Leitz Leica 250 Reporter
The Leica 250 Reporter is a 35mm rangefinder camera produced by Leitz, distinguished by its oversized bulk-film magazines that extend the capacity to around 250 exposures. Introduced in the 1930s, it was aimed at press and reportage photographers who needed to shoot long sequences without reloading.
Hammer prices at UK auction have ranged from roughly £920 to £2,500 for the examples we have tracked, with only a small number of results available so any median sits between those two points. As of 2026, scarcity keeps values firmly at the collector end of the Leitz market, and condition, completeness of the original film cassettes, and matching numbers drive what a 250 Reporter is worth on the day; these are saleroom hammer figures and exclude commissions.
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 2025
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| Nov 2025 | EUR 260,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 47 (Lot A01851) Title: Leica 250 GG Reporter with Leica-Motor MOOEV
Description:
In 1936, Leitz introduced a Leica camera for 10 meters of film – the Leica 250, also known as the “Reporter.” As the name suggests, it allowed for 250 exposures (full 35mm format) without needing to reload the film. To achieve this, the camera was equipped with two large cassette housings, giving the Leica “Reporter” its unmistakable appearance. The fastest shutter speed of 1/1000 sec. was already available on the Leica 250 in 1936.Many of the resulting so-called “GG” model cameras were delivered during World War II. Only 92 cameras were equipped with an electric motor drive (MOOEV) and used for aerial reconnaissance in German warplanes—most of them permanently installed in the infamous STUKA dive bombers. Many of these cameras were lost in air battles, and today, only around 15 examples are known to exist.The offered 250 GG was delivered to Berlin on June 26, 1942, and remains in excellent condition, with only minimal brassing on the edges. It comes with an Elmar 3.5/50mm no.189434 and features the typical modifications required for use with the Leica-Motor MOOEV, such as the sloping ramp-type coupling shaft and special film-guide rollers to maintain film tension during high-speed operation.The included Leica-Motor MOOEV no. 10037 was also delivered to Berlin (December 19, 1941) and is in beautiful condition, showing only minimal signs of use. The connectors on the back are later. The Motor is engraved inside with a different camera serial number (352408), which is not surprising and further proof that the camera survived the turmoil of war. In operation, cameras were often swapped when a new film was needed, while the motor remained fixed in the aircraft.The Leica 250 GG with electric motor is an absolute rarity in the world of Leica collectables—among the most special and valuable Leitz cameras. Its rarity is comparable to the original Leica 0-Series from 1923. |
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| Jun 2023 | EUR 750,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 42 (Lot AI_20220121_1128_41127) Title: Leica 250 GG Reporter + Leica-Motor MOOEV
Description:
In 1936, Leitz introduced a Leica camera for 10 meters of film – the Leica 250 or the 'Reporter'. As the designation shows, 250 shots (full 35mm format) could be made without film change. To achieve this, the camera has two large-size cassette housings, which give the Leica Reporter its unmistakable appearance. The feature of 1/1000 sec. as the fastest exposure speed was adopted for the Leica 250 as early as 1936. Many resulting “GG” model cameras were delivered during World War II. Only 92 cameras have been equipped with an electric motor drive MOOEV and used for aerial reconnaissance - most of them permanently installed in the infamous STUKA dive bombers. Many of these cameras were lost in the air battles, and only around 16 examples are known to exist today. Research in the Leica Archives revealed that the offered camera is the last Leica Reporter with a MOOEV motor that left the company - it was unusually delivered to Amsterdam on 04.03.1948 (most of the cameras were delivered to the German Luftwaffe during WWII). It is in very good condition and has the usual modifications to use with the Leica-Motor MOOEV, like the coupling shaft (sloping ramp type) or special film-guide rollers, maintaining the film tension during high-speed operation. It also shows an unusual engraving on the top plate: 'N.L.L.-V-III A6'. NLL = Nationaal Luchtvaartlaboratorium (National Aeronautical Laboratory). The included Leica-Motor MOOEV no.10047 is engraved on the inside with a matching (!) camera serial number 353739 - it is very uncommon because the cameras were usually changed when a new film was needed - the motor stayed fixed in the aeroplane. The Leica 250 GG with electric motor is an absolute rarity in Leica collectable items. It is one of the most extraordinary and valuable Leitz cameras – its rarity is comparable to the original Leica 0-Series from 1923 and can be a highlight of every Leica collection. Estimate: EUR 300,000 - EUR 350,000 |
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| Nov 2022 | USD 4,000 | pedia_sales_tamarkin | |
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Auction: November 2022 Results (Lot 229) Title: Leica Reporter 250 FF with 50mm Summitar f2
Description:
Leica Reporter 250 FF with 50mm Summitar f2 |
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| Nov 2016 | EUR 4,500 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 30 (Lot AI_30_34738) Title: Leica 250 GG syn.
Description:
early GG model in beautiful, near mint condition, the camera was rebuilt by Leitz in early 50th with f-series flash synchronisation, in good working order with both film cassettes Estimate: EUR 5,000 - EUR 6,000 |
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| Jun 2008 | EUR 2,500 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 13 (Lot AI_13_17170) Title: Leica 250 Wooden Model
Description:
oversize wooden display model of Leica Reporter (height 27cm, length 54cm) with Elmar 3.5/50mm, very attractive Estimate: EUR 1,800 - EUR 2,000 |
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| Jan 2000 | £920 | Christie's | |
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Auction: Photographs, Cameras and Photographic Equipment (Lot 314) Title: Leica 250 Reporter no. 150130
Description:
Leica 250 Reporter no. 150130 Estimate: £800 - £1,200 |
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| Jun 1999 | £6,325 | Christie's | |
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Auction: Leica Cameras (Lot 216) Title: Leica 250 Reporter no. 324031
Description:
Leica 250 Reporter no. 324031 Estimate: £5,500 - £6,000 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Leica 250 Reporter worth today?
Recorded UK auction hammer prices for the Leica 250 Reporter sit in the region of £920 to £2,500, with the exact value depending heavily on condition, originality and whether the correct bulk cassettes are present.
How much does a Leica 250 Reporter sell for at auction?
At saleroom level the 250 Reporter has sold for prices ranging from around £920 to £2,500; clean, complete examples tend to achieve the upper end of that range.
Why is the Leica 250 Reporter's price so variable?
The small number of surviving examples means each sale is heavily condition- and completeness-driven, so the price a given body sells for can swing widely between auctions.