The Nicca IIIA and the Tower Type-3

     During the 1950s the Nicca Camera Company manufactured about a dozen 35mm rangefinder cameras modeled on the Barnack Leicas. A decade or so later, the same cameras sold for $10-$15 as cheap Japanese copies. Today, however, photographers and collectors consider the Niccas to be at the same level of quality as their German cousins. In fact, one camera repair man whose name I've forgotten stated that the Niccas were better built than many of the Leicas. Others maintain that the Niccas are the best of all the Leica copies ever made.

Nicca IIIA

     Shown here wearing a Russian 2.8/55 Industar-61 lens, the Nicca IIIA is an excellent example of Nicca craftsmanship. Shutter speeds range from 1/30 to 1/500 in the upper range and T-1/20 in the lower range.
      The controls on top of the camera are arranged in the same order as those on other Leica copies. The Nicca features separate viewfinder and rangefinder windows with neither parallax correction nor frame lines. A diopter adjustment lever is mounted on the rear of the rangefinder window. The camera loads from the bottom.
     At this writing, an Internet auction site lists the Nicca IIIC (body only) at $139, $230, and $240. I paid just under $200 for the one I bought not long ago.

Tower Type 3

     In addition to cameras like the one shown above, the Nicca camera Company also manufactured the Tower Type-3, which was a re-branded Nicca that was sold thorough Sears Roebuck & Co. for several years. Except for the synch posts shown in the photo, this camera is identical in appearance to the Nicca IIIA.
      I've seen the Tower (body only) listed at $299-$469 on the Internet. I paid $125 for the one shown here.
     During the Occupation of Japan--which ended in 1952-- Japanese camera makers were required to mark their cameras with an  <EP> marking or a "Made in Occupied Japan" statement. Interestingly, the Nicca IIIA and the Tower Type-3 bore a third legend. On the inside of their locking rings at the bottom of both cameras the words "Made in Japan" appear.  This indicates that the Nicca IIIA and the Tower Type-3 were manufactured later than 1952. Because I've never seen a similar marking on the  locking rings of other cameras, I have to wonder about the reason for this.

Tower Type-3, top photo

        When you view the two cameras from below with their bottom plates removed, several differences become obvious. Not being technically oriented, I can't address the significance of these differences. It would be interesting, however, to remove the cover shown on the Tower to see what's inside. But I'll leave that job to others who are more daring than I am.

       Which of these two cameras would I prefer? Truth to tell, either one suits me just fine. Of course it would be a plus if both cameras had combined viewfinder/rangefinder windows and swing backs for easy loading.
       Which camera would I recommend for you? If you're a beginner who wants to get started creating photos with film, I would say, "Neither one." But if you're a more experienced shooter, "I would say, "Take your choice. Either camera will serve you well."
      By the way, if cost is a major consideration, I would advise you to buy whichever camera costs less. And keep in mind that you can always save money by using an inexpensive Russian Industar-61 lens, which you can buy for very little cash on the Internet. See What about Those Russian Lenses?" 11/14/18.

COMING SOON:The Zorki 4 and the Zorki 4K