Nicca Type-III S
The Nicca Type-III S is a LTM-mount film rangefinder camera, introduced in 1952. Leica camera price index →
Reference maintained by Thomas Boots
General
- Mount
- LTM
- Release Year
- 1952
- Type
- Film
- Model Number
- Type-III S
- Serial Range
- Approximately 50002 to 6014x, observed collector range
Dimensions
- Weight
- 437g
- Width
- 133mm
- Height
- 67mm
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
- 1/20 s
Nicca Type-III S
The Nicca Type-III S is a synchronized Japanese LTM rangefinder introduced in 1952. It combines the established stamped body, separate 50 mm finder, reported 1.5x coupled rangefinder and cloth shutter of the Type-III family.
Two coaxial PC terminals distinguish it from the Type-III B. The upper red terminal provides FP synchronization, while the lower white terminal provides X synchronization through 1/20 second.
History
Development and Launch
Collector sources differ between late 1952 and 1953, but period evidence supports a September 1952 introduction. The model replaced the synchronized Type-III B, while the cheaper Type-III A remained available.
Production Evolution
Observed serials run approximately from 50002 to 6014x. The accessory-shoe corner and baseplate lock changed during production, showing gradual component transitions rather than fixed breaks.
Special Variants
Socket color and trim differences may reflect repairs. They do not establish separate editions, and the camera remains a Standard model.
Collector Notes
Verify the engraved “Type-III S” name and original red-over-white PC socket arrangement. Replaced connectors are known. Do not confuse this model with the later Nicca 3-S, which adopted the Type-4's 1/25 second changeover progression.
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