Leica's giving some of its most popular cameras a fresh coat of paint

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Image: Lecia

Leica has announced a new finish option available for the M11-P, Q3 and D-Lux 8: "Metal Gray." (Calling it a new color would be a touch generous; it's no Safari green or burgundy.) The company says the new paint was "specially developed at the Leica factory," and will be available as an option alongside the existing finishes for each of the products.

The Metal Gray M11-P will be the first camera available with the finish, but the changes aren't limited to just a coat of paint. Rather than the leatherette-style wrap, it has what Leica calls "diamond-patterned leather," which has a pattern similar to the one found on the Q3.

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Given that it's an interchangeable lens camera, it makes sense that Leica is also launching a color-matched lens: the APO-Summicron-M 50 F2 ASPH. Like the silver version of that lens, its focal length and the feet distance markings will be red. It will also have a gray front lens cap.

Image: Leica

The Q3, meanwhile, basically looks like an inverted image of the original, which had a black body with a gray wrap. The Metal Gray version, meanwhile, has a gray body with a black wrap. The control dials and lens remain black, but the yellow accents on the lens are now a deep red, instead. The D-Lux 8's design is very similar to the Q3's: gray body, black grip and lens, though the company also says its function buttons will be gray as well.

Of course, Leica doesn't expect people to buy a gray camera and then use accessories that don't match. A gray battery will be available for the M11-P (since it has a plate that's visible from the bottom of the camera), and there are dark brown protective cases for the M11 and Q3, and a "cognac" one for the D-Lux 8. There will also be a variety of black and brown straps available.

The Metal Gray M11-P, and its corresponding lens and accessories, will be available starting today, while the Q3, D-Lux 8 and their accessories are coming on July 16th. The cameras cost the same as their black counterparts – silver typically comes with a bit of an up-charge – while the lens will cost $45 more than the black version. Given that both lenses are around $10,000, though, that only represents a 0.45% increase.

Leica M11-P Metal Gray

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Press release:

New Color Option for Leica Cameras

A modern metal gray paint finish is being added to the traditional black-and-silver Leica design palette

Teaneck, May 28th, 2026 – Leica cameras are renowned for their iconic design, which combines function and aesthetics in a clear, distinctive form. The classic camera colors of black and silver are a hallmark of a design that is consistently geared towards photographic practice. Leica Camera AG is now expanding this existing design language to include a new metallic gray tone. The elegant and exclusive appearance of Leica products is emphasized by this metal gray paint finish, which was specially developed at the Leica factory. The new metal gray paint finish will make its debut in the Leica M11-P, Leica Q3, and Leica D-Lux 8 cameras as well as the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50 f/2 ASPH. M-Lens. The company is also introducing a new range of elegant, functional accessories for these three camera lines.

Leica M11-P, Metal Gray Paint Finish

The Leica M11-P is the first M-Camera to introduce the new tone to the M-System. The subtle metal gray paint finish of the full-metal body, combined with the black control elements, emphasizes the camera’s deliberately understated style. Similarly, the characteristic diamond-patterned leather, which represents Leica’s DNA in terms of both aesthetics and feel, enhances the metallic gray camera’s modern look. Like all M-Cameras, this new color option for the full-frame camera is “Made in Germany” and precision-engineered in Wetzlar.

Optional new accessories are available to complement the metallic gray camera. These include a color-coordinated battery, protector, and carrying strap with a comfortable shoulder pad, crafted from a new dark-brown leather. There is also a multifunctional protector made of smooth black leather. The latter combines a protector with a handgrip to offer protection, an ergonomic grip, and functionality. The handgrip’s base plate is compatible with the ARCA-SWISS coupling system. This enables the handgrip to be quickly attached to tripods featuring this system without the need for additional tools.

Leica APO-Summicron-M 50 f/2 ASPH., Metal Gray Paint Finish

The high-performance Leica APO-Summicron-M 50 f/2 ASPH. lens is available in metallic gray to match the M11-P. The lens elements and front lens cap boast the new finish, while the engraving on the feet and f-stop scales stand out in red. Based on the respective standard models, the camera and lens form a unique combination with this new color option, where aesthetic design and optical excellence harmonize perfectly.

Leica Q3, Metal Gray Paint Finish

Starting July 16th, the Leica Q3 compact full-frame camera will also be available in the metallic gray color option, with black control elements providing subtle accents. The new Leica Q3 in metallic gray also differs from the standard black model in that the feet and f-stop scales on the lens feature red engraving. Based on the same technology as the Leica Q3, the metallic gray version also impresses with maximum image quality, minimal complexity, and seamless connectivity to enhance your creative day-to-day anytime, anywhere. The optional protector and carrying strap crafted from a new dark-brown leather provide an additional opportunity to express your personal style.

Leica D-Lux 8, Metal Gray Paint Finish

The D-Lux 8 in metallic gray will also be available starting July 16th. This brings the number of cameras bearing Leica’s newest design up to three. Both the camera body and the FN buttons are finished in metallic gray. All the other control elements and dials subtly stand out against the black background. With its fast DC Vario-Summilux 10.9–34 f/1.7–2.8 ASPH. zoom lens, this compact camera delivers astonishing image quality in a pocket-sized format. New optional accessories allow you to add a personal touch. To complement the existing black leather camera case, a cognac-colored version has been added to the range. The accessories for the compact D-Lux 8 are rounded off stylishly with a coordinated collection of carrying straps and a wrist strap in braided black leather.

Leica products in the new color option, as well as the new equipment, will be available worldwide from Leica Stores, the Leica Online Store, and authorized dealers.

Available from May 28th, 2026:

Leica M11-P, Metal Gray Paint Finish, retail price: $10,400.00
BP-SCL7 battery, Metal Gray Paint Finish, retail price: $200.00
Protector for M11 cameras, leather, dark brown, retail price: $340.00
Carrying strap with a shoulder pad for M- and Q-Cameras, leather, dark brown, retail price: $150.00
Multifunctional protector for M11 cameras, leather, black, retail price: $370.00
Leica APO-Summicron-M 50 f/2 ASPH., Metal Gray Paint Finish, retail price: $9,990.00

Available from July 16th, 2026: