Leica M Mount | Olive Green “Safari” Finish | 8 Elements Double Gauss
The LIGHT LENS LAB M 35mm f/2 Safari is a special edition rangefinder lens for Leica M mount cameras, finished in an elegant olive green “Safari” paint inspired by classic Leica military-style models.
Its subdued yet distinctive color gives the lens a refined, mature military aesthetic, making it especially appealing to Leica enthusiasts and collectors.
This lens is based on the legendary early Leica 35mm f/2 “8-element” design, often referred to as the “8 Elements” or “Eight-Element Summicron”.
Developed through a restoration and reproduction project led by Mr. Zhou over more than three years, the lens closely recreates the optical character of the earliest Leica 35mm f/2 lenses, earning it the nickname “Zhou 8 Elements” among Leica users.
The optical formula uses a 6 groups / 8 elements Double Gauss design, with glass types carefully selected to closely match the original materials.
Special attention has been paid to coating color, barrel engraving, mechanical structure, and infinity lock behavior, faithfully reproducing the original shooting experience.
Unlike the original aluminum-bodied Leica lenses, the Safari version features a solid brass lens barrel, offering superior durability, a satisfying weight, and a premium tactile feel.
This brass construction enhances both robustness and long-term reliability while adding a distinctive sense of craftsmanship.
The lens supports rangefinder coupling, smooth manual focusing, and delivers classic rendering with rich tonal transitions and natural contrast—well suited for street photography, documentary work, and everyday Leica M shooting.
Leica M mount manual focus lens (rangefinder coupled)
Classic 35mm f/2 “8 Elements” Double Gauss optical design
Solid brass lens barrel for durability and premium feel
Elegant Safari olive green finish
Includes UV filter and dedicated lens hood
Full-frame compatible (35mm format)
Model: LLL-35M (Safari)
Mount: Leica M
Focal Length: 35mm
Focus: Manual Focus (Rangefinder Coupled)
Optical Construction: 6 groups / 8 elements (Double Gauss)
Image Format: Full Frame (35mm)
Minimum Focus Distance: 0.7 m
Aperture Range: f/2 – f/16
Aperture Blades: 10
Filter Thread: E39 (39mm)
Dimensions: Ø51mm × 28.5mm (excluding mount)
Weight: approx. 230 g (lens only)
Included Accessories: UV filter, lens hood
Color: Safari (Olive Green)
Safari color tones may vary slightly depending on production batch, aging, and Leica camera body color differences.
On a small number of vintage Leica film cameras, the lens release button surround may interfere with the lens index mark, preventing mounting.
Engravings may vary depending on production lot.
SHOTEN KOBO (Focus Studio) is the authorized distributor of LIGHT LENS LAB.
Covered by a 3-year warranty for natural failures.
LIGHT LENS LAB is a manufacturer founded by a Chinese investor driven by a passion for classic Leica optics.
Its first project—a faithful reproduction of the original Leica Summicron 35mm f/2 8-element lens—gained worldwide attention for its exceptional accuracy in optical design, materials, and rendering, establishing LIGHT LENS LAB as a respected name among Leica M users and collectors.