Leica KE-7A
The Leitz KE-7A is a 35mm film rangefinder camera, a military-specification variant of the Leica M-series produced in limited numbers for the US Army in the 1970s. Its restricted production and military provenance place it firmly in the collector segment rather than as a general-purpose user camera.
At UK auction, hammer prices for the KE-7A have ranged from £6,000 to £9,500 based on the limited records available, reflecting how thin the market is for this model today in 2026. With so few examples crossing the block, the value of any individual KE-7A sells for whatever a determined collector will pay on the day, and condition, completeness of military markings, and matching-numbered lens all materially affect the price achieved at saleroom level.
Variants
Select a variant to filter the sales history below.
| Variant | Years | Edition | Sales | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civilian (commercial-market lens/finish, non-mil-spec engraving) | — | — | 1 | £25,393 – £25,393 |
| Dummy | — | — | 0 | — |
| Elcan 2/66mm lens fitment | — | — | 0 | — |
Sales History
Prices shown are realised prices — auction results and completed eBay sales, never asking prices. Most saleroom figures are hammer prices, before commission; some houses publish a premium-inclusive figure, and we do not adjust for condition. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher. How this figure is calculated.
Prices updated: November 2025
| Date | Price | Value GBP | Source | Variant | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 2025 | EUR 26,000 | £22,879 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 47 (Lot A02253) Title: Leica KE-7A 'US Army' set
Description:
A rare variant of the black Leica M4, produced by Ernst Leitz Canada for the U.S. military. In beautiful, near-mint condition, body engraved with the US military contract numbers, with sought-after Elcan 2/50mm no.276-0115, including a rare and often missing original hood and front cap. |
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| Jun 2024 | EUR 30,000 | £25,393 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | Civilian (commercial-market lens/finish, non-mil-spec engraving) | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 44 (Lot A00176) Title: Leica KE-7A 'Civilian Version' with Elcan 2/50mm
Description:
Very rare civilian KE-7A in mint condition and working order, with body cap and presentation box, Elcan 2/50mm no.276-0412 with both caps. In 1972, a special version of a black chrome Leica M4 made in Canada was supplied to the U.S. Military. It was equipped with a four-element 50mm Elcan f/2, exclusively designed for this camera. The name of this unique military camera outfit was KE-7A. About 440 units were supplied to the military, approximately 60 units representing a production overrun were sold on the civilian market. Those so-called civilian KE-7As are lacking the military markings and are now one of the rarest M cameras. Estimate: EUR 24,000 - EUR 26,000 |
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| Nov 2023 | EUR 34,000 | £29,595 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 43 (Lot A00466) Title: Leica KE-7A 'US Army' outfit
Description:
Very rare black military M4, produced in small numbers for the US Army, engraved on the back of the top plate with contract numbers, in good condition and working order, with matching, sought-after Elcan 2/50mm no.276-0121, Canada Summicron 2/35mm no.2317274 (cond. A/B), Canada Elmarit 2.8/135mm no.2325974 (cond. A/B, military sticker residues), original eveready case with military stamp, Honeywell flash and a large leather case for the outfit (military provenance, but missing the badge). Estimate: EUR 32,000 - EUR 36,000 |
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| Nov 2020 | EUR 6,000 | £5,376 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 37 (Lot AI_37_38526) Title: Leica KE-7A 'US Army'
Description:
Very rare black chrome military M4 in very good working condition, produced in small numbers for the US Army, back of the top plate engraved 'Serial No 1294605 FSN 6720-165-7115 CONT. F42600-71-C-2429 US' Estimate: EUR 12,000 - EUR 14,000 |
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| Jun 2019 | EUR 40,000 | £35,643 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 34 (Lot AI_34_37463) Title: Leica KE-7A + Elcan 2/66mm outfit
Description:
very rare black KE-7A in good and perfect working condition, produced for the US Army with contract numbers engraved on back of top cover, with standard Elcan 2/50mm no.276-0121 (very good optics, with special C42-LS.39F hood), extremely rare Elcan 2/66mm no.283-0028 (cond. B, military contract number 'VH6760-168-3240', very good optics with only tiny marks on front element), Summicron 2/35mm no.2317274 (no special markings, near mint, caps), Elmarit 2.8/135mm no.2325974 (special sticker removed from hood, caps), incl. original outfit case (military plaque removed) and Leitz NY military ever-ready case Estimate: EUR 80,000 - EUR 100,000 |
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| Jun 2015 | EUR 6,000 | £4,325 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 27 (Lot AI_27_32124) Title: KE-7A 'US Army'
Description:
very rare black chrome military M4 in perfect working and near mint condition, produced in small numbers for the US Army, back of top plate engraved 'Serial No 1294613 FSN 6720-165-7115 CONT. F42600-71-C-2429 US', matching Elcan 2/50mm no.276-0012 (perfect clean lenses), everready case with contract numbers Estimate: EUR 12,000 - EUR 14,000 |
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| May 2010 | EUR 9,500 | £8,143 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 17 (Lot AI_17_10987) Title: KE-7A 'US Armee'
Description:
very rare black military M4, produced in small numbers for the US Army with contract numbers, on back of top plate engraved: Serial No 1294691 FSN 6720-165-7115 CONT. F42600-71-C-2429 US, matching Elcan 2/50mm no.276-0152, hood, cap, case with contract numbers - all in perfect mint condition Estimate: EUR 12,000 - EUR 15,000 |
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| Jun 2003 | £5,640 | £4,800 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: LEICA, NIKON AND 35MM CAMERAS (Lot 268) Title: Leica KE-7A Still Picture no. 1294728
Description:
Leica KE-7A Still Picture no. 1294728 Estimate: £3,000 - £5,000 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Leitz KE-7A worth today?
Recorded UK auction hammer results sit in the £6,000–£9,500 range, though the small sample size means any given example can sell for more or less depending on condition and provenance.
How much does a Leitz KE-7A sell for at auction?
Documented sales show prices of £6,000 and £9,500, so a clean, documented example typically sells for several thousand pounds rather than the low four figures of a standard M body.
Why is the KE-7A價 so much higher in price than a regular Leica M?
It was produced in very small numbers to a US military contract, and that scarcity plus the historical interest is what drives its value above a comparable civilian M.