Leica M4 KE-7A with 50mm Elcan f2 lens

Made in Canada for the United States Army and specially engraved, this M4 special model can withstand temperatures down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit and is dust sealed. It’s otherwise identical to the production M4 camera. The 50mm Elcan f2 lens uses infrared-absorbing glass made with lanthanum, a radioactive element that helps achieve an exceptionally high refractive index for heat control in making the optics. Also, the 50mm Elcan lens was designed and manufactured to withstand a blast, using special gaskets, which helped absorb the shock of an explosion. We haven’t tested that part out yet, but when we do, you can bet we’ll upload the video... 

Usually found together, 515 KE-7A and 50mm Elcan sets were made (by most accounts), including 55 “civilian” sets, sold to dealers as surplus, which were identical except for the U.S. Army contract numbers on the rear of the top plate. These are the most rare KE-7A cameras of all. 

The Leica M4 KE-7A was also one of the first cameras Leica produced in its new, “black chrome” finish.