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 [1].
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 [1].
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 [1].
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 [1].
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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