LEICA 250 

The naming convention for early Leica camera models was different in Europe than in the USA. Referred to as "250" in Europe and "FF" (later "GG") in the USA³⁶⁰. The camera was code-named LOOMY³⁶⁰.

The design of the early variant of the Leica 250 camera, known as "FF," was based on the standard production model, the Leica III Model F³⁶⁰. The later variant, referred to as "GG," was based on the Leica IIIa Model G³⁶⁰. The camera's end sections were designed to accommodate a ten-meter film load, allowing for up to 250 exposures, which is how the camera got its name, the Leica 250³⁶⁰.

To facilitate loading, the film was transferred between two cassettes³⁶⁰. While the cassettes had to be loaded in the dark, they could be installed in the camera in daylight³⁶⁰. Additionally, the Leica 250 could also be used with regular spools, but in that case, loading had to be done in the dark³⁶⁰. The cassette-to-cassette system offered the advantage of quicker reloading since there was no need to rewind the film back into the original cassette³⁶⁰. In basic terms, the rewind knob was designed solely to apply tension to the film as it passed from one cassette to the other, allowing for removal without the need to rewind¹⁶⁰.

There are two primary versions of the Leica 250: the "FF" and its successor, the "GG"³⁶⁰. This camera model was produced from 1932 to 1943, with special orders for select clients extending production until 1953³⁶⁰. In total, only 955 units of the Leica 250 were made, making it quite rare³⁶⁰. It is important to note that most of these cameras were used by professional photographers, which has resulted in significant wear on many of the units³⁶⁰.

A report from January 1934 indicates that the first Leica 250 cameras were being produced with shutter speeds ranging from 1/500 of a second to 1 second³⁶⁴. The camera supports 10 meters of film and features a black-lacquered finish³⁶⁴. Additionally, the report suggests that starting in October 1938, the winder was upgraded to include ball bearings, and in June 1939, a film pressure roller became part of the camera design³⁶⁴.

The first two Leica 250 cameras had serial numbers 114051 and 114052³⁶⁰. They departed from Wetzlar, Germany on December 11, 1932, and November 14, 1933, respectively³⁶⁰. Research and experimentation with large-capacity Leicas had been ongoing since the early 1930s³⁶⁰. Tests were conducted using Leica II Model D cameras, but the challenge of incorporating slow shutter speeds had not yet been resolved³⁶⁰. This explains why the first two Leica 250 specimens do not feature slow speed settings³⁶⁰. These cameras came from an experimental batch, and they were likely the only two to be enamelled and assigned serial numbers³⁶⁰. At this point, the camera had not yet been officially named; it was known by its working description, the 'ten-metre Leica'³⁶⁰. 

Several accessories were specifically designed for the Leica 250 camera³⁶⁰.  These include the ever-ready case (code-named ESFOO), a special template for trimming film (code-named ANZOO), a unique focaslide/rotating copier, and special ten-meter cassettes³⁶⁰. The Leica 250 was utilized by the German armed forces during the Second World War³⁶⁰.

The Leica 250 is a notable model in the Leica lineup for two main reasons³⁶⁰. First, it is the only model that produces more than thirty-six exposures in the full 24 × 36 mm format³⁶⁰. Second, it was the last camera designed by Barnack³⁶⁰. From a collector's perspective, the Leica 250 is intriguing and is considered one of the unique models within the Leica range³⁶⁰. 

Finding examples in good condition can be quite challenging, as many were primarily used by professional photographers and often modified to meet more recent specifications, such as those of the IIIF 'White Dial' type synchronization³⁶⁰. Additionally, the winding gears are prone to wear, and as stock of spare parts dwindled, many Leica 250 cameras were likely discarded by their owners³⁶⁰.

The "FF" Model

The March-April 1934 issue of the Ernst Leitz, Inc. New York Leica Dealers Bulletin discusses the upcoming Leica 250 FF model. This new version of the Leica is described as a special "aerial Leica camera"²¹⁹. The first model of Leica 250 to be produced in quantity was the FF, which was based on the Leica III Model F camera³⁶⁰. The FF was manufactured between 1933 and 1935 and was assigned the following batch numbers: 114051-114502³⁶⁴, 130001 - 130020; 135601 - 135650; 137001 - 137050; and 150001 - 150124³⁶⁰. 

