Nicca / Tower LTM nicca type IIIs vs leica IIIf

Nicca / Tower M39 screw mount bodies
L

lawnpotter

Well-known
Local time
12:34 PM
Joined
Jan 20, 2008
Messages
451
I am thinking about buying a leica IIIf RD, but have never seen one( I have a IIIg) Today I looked at a Nicca type IIIs. How does it compare to the IIIf? is it smaller? What is the Nicca worth? Is the Nicca easy to find a repair guy like the Leica? I liked the Nicca. Thanks
 
Nicca cameras are pretty good representations of the Leica Barnack cameras. I owned both in the past. The Leica seemed to have been built a little better, but both are very similar in size and style. Both suffer from the same flaw, duel squinty windows. I never seemed to have my eye to the right finder that I needed it to be, rangefinder to focus or viewfinder to compose. I settled on a Canon IVsb2 which is every bit as well made as any other camera of it's era, though just slightly (just a sliver really) larger, and not as stylish. But it has a single RF/VF window which is larger than the Barnacks prior to the IIIg and any copy.

I will guess that all of these cameras can be serviced by the same technicians. I have no idea the value of Niccas these days, the market is crazy. I would guess though that the value is not greatly different than that of a IIIf, and that it will be easier to find a IIIf if you choose to pass on the Nicca you have already looked at.
 
Pretty much agree with rover. I have had a few Niccas. The shutters tend to be a bit louder (although I've had Leicas that were somewhat louder too, so there is variation.) Mechanically they are very well built, easy to service. I don't mind the dual viewfinders since the RF port is magnified. The key no matter which one you get is to make sure the RF patch is contrasty and distinct. Check to make sure the shutter curtains are in good shape (many are aged and brittle.) Slow speeds are often off, budget for a Youxin CLA.
 
Thanks for the feedback. The Nicca III comes with a Canon 50mm 1.8. He is asking $500.00 for both but I may offer $400.00 and sell the lens for $200.00 if possible.
 
In my experience, it would need to be a very clean 50/1.8 to fetch that much. The last one I bought was very nice for $125.

I had a Canon IVSb in the past and the finder was certainly better than the one in my current IIIf. Realistically, any of them are about the same as shooters at a distance of ~50 years.
 
I'd lean towards the Leica just because there are more of them around. More likely to find repair people and more importantly, spare parts, should it need work in the future.
 
You will be fine with either camera, they are both great. The main thing to consider is the condition, particularly the condition of the shutter curtains. Clean, undamaged, light tight curtains is what one looks for. The shutter should be checked that it operates at all speeds more or less with the right timing. I think $400-500 for the Nicca and lens is OK if both items are in very good condition. A Nicca or a Leica will retain high resale value, and the Nicca is in fact somewhat more collectible. If you decide you don't like either one, they are all easy to resell at good prices.
 
Last edited:
If I am not mistaken, the Nicca IIIs construction is closer to the earlier Barnacks - I, II, III and IIIa. The Leica IIIc/IIIf was an improvement with a more rigid body design (particularly the lens mount). As a consequence, became slightly bigger. AFAIK there was a Nicca equivalent.

A more rigid body provides a more stable platform to cope with the heavier/faster lenses that came out in the 50s.

FWIW, a few years back I sold my Leica IIIa and kept a Tower/Nicca 3.

Good luck on your quest lawnpotter!
 
Youxin Ye told me that the Japanese cameras used aluminum parts as opposed to Leica's which used Brass parts. He said the aluminum can become brittle over time. He likes the Japanese cameras but they are not quite up to Leica standards. I wonder if the Nicca's are lighter cause of aluminum parts.
 
I sent a Tower/Nicca camera to Youxin Ye because the shutter ribbon had small holes and got it back today. It was a 2 week turnaround. I can say that it is as silent as a Leica IIIf that I have if not better. Youxin cleaned the eye pieces and it operates like new. It was a rather silent camera before I sent it off and now it is great. If I have any more repairs I will send them to Youxin Ye. He has great communication via Email also. I recommend him highly.
Joe
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom