Tower 45
The Tower 45 is a LTM-mount film rangefinder camera, introduced in 1957. Leica camera price index →
Reference maintained by Thomas Boots
General
- Mount
- LTM
- Release Year
- 1957
- Type
- Film
- Model Number
- 45
- Serial Range
- Approximately 15021x to 15199x, shared observed body range with Tower 46
Dimensions
- Width
- 139mm
- Height
- 73mm
Viewfinder & Shutter
- Framelines
- None, separate fixed 50 mm viewfinder and coupled rangefinder
- Shutter Speeds
- T, 1 s, 1/2 s, 1/5 s, 1/10 s, 1/15 s, B, 1/25 s, 1/50 s, 1/100 s, 1/200 s, 1/500 s and 1/1000 s
- Shutter Type
- Cloth
Features
- Hot Shoe
- No
- Tripod Socket
- Yes
- Self Timer
- No
- Flash Sync
- 1/25 s
Tower 45
The Tower 45 is a Sears-market LTM rangefinder manufactured by Nicca and closely related to the Nicca 5-L. Its advanced body combines lever wind, a top-hinged rear loading flap, separate finder and rangefinder windows and a cloth shutter reaching 1/1000 second [1].
The 45 designation identifies the standard outfit with a Nikkor 5 cm f/2 lens. Automatic flash synchronization provides electronic X sync through 1/25 second and FP flashbulb support at faster speeds [1].
History
Development and Launch
Sears documentation dates the Tower 45 and 46 family to 1957. Collector evidence suggests the US versions reached the market before the equivalent Nicca-branded 5-L variants elsewhere [1].
Production Evolution
Observed Tower 45 and 46 bodies share an approximate serial range from 15021x to 15199x. The cameras themselves are generally engraved only “Tower”, with model identification supplied through manuals and original outfits [1].
Special Variants
Tower 45 uses the f/2 Nikkor outfit, while Tower 46 uses the f/1.4. They are separate Sears commercial model numbers, not special editions.
Collector Notes
Verify the 1/1000 dial, lever wind, top-hinged loading flap and dioptre control. Because the body is not normally engraved “45”, the original f/2 lens, manual, box and sales documentation are important identifiers.
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