Leica 250FF Reporter
The Leica 250 Reporter was developed for sports photography, press use, and other applications requiring extended shooting. It accommodates a 10-meter film roll, allowing for up to 250 consecutive exposures. The Leitz product code for the body-only version is LOOMY.
It utilizes large, dedicated magazines on both the supply and take-up sides, eliminating the need for film rewinding—hence, there is no rewind (R) lever. Film must be loaded in a darkroom.
Production of the 250 Reporter began in 1933 with 2 units based on the Leica DII. From 1934 to 1937, 244 units were made based on the Leica DIII. From 1937 to 1953, an additional 709 units were made using the Leica IIIa as the base. Later, 29 extremely rare versions were produced with Leica Motors attached.
The DII- and DIII-based versions are known as Model FF, while those based on the IIIa are referred to as Model GG. Most were finished in black paint with nickel or chrome fittings, though a small number of all-chrome versions also exist.
This particular example features a black paint and nickel combination. It bears serial number 1500xx and was manufactured in 1934. The accompanying Summar lens is also from 1934 and was later coated by Leitz.
Model FF cameras based on the Leica DIII were produced within the serial range 130001–150124, placing this unit toward the end of the production run. Unlike the later IIIa-based GG models, this one does not have the 1/1000 shutter speed.
There are some visible paint bubbles on the rear section of the top cover and on the base plate, and the nickel plating on the latch has worn off. However, there are no noticeable dings or dents, making this Leica 250 Reporter a remarkably well-preserved example overall.
The included nickel-finished Summar lens is also in good condition and visually well-matched to the Reporter body.
Both the body and lens were overhauled in April 2025. The camera operates smoothly across all functions, and the viewfinder is bright and clear. It's rare to find a Leica Reporter—often confined to collectors’ shelves for decades—that functions as smoothly as this one.
The lens shows cleaning marks on all elements and a bit of haze remaining around the edges of the inner elements.
Comes with its original Bakelite front cap.
A rare and collectible piece.