Nicca Camera Question

gunnfamily · 12-08-2006

Hello everyone. First off, unfortunately, I know nothing about cameras. That said....I have acquired a Nicca camera and would like to find out what I have. Nicca, Nicca Camera Works, Ltd No30431 engraved on top of camera. ~Made in occupied Japan~ where you open camera on bottom. Lens.....No317927 Nikkor-S-C 1 1 4 f=5cm Nippon Kogaku Tokyo (inside lens.) The camera looks great. Could use a polish but otherwise seems to be very nice on the exterior. Does it work? Well.......I have no idea how to check. Thank you and hope to hear some good news on this.

physiognomy · 12-08-2006

Here is a good site that should help you work out which model you have.

http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/iannorris...es/index_n.htm

I have 2 Nicca's (IIIB/Tower type 3 & IIIS)... They are great cameras & the Nikkor 50/1.4 is reputed to be one of the best fast ltm lenses. I have the Nikkor 50/2 & it is no slouch either! Enjoy your new camera & welcome to RFF!

Peter

jlw · 12-08-2006

Your Nicca is quite a distinguished Japanese camera. The Nicca company was founded by a group of former Seiki Kogaku (Canon) employees, who started a repair shop and then moved into making cameras; its first camera (sold as the Nippon) appeared in 1942, and the company was in business under its own name until 1958, when it became part of Yashica.

Although the design is based on that of the Leica screwmount cameras, the Nicca is far from a "cheap copy" -- one evidence of this is that they bought their lenses from Nikon, and the 5cm f/1.4 Nikkor with which yours is equipped was one of the best high-speed lenses of its era.

Figuring out exactly which Nicca model you have of the dozen or so variants they made will be complicated by the fact that most of them were fairly similar. If you really want to know exactly which one you have, your best bet probably is to borrow a copy of McKeown's Price Guide to Cameras and identify it based on what features it has.

As to tell how well it works: the bottom-load design (similar to Leicas of the same era) means you can't check the shutter by looking through the back. But you can remove the bottom and slide a white card, such as the back of a business card, up into the film gate; then, unscrew the lens and operate the shutter at all its speeds while looking in through the lens mount. Aim a strong non-fluorescent light, such as a desk lamp, down into the lens mount and watch carefully as you fire the shutter at various speeds. You'll be able to see the white card flash into view as the shutter opens, giving you at least a rough idea of how it's working.

The real test, of course, is to load up a roll of film and give it a try. Operation should be almost identical to that of a Leica IIIc or similar models, so if you can find loading and operating instructions for those (I think there are some here on RFF somewhere) they should be close enough to let you figure out how to operate your Nicca.

If it's in good working condition, it should be an excellent picture-taker!

gunnfamily · 12-08-2006

WOW!!! Thank you both. You really took the time to explain this to me and I appreciate it. Thanks much and I guess I am now on my search for this price guide. Thanks again.

dexdog · 12-08-2006

the tiscali site that Phys listed is a good one. In general, the Niccas are fine quality products, and I concur that the 50/1.4 Nikkor is outstanding. Check out Raid Amin's current 50mm test for pics of the lens- it's a beauty

xayraa33 · 12-08-2006

Nicca was the third japanese company to make top quality interchangeable lens 35mm rf cameras, after Canon and Leotax.

colyn · 12-08-2006

Just a guess but I'd say yours is probably either a IIIa or IIIb based on serial number. These 2 models were quiet common while most of the others were made in fewer numbers and have a different serial numbering block.

physiognomy · 12-08-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by colyn

Just a guess but I'd say yours is probably either a IIIa or IIIb based on serial number. These 2 models were quiet common while most of the others were made in fewer numbers and have a different serial numbering block.

That is what I was thinking Colyn as the other Niccas have a model designation engraved on the top plate... the easy way to distinguish between these two is by the presence/absence of the flash sync on the front of the camera. IIIa (no flash sync), IIIb (flash sync).

Peter

xayraa33 · 12-08-2006

yes, I would say it would be a Type IIIA, and the MIOJ puts it in a certain time period also.
the Sears Tower Type 3 was the same" re -badged "camera.

colyn · 12-08-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by physiognomy

That is what I was thinking Colyn as the other Niccas have a model designation engraved on the top plate... the easy way to distinguish between these two is by the presence/absence of the flash sync on the front of the camera. IIIa (no flash sync), IIIb (flash sync).

Peter

I had the IIIa (non-sync) while in the Navy but lost it to a thief. I also had the Nikkor f/1.4 lens with it. A top rated lens I might add.

Bill58 · 12-08-2006

Check out http://www.cameraquest.com/nicca.htm too! You got a great camera I'd luv to have.

Tom Harrell · 12-09-2006

I have a Tower Type - 3, SN 27991. Seems to be built really well, quite heavy. Mine needs the shutter curtains replaced and a CLA. I will probably contact DAG about it after the new year. This Tower seems to be in very good condition other than shutter curtains. I think the RF could use an alignment as well. All in all it doesn't look like it ever had much use. I guess the old rubberized curtains just dry out and crack on their own from age.

Regards,
Tom Harrell

gunnfamily · 12-09-2006

Hello again everyone. You have all been great with your responses. Since I don't know what half of the things you all said means, I will try to get ahold of that buyers guide. I want to sell it so I would like to know where I should go. I live on a Military Installation in SC and sure there aren't too many people here that can help me. Where should I go, what should I do?

There are two things that I read that I do know......the serial number is engraved on the top of the camera and TOKYO is inside of the lens. The other would be "Made in occuoied Japan" is engraved where you twist the camera open on the bottom. So what do you think I should do to sell this camera? Thanks so much again everyone. You have been very kind and helpful.

Teresa

Tom Harrell · 12-10-2006

You could also contact KEH and get an estimate from them. They buy equipment from individuals. I believe them to have a pretty sound reputation.

Regards,
Tom

Bill58 · 12-10-2006

KEH and Kevin will lowball you to make profit. I'd sell here or on the LUG on Fridays.

Bill58 · 12-10-2006

FYI--Jay Tepper, http://jay-tepper.com/assort.html, has this one Nicca Original body #23879- “Made in Occupied Japan.” Slow speeds fast. All else EXC-. [8872] $750.00 for sale.

ZeissFan · 12-10-2006

Any shop or person who is involved with re-selling equipment is going to offer as little as possible to maximize their profit. No one should ever be surprised when they are offered a small amount for their camera.

xayraa33 · 12-10-2006

that Jay Tepper wants waaay too much for that Nicca.

physiognomy · 12-10-2006

Teresa,

Another option is selling on ebay... I think you could get a very good price if you do your research and place a listing that highlights the special interest of your camera. I would also suggest that you take the camera to a good camera store that knows mechanical cameras (just call around & ask if their staff know older leicas) & get a professional opinion on how well it works. You may also get a better overall price if you list the body & lens seperately.

Good luck!

Peter