Nicca Type-III B
The Nicca Type-III B is a LTM-mount film rangefinder camera, introduced in 1951. Leica camera price index →
Reference maintained by Thomas Boots
General
- Mount
- LTM
- Release Year
- 1951
- Type
- Film
- Model Number
- Type-III B
- Serial Range
- Approximately 317xx to 4008x, observed collector range overlapping Type-III A production
Dimensions
Viewfinder & Shutter
- Framelines
- None, separate fixed 50 mm viewfinder and coupled rangefinder
- Shutter Speeds
- T, 1 s, 1/2 s, 1/4 s, 1/8 s, B, 1/20 s, 1/30 s, 1/40 s, 1/60 s, 1/100 s, 1/200 s and 1/500 s
- Shutter Type
- Cloth
Features
- Hot Shoe
- No
- Tripod Socket
- Yes
- Self Timer
- No
- Flash Sync
- Unknown, FP flashbulb synchronization only
Nicca Type-III B
The Nicca Type-III B is the synchronized companion to the 1951 Type-III A. Its LTM body retains separate viewing and rangefinder windows, a reported 1.5x rangefinder and a cloth shutter with speeds from one second to 1/500 second [1].
Its defining feature is a pair of non-standard flash contacts below the front slow-speed dial. Collector research identifies this system as FP flashbulb synchronization rather than electronic X synchronization [1].
History
Development and Launch
Nicca introduced the Type-III B in June 1951, shortly after the unsynchronized Type-III A. It was the company's first factory-synchronized model [1].
Production Evolution
Observed serials approximately span 317xx to 4008x and overlap the Type-III A sequence. The protective plate beneath the shutter crate is associated with the added synchronization mechanism [1].
Special Variants
No commemorative edition is documented. Differences in maker engraving and small production details belong to the normal production sequence.
Collector Notes
The top plate is engraved only “Nicca”. Correct twin sync posts are the principal external identifier. Cameras with paired coaxial PC sockets are normally Type-III S bodies or later modifications, not standard Type-III B examples.
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