Help needed: Sears Tower 48 Version?

[3RiC]

Hi All,

I have a Sear Tower LTM mount camera with Nikkor 5cm f2 lens.
I am hoping to get some answers from you guys about this camera.

The closest I can get is the Sears 48 Camera but this comes with the Leica flip back mechanism.

Tested the lens with my Sony A7ii and I love the nikkor lens!

Hope someone here will have the answer to find out what Model is this and the history about this camera.

Cheers,
Eric

 

[jim_jm]

Eric -

If you haven't seen this site, it might help provide some clues. http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/iannorris/leica.htm
Look under "T" for Tower cameras, which were actually manufactured by Nicca (under "N") in Japan. It looks like you could also possibly have a Tower 45, the serial # may help determine that.

These are really nice cameras, probably just as good as the competing Leicas and Canons of the time, with better features like a lever wind and back film door.

Good Luck!

 

[3RiC]

Ahhh.. found it.. its a Tower 45 version.
I bought this for AUD150 with the lens... Good price?

 

[jim_jm]

If it's in good working condition, I'd say you got a deal! These Tower/Nicca models are not easy to find and they have an advantage over the Leica and Canon "Barnack"-type cameras with a lever wind and film gate door. The Nikkor lenses are often in better condition than Leica lenses from the same period, with better coatings and less tendency to develop haze.

Here in the U.S., you'd probably pay about the equivalent of 500-600 AUD for both body and lens.

Our RFF host Stephen has a page about this camera here: https://www.cameraquest.com/nicca.htm

Happy Shooting!

 

[3RiC]

Thanks for the info Jim!