Tower Type-3
The Tower Type-3 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-3
- Serial Range
- Approximately 2598x to 3780x, observed collector range
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, varies by body; some examples have no synchronization
Tower Type-3
The Tower Type-3 is a Sears-market LTM rangefinder manufactured by Nicca. Period catalogues call it the Tower 35 mm Camera Type III, while surviving cameras are engraved “Tower Type-3”.
Its construction closely follows the Nicca Type-III A. Examples occur both without synchronization and with paired surface-mounted flash terminals believed to have been added in the United States.
History
Development and Launch
The camera is documented in Sears' 1952 catalogue. Its serial range and features align with Nicca's 1951 Type-III A and B production rather than the earlier Nicca Type-3.
Production Evolution
Observed serials run approximately from 2598x to 3780x. Earlier bodies lack the film-plane mark, while later examples add it. Flash-equipped bodies use a distinctive two-terminal plate labeled for flashbulb and X-strobe use.
Special Variants
Synchronized and unsynchronized bodies are production or distributor variants under one commercial model. They are not special editions.
Collector Notes
Use the engraved Type-3 name rather than the generic Sears phrase “Tower 35.” Inspect the flash fittings carefully because they differ from factory Nicca Type-III B posts and later Nicca PC sockets.
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