Leitz Leica KE-7A
The Leica KE-7A is a 35mm rangefinder camera produced by Leitz as a militarised variant of the M-series, built to a US military specification with sealed weatherproofing. It was supplied in small numbers and is treated today as a specialist collector's item rather than a working user camera.
At UK auction in recent years, hammer prices for the KE-7A body have ranged from roughly £11,000 to £15,000, with the two recorded results sitting either side of a £13,000 midpoint — wholesale saleroom levels that exclude buyer's and seller's commission. Demand in 2026 remains driven by collectors, so what a KE-7A is worth today depends heavily on matching-numbers completeness, military markings and overall condition.
Variants
| Variant | Years | Edition | Sales | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M4-2 body | — | — | 0 | — |
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.
| Date | Price | Source | Variant | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 2025 | EUR 11,000 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 46 (Lot A01991) Title: Leica KE-7A 'US Army'
Description:
A rare variant of the black Leica M4, produced by Ernst Leitz Canada for the U.S. military. In user condition, showing a nice patina, body engraved with the US military contract numbers, with body cap. Estimate: EUR 16,000 - EUR 18,000 |
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| Nov 2024 | £15,000 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 41) Title: A Leica KE-7A 'US Army' Rangefinder Body
Description:
1971, black, serial no. 1294789, body, E, shutter working Notes: Produced by E. Leitz Canada for the US Army. Engraved to the rear 'FSN 6720-165-7115' |
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| Jun 2024 | EUR 26,000 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 44 (Lot A00868) Title: Leica KE-7A 'US Army'
Description:
A rare variant of the black Leica M4, produced by Ernst Leitz Canada for the U.S. military. In excellent condition and good working order, body engraved with the military contract numbers, including a sought-after Elcan 2/50mm no.276-0320 (good optics, with special hood). Estimate: EUR 32,000 - EUR 36,000 |
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| Nov 2022 | EUR 34,000 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 41 (Lot AI_41_41095) Title: Leica KE-7A + Elcan 2/50mm 'US Army'
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, showing some small traces of oxidation with matching Elcan 2/50mm no.276-0056 (rare special hood C42-LS.39F and front cap), original leather case with military engravings Estimate: EUR 32,000 - EUR 36,000 |
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| Jun 2020 | EUR 45,000 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 36 (Lot AI_36_38245) Title: Leica KE-7A + Elcan 2/50mm 'US Army' Sealed Outfit
Description:
very rare black military M4, produced in small numbers for the US Army with contract numbers, with Elcan 2/50mm no.276-0402, hood, cap, case - all in unopened, inner package still sealed and never used complete package Estimate: EUR 30,000 - EUR 35,000 |
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| Mar 2018 | EUR 20,000 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 32 (Lot AI_32_36277) Title: Leica KE-7A + Elcan 2/50mm 'US Army' Sealed Outfit
Description:
very rare black military M4, produced in small numbers for the US Army with contract numbers, with Elcan 2/50mm no.276-0402, hood, cap, case - all in unopened, still sealed and never used complete package - ex Jim Jannard collection Estimate: EUR 18,000 - EUR 22,000 |
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| Jun 1999 | £4,830 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Leica Cameras (Lot 428) Title: Leica KE-7A Still Picture no. 1294678
Description:
Leica KE-7A Still Picture no. 1294678 Estimate: £1,800 - £2,500 |
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| Jun 1998 | £2,760 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: LEICA AND 35MM CAMERAS (Lot 531) Title: Leica KE-7A un-numbered
Description:
Leica KE-7A un-numbered Estimate: £2,600 - £2,800 |
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