Nicca Type 33
The Nicca Type 33 is a LTM-mount film rangefinder camera, introduced in 1958. Leica camera price index →
Reference maintained by Thomas Boots
Nicca Type 33: frequently asked
When was the Nicca Type 33 released?
The Nicca Type 33 was introduced in 1958.
Is the Nicca Type 33 a film or digital camera?
The Nicca Type 33 is a film rangefinder camera with a Leica LTM mount.
What shutter does the Nicca Type 33 have?
The Nicca Type 33 has a cloth shutter with speeds of 1/2 s, 1/4 s, 1/8 s, 1/15 s, B, 1/30 s, 1/60 s, 1/125 s, 1/250 s and 1/500 s.
General
- Mount
- LTM
- Release Year
- 1958
- Type
- Film
- Model Number
- Type 33
- Serial Range
- Approximately 15236x to 16072x, observed collector range
Dimensions
- Width
- 139mm
- Height
- 73mm
Viewfinder & Shutter
- Framelines
- None, separate fixed 50 mm viewfinder and coupled rangefinder
- Shutter Speeds
- 1/2 s, 1/4 s, 1/8 s, 1/15 s, B, 1/30 s, 1/60 s, 1/125 s, 1/250 s and 1/500 s
- Shutter Type
- Cloth
Features
- Hot Shoe
- No
- Tripod Socket
- Yes
- Self Timer
- No
- Flash Sync
- 1/60 s
Nicca Type 33
The Nicca Type 33 is a late Japanese LTM rangefinder introduced in 1958. It uses a die-cast, lever-wind body with separate viewing and rangefinder windows, a cloth focal-plane shutter and a standardized speed progression reaching 1/500 second.
Electronic flash synchronizes at 1/60 second, but the simplified system does not provide FP synchronization above 1/30 second. The camera was commonly supplied with a Nicca-branded 50 mm f/2.8 lens rather than the more expensive Nikkors used on earlier models.
History
Development and Launch
Most Japanese references date the Type 33 to May 1958, the same month in which Yashica acquired Nicca. Surviving advertising still uses Nicca and distributor Hinomaruya details.
Production Evolution
Observed body numbers run approximately from 15236x to 16072x, but these numbers overstate production. Collector research suggests fewer than 3,000 cameras, while the supplied f/2.8 lens exists in two barrel forms.
Special Variants
No commemorative edition is documented. Early and late versions of the standard lens are outfit variations, not separate camera editions.
Collector Notes
The top plate carries only the Nicca name. The model identity appears on a label inside the baseplate. Verify the black slow-speed dial, 1/60 setting, lever wind and absence of the earlier die-cast body's lens-mount side extensions.
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