Every vintage camera tells a story, and some carry stories as unique as the images they’ve captured over time. This particular Leica 250GG, serial number #353668, is one such example. Dating back to 1943, it sits at the heart of an era that produced motorized 250GG cameras—a period steeped in innovation and, as it turns out, mystery.
About the Leica 250GG
The Leica 250GG stands as a rare and fascinating piece of photographic history. Designed to capture extended sequences on 35mm film, this camera could hold up to 250 exposures on a single roll—an impressive feat when it was introduced in the mid-1930s. Used primarily for scientific, industrial, and military purposes, it combined Leica’s renowned precision engineering with groundbreaking high-capacity shooting capabilities. Today, collectors and enthusiasts prize the 250GG not only for its technical innovations but also for the rich historical context surrounding its production and use.
Production Context
Serial number #353668 falls squarely within the production run of motorized 250GG cameras. Leica’s motorized 250GG cameras include the following serial numbers:
- 353601
- 353651–654
- 353658–663
- 353666
- 353669–673
- 353675
- 353676–680
- 353696–700
- 353738
Curiously, this camera does not appear on the Band list, which records many Leica models from this era. For instance, the Band list includes serial numbers 353664–353665 and then jumps to 353674, bypassing #353667 and #353668 entirely. This anomaly alone makes this camera worthy of further investigation.
Unique Features
Adding to the intrigue, this 250GG features a standard base plate with a covered hole where the motor coupling would typically be found. However, this particular unit is not motorized. Its base plate design suggests it was built alongside motorized models, but its lack of coupling sets it apart. The Band list also omits this serial number from both the standard and motorized 250GG classifications, deepening the mystery surrounding its production and purpose.
The Stolen Cameras
To unravel this puzzle, I reached out to Leica’s records department, who provided me with the original delivery sheet for the production batch that includes serial numbers 353667 and 353668. Interestingly, both numbers are marked in the records as “Gestolen,” the German word for “stolen.”
Archival records reveal that cameras on either side of these numbers were manufactured on June 5, 1943, during the height of World War II. Given that Germany did not fall to Allied occupation until 1945, the term “stolen” opens the door to a range of possibilities. These cameras may have been taken by military personnel, or perhaps an employee used them to barter for essential goods like food or fuel in wartime Germany.
A Camera with a Story
One of my buyers acquired this camera from the estate of a photojournalist who worked for the Seattle Times. I’ve since asked them to reach out to the journalist’s family to uncover any additional history about this remarkable Leica. Could this camera have traveled the world documenting pivotal moments in history, or did it remain hidden for years before reemerging in a journalist’s collection? The wear and patina certainly has one wondering!
Adding further to its rarity, I reviewed auction records spanning the last decade and found no other cameras from this serial number range, nor any with the unique base plate design seen on #353668.
In Conclusion
The 250GG #353668 is a Leica with a truly captivating past, a story that may never be fully unraveled but will undoubtedly inspire curiosity and admiration. Its unusual production details, connection to wartime Germany, and link to a seasoned photojournalist make it a standout piece of Leica history.
If you’re a collector or enthusiast, this camera represents an extraordinary opportunity to own a piece of photographic heritage that bridges the gap between engineering precision and the untold stories of its time.
