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Graflex KE-4 (1) 70mm Combat Camera

The Graflex KE-4(1) is a 70mm military combat camera, built to US armed-forces specification for press and reconnaissance work. It is a roll-film system camera using perforated 70mm stock with interchangeable backs, sitting well outside the consumer market when issued.

Auction evidence for the KE-4(1) is thin, with only two recorded UK saleroom results, both from November 1998, where hammer prices ranged from £440 to £480 (median around £460). As of 2026 the model trades infrequently, so today's value is harder to pin down than for mainstream cameras, and condition, completeness of the 70mm back, and presence of the original lens are the dominant factors in what a clean example sells for.

Sales History

Prices shown are UK auction hammer results — the wholesale level achieved in the saleroom. Neither buyer’s nor seller’s commission is included. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher.

Prices updated: November 1998

Date Price Source
Nov 1998 £483 Christie's
Nov 1998 £437 Christie's

Frequently asked questions

What is a Graflex KE-4(1) 70mm Combat Camera worth today?

The two recorded UK auction hammer results sit between roughly £440 and £480, giving a median near £460, though the small sample means the true market price for a given example can vary.

How much does a Graflex KE-4(1) sell for at UK auction?

Hammer prices in the available sales history cluster in the £440–£480 range, with completeness of the 70mm back and lens being the main drivers of value.

Is the KE-4(1) a practical user camera?

It uses 70mm perforated film and military-spec backs, so running it today is a specialist exercise rather than a casual shooting proposition.