Nicca 3-S

A Leica copy with a Nikkor lens as standard equipment.

Leitz lenses for Leica cameras: Becoming scarce

Original Leitz lenses for screw mount Leica cameras have become scarce and expensive. Happily, high-quality compatible lenses were made by other companies too. Nippon Kogaku, later renamed Nikon, was one.

Nikkor lenses can be an attractive alternative

I have a Nikkor LTM (Leica thread mount) lens for use on my Leica screw mount cameras. What was it made for? Not for a Nikon rangefinder, because their lens mount was a Zeiss Ikon Contax-type bayonet.

The Nikkor LTM lenses were made for other manufacturer's cameras. Such as the Nicca.

Nicca’s Leica copies came with Nikkor lenses

After World War II:

‘Gambling that Leitz did not have the resources to challenge infringements, Nicca Works tapped into a pent-up demand for knock-offs. Not only did the company’s cameras strongly resemble the Leica, but parts were almost completely interchangeable between the two’ (Gustavson 2011, p. 257).

One part that was not copied was the Nikkor lens that the Nicca cameras came with. I figured that a high-end lens like that, was a sign that the Nicca camera was pretty good. So I bought one.

And it does have a solid almost-Leica look and feel. I like the fonts on the top plate, too. The cursive Nicca name is good-looking if derivative, and the Nicca Camera Company, Ltd. printed below is attractive and original.

**From the first roll in this camera.** See the discussion below. Nicca 3-S, 5cm f/2 Nikkor-H.C, Tri-X, 2025.

Looks like time for a shutter repair

The picture above is from the first (and so far, only) roll of film through this camera. Each frame has similar defects. The shutter speeds, focus, and film transport seem ok, but the cloth shutter curtains appear worn out; they need to be replaced. The good news is, this type of repair should be feasible.

This is an ‘old camera problem’ and not a Nicca problem. All vintage cameras with cloth shutter curtains, including Leicas, are vulnerable to this at some point. For example, the shutter curtains of my Leica IIIa had to be replaced a while back.

I like the Nicca and plan to have it repaired.

References / further reading

Gustavson, T. 2011. 500 Cameras: 170 Years of Photographic Innovation. New York: Fall River Press. The 500 cameras are from the George Eastman House Technology Collection, Rochester, N.Y. The Nicca IIIS, a predecessor to the 3-S, is on p. 257.

McKeown, J.M. and J.C. 1996. McKeown’s Price Guide to Antique and Classic Cameras, 1997-1998. Grantsburg, Wis.: Centennial Photo.

pp. 336-337: Nicca cameras from 1948 to the end in 1958 are described. The Nicca 3-S is identified as a 1954 model equipped with a 5cm f/3.5 Nikkor-Q.C.