Tower Type-3S
The Tower Type-3S is a LTM-mount film rangefinder camera, introduced in 1953. Leica camera price index →
Reference maintained by Thomas Boots
General
- Mount
- LTM
- Release Year
- 1953
- Type
- Film
- Model Number
- Type-3S
- Serial Range
- Confirmed observed examples approximately 5026x to 5124x; only three bodies documented in the cited collector database
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
Tower Type-3S
The Tower Type-3S is a scarce Sears-market LTM rangefinder made by Nicca. Its stamped body, 1/20 second shutter changeover and serial sequence identify it as a rebadged Nicca Type-III S rather than the later Nicca 3-S.
It has separate viewing and rangefinder windows, a cloth shutter reaching 1/500 second and paired PC flash sockets. The labeled upper socket supports FP flashbulbs and the lower socket provides X synchronization through 1/20 second.
History
Development and Launch
The exact introduction date is not firmly documented. Its Nicca relationship and surviving serials indicate an early-1950s release, while Sears catalogues clearly show the model by 1955.
Production Evolution
Only three examples are documented in the cited collector database, approximately spanning 5026x to 5124x. They use the Type-III S speed progression and lack the film reminder added to the later Nicca 3-S.
Special Variants
No special edition is documented. Labeled sync sockets and Sears branding define the standard commercial model.
Collector Notes
Confirm the engraved “Tower Type-3S” name, 1/20 changeover speed and absence of a film reminder. Unnamed Tower bodies with a 1/25 progression are usually later Nicca 3-S derivatives, possibly Tower 42 or 43.
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