Nicca Type 5 - better than Leica IIIg?

[ChrisN]

I remember seeing Stephen Gandy's article about these, in which he stated

"In the late 50's Nicca greatly improved upon Leica's basic design to create what I believe is the best of the small Leica screw mount cameras. The Nicca 5L is so good it even outshines Leica's own renowned IIIg."

(http://www.cameraquest.com/nicca.htm)


There's one on ebay; the first I've senn. Looks very nice.

ebay item #260146506055. No connection with seller.

 

[dexdog]

The camera displayed in the auction photos is incorrectly identified as Nicca Type 5, although the written description corresponds to the Type 5. The Type 5 has a rear film-loading door similar to the M-series leicas (auction camera does not), and also has a top shutter speed of 1/1000 (instead of the 1/500 shown on this camera).

I am not certain, but the photos are probably of the the Type 3F lever-wind version.

Anyway a nice camera, and looks to be in good condition.

The Nicca Type 5 is a real beauty, if you can find one.

RFF member xayraa33 seems to know a lot about Niccas, and could probably provide more information

 

[Solinar]

Chris, I don't believe that the seller has the actual 5L. Take a look at the shutter speed progression, it stops at 1/500th. Also, this gem does not have the Leica M type rear hatch.

It is a very clean looking Nicca.

With regards to film loading - provided that film leader has been properly trimmed - I've had no trouble with the Barnack bottom loaders.

 

[furcafe]

Despite the seller's efforts @ correcting the description, it's definitely not a 5L/Tower 45/46 because of the lack of the rear door (as Solinar pointed out).

 

[xayraa33]

the Nicca 5L/ Tower 45/46 is certainly a very fine camera with a clever design, something that Leica should have made.
it is too bad that they are hard to find now, it is a gem of a camera.

 

[dexdog]

The seller modified the description to state that the camera was a Nicca or Tower 5L, and not a Tower 45 or 46. Not at all helpful, of course, given that the 45 and 46 were Sears versions of the 5L with 50/1.4 and 50/2 Nikkors. The seller did not change the photos, and the description and photos still do not match.

 

[ChrisN]

Thanks for the clarifications! I spotted the transport lever and did not look closely enough. I forgot about the rear-door loading. Mea culpa.

 

[Vincenzo Maielli]

Stephen Gandy is a true authority in the fiels, but is difficult to believe...
Ciao.
Vincenzo