Leica Summicron-M 50 mm F2 Safari – limited edition fixed focal length lens
50mm f2 fixed focal length lens for Leica M mount in olive green Safari edition, 500 numbered units, hand-applied red and white engravings and removable integrated lens hood
The Leica Summicron-M 50mm F2 Safari is the first Leica M lens ever to receive the legendary olive green paint finish, in a limited edition of 500 units. Made of brass and aluminum and hand-fitted in Wetzlar, the distance markings in feet and the focal length are highlighted in red against the meticulously hand-applied white engravings . Its technical specifications and optical performance are identical to the standard model: 6 elements in 4 groups, 10 diaphragm blades, a minimum focusing distance of 0.7m, and a weight of 240g.
Leica Summicron-M 50mm F2 Safari — full technical specifications
Optics
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Focal distance | 50 mm |
| Maximum opening | f/2 |
| Minimum opening | f/16 |
| Optical construction | 6 lenses in 4 groups — tempered anti-reflective lenses |
| Diagonal image angle | 47° (diagonal) — 40° (horizontal) — 27° (vertical) |
| Entrance pupil position | 25.1 mm in front of the bayonet |
Aperture and focus
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Diaphragm blades | 10 — with intermediate half-step positions |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.7 m |
| Focus range | 0.7 ma ∞ |
| Distance scale | Combined meters and feet — markings in feet and focal distance in red, the rest in white |
| minimum object field | 277 × 416 mm — maximum scale 1:11.5 |
Construction and dimensions
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Mount | Leica M bayonet with 6-bit encoding |
| Filter thread | E39 |
| Parasol | Integrated — removable with one hand |
| Materials | Brass and aluminum — hand-fitted in Wetzlar |
| Finish | Olive green — engraved in red (feet and focal distance) and white — hand-applied |
| Edition | Limited — 500 units |
| Manufacturing | Made in Germany |
| Length | Approx. 43.5 mm |
| Diameter | Approx. 53 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 240 g |
| Order number | 11824 |
Box contents
| Element |
|---|
| Leica Summicron-M 50mm F2 Safari lens with integrated lens hood |
| Front lens cover |
| Rear lens cover |
| Integrated lens cover |
| Soft nappa leather case |
| Instruction manual |
The first Leica M lens in olive green: history and context of the Safari edition
The Summicron-M 50mm F2 is one of the most recognized 50mm lenses in the history of rangefinder photography—a design that has been in production for decades with incremental adjustments and has served generations of photographers. The Safari Edition marks the first time a Leica M lens has received the olive green finish historically associated with Safari camera bodies, in a limited run of 500 units. The engravings for the distance markings in feet and focal length are hand-painted in red, with the remaining markings in white—a visible and verifiable hand-crafted detail that physically distinguishes each unit from the standard model.
Summicron-M 50mm F2 Safari vs. Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH Safari: Which to Choose
Both Safari editions of the 50mm M-mount lens coexist with distinct profiles. The Summicron offers an f/2 aperture, a 6-element, 4-group construction, weighs 240g, has a minimum focusing distance of 0.7m, and an E39 thread. The Summilux offers an f/1.4 aperture, an ASPH construction with 8 elements in 5 groups, 11 diaphragm blades, weighs 377g, has a minimum focusing distance of 0.45m, and a 46mm thread. The Summicron is the more compact, lightweight, and discreet option—the Summilux is the choice for those who need maximum brightness and the greatest control over bokeh. Optically, both produce images with Leica's signature visual character; the choice between them depends on the intended use and how much weight you're willing to carry.
Is the Leica Summicron-M 50mm F2 Safari the lens you need?
It's for you if…
- Looking for the classic Leica 50mm in olive green finish: 500 units manufactured, hand-applied engravings and compatible with all M cameras since 1954.
- Discretion and weight are paramount: 240g and 43.5mm in length make the Summicron the most compact and lightweight 50mm lens in the M Safari system.
- Your work relies on available light with f/2: the Summicron's chromatic neutrality and subtle bokeh are especially valued in documentary, street, and natural portrait photography.
- You have a Leica M camera of any generation: compatibility with all M bodies since 1954 makes it the Safari lens with the widest possible range of compatibility.
It's not for you if…
- You need the widest possible aperture: if f/2 isn't enough and you need f/1.4 with ASPH construction, the Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH Safari is the alternative within the same edition.
- Your camera does not have a Leica M mount: the lens is exclusive to the M system and requires a specific adapter for other mounts.
Warranty and technical service for the Leica Summicron-M 50mm F2 Safari
- Official Leica Europe warranty
- Specialized technical support: pre-sales and post-sales advice at Galaxyandorra for the Leica M system.
- Returns: Returns policy for online purchases in accordance with applicable regulations.
- Delivery: Shipping to Spain, France, and Portugal with tracking. Check availability at Galaxyandorra.
Frequently asked questions about the Leica Summicron-M 50mm F2 Safari
What is the difference between the Leica Summicron-M 50mm F2 Safari and the standard model?
They are technically identical. The difference lies in the finish: the Safari Edition features olive green paint, red engravings for the distance markings in feet and focal length, and the remaining engravings in white, all applied by hand. The standard model has a black finish with white engravings. The Safari Edition is limited to 500 units.
Which Leica M cameras is the Summicron-M 50mm F2 Safari compatible with?
Compatible with all Leica M-mount cameras manufactured since 1954, both standard and limited edition models. The 6-bit encoding enables automatic lens identification on modern M-mount bodies. It is the Safari lens with the greatest backward compatibility in the system.
What is the difference between the Summicron-M 50mm F2 Safari and the Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH Safari?
The Summicron offers an f/2 aperture, 6 lenses in 4 groups, 240g weight, and a minimum focusing distance of 0.7m. The Summilux offers an f/1.4 aperture, ASPH construction with 8 lenses in 5 groups, 11 diaphragm blades, 377g weight, and a minimum focusing distance of 0.45m. The Summicron is more compact and lighter; the Summilux offers greater brightness and better bokeh control.
How many units of the Leica Summicron-M 50mm F2 Safari were manufactured?
500 units. This is the first time in Leica's history that an M lens has been manufactured with the Safari line's olive green finish.
What size filter does the Leica Summicron-M 50mm F2 Safari use?
E39 (39 mm) filter thread. The lens hood is integrated into the lens and is removable with one hand without tools.