “Safari” in 2008 and, most recently in 2015, the M-P (Typ 240) “Safari.” Each piece, a significant highlight in Leica’s historic lineage and timeline of milestones.
Today, Leica continues the tradition of these unique and storied cameras with the Leica M10-P Edition “Safari”, a modern take on the olive green finish, at its core containing the same performance and technical capabilities of the standard Leica M10-P and its industry-leading quiet mechanical shutter. The limited edition camera is accompanied by a leather carrying strap as well as a matching leather case for SD memory cards and credit cards. Both accessories are crafted from brandy-colored, genuine full-grain cowhide and complement the unique aesthetic of the limited edition camera, of which there are only 1,500 units available worldwide.
For the first time in Leica’s history, a Leica M-Lens will be available in the legendary olive green finish. The matching Leica Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 Edition “Safari” will be offered separately from the camera, with only 500 units being made available. In addition to the special enamel finish, the Leica Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 Edition “Safari” is distinguished by its distance scale and focal length engravings, which are precisely engraved and carefully hand-filled in red paint – in contrast to the other bright white engravings on the lens. The technical specifications and optical performance are identical to those of the well-regarded production model, though the artful coloring and compact design of this high-performance standard lens makes it an attractive addition to any photographer’s set of Leica M equipment.
Every bit of visible metal components of the Leica M10-P Edition “Safari” and the Leica Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 Edition “Safari” lens are crafted from solid brass. The premium enamel finish in olive green makes the camera and lens resistant to finger marks and scratches, providing enduring protection against external elements such as solvents, chemicals and UV light to ensure a long-lasting look that can stand the test of time and transcend generations, just as its forebears before it.
The Leica M10-P Edition “Safari” camera body is available for sale today for $ 8,450. The Leica Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 Edition “Safari” premium lens will be available starting February 15th for $ 2,750. Both camera and lens are sold separately at Leica Stores, Boutiques and Dealers.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
