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” [1].
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 [1].
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 [1].
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 [1].
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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