The olive-green finish of the Leica M8.2 ‘Safari’ camera suggests it might be suitable for war reporters. Or, given the Safari branding, big-game hunters, perhaps?

Either way, only 500 of these limited-edition digital cameras will be produced, each one complete with a brown, calfskin-leather carrying strap subtly embossed with the Leica logo. There is also a matching camera bag, in olive green with brown trim, created by British camera case and bag specialist, Billingham.

The technical specifications of both camera and lens are identical to those of the standard Leica M8.2 models, with a silver anodised Leica ELMARIT-M 28mm f/2.8 ASPH lens, metal lens shade and silver E39 UV/IR filter. Thanks to its particularly compact design, a weight of only 180g and outstanding optical qualities, this extremely versatile lens is one of the most popular in the Leica rangefinder system.

Incidentally, this is not the first Leica camera with the Safari’s unusual colour scheme. The olive-green finish was used in the 1960s, for Leica M cameras supplied to the military and used for ‘unobtrusive surveillance and documentary photography’. And the olive-green Leica R3 Safari introduced in 1977/1978 is a much sought-after collectors’ item today.

For further information, please see www.leica-camera.com.

Text: Charis Whitcombe
Photos: Leica