A Leica 250 Reporter camera complete with an incredibly rare MOOEV electric motor is one of the highlights of the Leitz Photographica Auction this summer.
The camera, believed to be one of the last examples of the cameras ever made, is one of the “GG” models made by Leitz during World War II.
The cameras were often used on Junkers Ju-87 Stuka dive bombers and only 92 were made. Most were lost during the war and only 16 are believed to still exist today.
The original Leica Reporter 250 was an upgraded Leica II camera fitted with outsized film magazine which allowed 250 frames to be shot before reloading. The GG model used a Leica IIIa with a 1/1000 top shutter speed.
Leitz Photographica said: “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.”
Leitz Photographica added: “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.”
The camera is expected to sell for between €300,000 and €350,000 (£265,000 to £310,000) and has a starting price of €150,000 (£133,000).
The Leitz Photographica auction takes place at Wetzlar in Germany on 10 June.
I'm a New Zealander who has been living in London since the mid-1990s, shooting film seriously since the year 2000. Kosmo Foto was launched in 2012 and has since become a film brand, with the release of my first films Kosmo Foto Mono 35mm (2017) and Kosmo Foto Mono 120 (2019).
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