The March-April 1934 issue of the Ernst Leitz, Inc. New York Leica Dealers Bulletin recommended this camera for those who copy manuscripts, take children's portraits, or specialize in news and action photography. Other potential applications include use in universities, hospitals, and various industries²¹⁹.

This model has a top shutter speed of 1/500 second and is equipped with the same small rangefinder/viewfinder as the Leica III Model F³⁶⁰. Due to a ten-meter film load, some slack may occur in the film³⁶⁰. To remedy this, the rewind knob can be used, except when the slack happens within the take-up cassette³⁶⁰. Additionally, on top of the winding knob, there is a knurled ring designed to address this issue³⁶⁰. The rewind knob is also extendable, similar to the Leica Standard Model E³⁶⁰. 

The first two prototype cameras, as well as those from the initial batch (130001-130020), feature an oversized Leica I Model A knob that lacks a slack take-up mechanism³⁶⁰.

Some specific Leica 250 FF cameras as well as their shipping dates are indicated in below^219:

• Leica 250 FF with serial number 114051 was delivered in 1933³⁶⁴
• ^{Leica 250 FF with serial number 114052 was delivered in 1933364}
  
• Leica 250 FF with serial number 130001 was delivered in January of 1934
  
• Leica 250 FF with serial number 135605 was delivered in June of 1934²¹⁹.
• Leica 250 FF with serial number 135642 was delivered in June of 1934²¹⁹.
• Leica 250 FF with serial number 135643 was delivered in June of 1934²¹⁹.
• Leica 250 FF with serial number 135644 was delivered in June of 1934²¹⁹.
• Leica 250 FF with serial number 135645 was delivered in June of 1934²¹⁹.
• Leica 250 FF with serial number 135646 was delivered in June of 1934²¹⁹.
• Leica 250 FF with serial number 135647 was delivered in June of 1934²¹⁹.
• Leica 250 FF with serial number 135648 was delivered in June of 1934²¹⁹.
• Leica 250 FF with serial number 135649 was delivered in June of 1934²¹⁹.
• Leica 250 FF with serial number 135650 was delivered in June of 1934²¹⁹.
• Leica 250 FF with serial number 137011 was delivered in August of 1934²¹⁹.
• Leica 250 FF with serial number 137020 was delivered in August of 1934²¹⁹.
• Leica 250 FF with serial number 137021 was delivered in August of 1934²¹⁹.
• Leica 250 FF with serial number 137022 was delivered in August of 1934²¹⁹.
• Leica 250 FF with serial number 137023 was delivered in August of 1934²¹⁹.
• Leica 250 FF with serial number 137024 was delivered in August of 1934²¹⁹.
• Leica 250 FF with serial number 137025 was delivered in August of 1934²¹⁹.
• Leica 250 FF with serial number 150017 was delivered in November of 1934²¹⁹.
• Leica 250 FF with serial number 150018 was delivered in November of 1934²¹⁹.
• Leica 250 FF with serial number 150029 was delivered in November of 1934²¹⁹.
• Leica 250 FF with serial number 150032 was delivered in November of 1934²¹⁹.
• Leica 250 FF with serial number 150033 was delivered in November of 1934²¹⁹.
• Leica 250 FF with serial number 150057 was delivered in May of 1935²¹⁹.
• Leica 250 FF with serial number 150069 was delivered in June of 1935²¹⁹.
• Leica 250 FF with serial number 150096 was delivered in June of 1936²¹⁹.
• Leica 250 FF with serial number 150097 was delivered in June of 1936²¹⁹.
• Leica 250 FF with serial number 150098 was delivered in June of 1936²¹⁹.
• Leica 250 FF with serial number 150099 was delivered in June of 1936²¹⁹.
• Leica 250 FF with serial number 150100 was delivered in June of 1936²¹⁹.