I know we’re not supposed to care how cameras look but just look at this Leica M11-P Safari Edition. Sure, it’s the exact same Leica M11-P as the black or silver version but just look at it! It’s green for crying out loud! And I totally want one. Hit the jump for more!
The Leica M11-P Safari Edition Is Green!
I have a long standing love affair with any camera related item that’s green. But the Leica M11-P Safari edition isn’t just green… It’s the perfect shade of military green to elevate their rather stolid camera design into an understated masterpiece.
Why would anyone want a green camera? Well, that’s something you need to answer for yourself. For me, this is the finest of the variants that Leica as released for any digital M. And they nailed the look of this one with its matching green leatherette and matte silver controls. And don’t even get me started on the way a silver lens looks on this beautiful little camera!
Leica typically releases a Safari variant as the last special edition before a camera is replaced by a newer model. So it’s a little bittersweet to see the M11-P Safari Edition. But only just a little.
Because JUST LOOK AT IT!!
A Brief History Of Leica Safari Models
The iconic Leica colorway first appeared when an Olive M1 was made for the German military in 1960. The company changed the name when they released Leica R3 Safari in 1976.
This was followed by a slightly less beautiful M6 TTL in 2000 but the dark body with light green leatherette worked together to create a less than formidable appearance. This little troll of a camera is affectionately called the “Snot Leica” by more than one photographer!
Leica brought the Safari edition into digital era with the M8.2 in 2008, the M-P in 2015, and the M10-P in 2019. All three of these variants kept the modern Leica Safari look with matching body and leatherette. And all three were quickly snapped up by collectors.
It’s Not Easy Being Green
Collectors are going love the M11-P Safari Edition. But working photographers might hit the brakes before grabbing one of these little beauties. The last thing you want if you’re out shooting on the street is everyone seeing your beautiful green camera standing out in the crowd.
But I say, “So what?!” Having a black camera doesn’t magically make you invisible. And really the only people who are going to notice your camera are other photographers who don’t have a Safari Edition. And they might ask you about it but there aint nothing wrong with that.
It’s definitely not the perect camera for everyone. But it’s hard to deny how nice this thing looks.
I mean, just look at it! 🙂
Dear Mr. Leica…
All of the recent Leica Safari cameras have been digital. And I’m a film guy. And I was perfectly happy walking the streets and snapping away with my trusty M6Until I saw the Leica M11-P Safari Edition. Then I felt left out.
I’m not about to switch back to digital in the near future. But why haven’t they released a modern MP or M6 in the coveted Safari colorway? The legacy M6 had the most special editions of any Leica camera so why does that have to come to an end?
So I’m making an official request for a modern M6 in Safari green. Or maybe an MP makes more sense. Becuase you can’t really have a red dot on a green camera or you’ll start thinking about Xmas every time you look at it.
And nobody wants that!
The Leica M11-P Safari Edition is available at your favorite online retailer:
Leica M11-P Safari Ediiton at B&H
What’s your take on the Leica M11-P Safari Edition? Do you share my love for all camera related things that are green? Or do you think cameras should only ever be silver or black? Post your ideas in the comments below and keep the conversation going!