Header: Courtesy of Leica Camera AG
Leica Camera AG, one of the dreamiest old-school brands, has just released a new version of its M11-P model, the M11-P Safari. This continues the company’s occasional production of Safari editions since the 1970s. Characterised by its olive-green finish and subtle detailing, the special edition features the same technical specifications as the standard M11-P, with all changes focused on materials and colour design.
Body and more
The camera’s top plate is made from solid brass and finished in a matte olive-green lacquer, matched by a textured leather covering in the same tone. In contrast to the green finish, the control dials and buttons on the top plate and front are silver, while those on the rear side are black. The red Leica logo, which typically appears on the front, has disappeared in this new version, having been replaced by a silver screw. To top it all off, an engraved script on the top plate displays the Leica brand name along with the Wetzlar, Germany, origin mark. The M11-P Safari is sold with a black Leica-branded carrying strap made from recyclable, plastic-free materials produced in Germany.
Technically, the M11-P Safari is identical to the standard M11-P: it includes internal storage of 256 GB and supports additional memory through a UHS-II card slot; images can be captured in both DNG and JPG formats; and a full-frame BSI CMOS sensor with Triple Resolution Technology allows users to select from 60, 36, or 18 megapixels depending on their needs. But the care given to the quality of the pictures is also placed in the durability of the camera, which is why Leica’s display is made of sapphire crystal and treated with an anti-reflective coating to improve visibility in bright environments.
The camera includes connectivity options such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB-C, with the option of connecting the camera with the Leica FOTOS app, allowing users to transfer their images to their phones or computers wirelessly. One of the technical highlights of the M11-P series is its support for Content Credentials, which enables photographers to embed secure metadata into image files, for example, file origin, camera information, time and date stamps, and records of any edits.
The Leica dream
The release of the M11-P Safari comes during an important year for Leica. In 2025, the company marks the 100th anniversary of the Leica I, which was first introduced in 1925 at the Leipzig Spring Fair. As the first mass-produced 35mm still camera, it is widely regarded as the camera that helped shape modern photography. To mark this important anniversary, Leica has planned a year-long series of events under the title “100 Years of Leica: Witness to a Century”, which will include cultural programmes, exhibitions, and limited edition products, with major events scheduled in cities including Dubai, Milan, New York, Shanghai, and Tokyo. The main celebration will take place in June at Leica’s headquarters in Wetzlar, accompanied by international gallery exhibitions featuring work by some of the best photographers out there.
