CameraWorth.com

Nicca 3-S

The Nicca 3-S is a 35mm rangefinder camera produced in Japan in the 1950s, built around the Leica screw mount and closely modelled on the Leica III-series bodies of that era. It was positioned as a domestically-made alternative to imported Leica equipment at a time when Japanese makers were establishing themselves in the interchangeable-lens rangefinder market.

At recent UK auction, hammer prices for the Nicca 3-S have ranged from about £80 to £230, with a median around £110 on the three 2024 results in our data. That tells you what a body is worth today at saleroom level — wholesale, not retail — and condition, cosmetic wear and whether a clean period lens is included are the main factors pushing a sale toward the upper end of that band. An older 1998 Christie's result of £977 reflected a specialist collector sale and is not representative of how the model currently sells.

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Sales History

Prices shown are realised prices — auction results and completed eBay sales, never asking prices. Most saleroom figures are hammer prices, before commission; some houses publish a premium-inclusive figure, and we do not adjust for condition. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher. How this figure is calculated.

Based on 13 recorded sales.

Most recent sale: August 2024.

Date Price Value GBP Source
Aug 2024 £80 £80 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services
Apr 2024 £110 £110 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services
Apr 2024 £230 £230 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services
Apr 2019 £192 £160 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions
Nov 2016 EUR 450 £391 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction
Apr 2014 £300 £300 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services (archive)
Apr 2014 £30 £30 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services (archive)
Mar 2014 EUR 280 £233 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction
May 2004 £286 £239 🇬🇧 Christie's
Jun 1999 £207 £180 🇬🇧 Christie's
Jun 1999 £345 £300 🇬🇧 Christie's
Jun 1998 £80 £70 🇬🇧 Christie's
Jan 1998 £977 £850 🇬🇧 Christie's
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Frequently asked questions

What is a Nicca 3-S worth today?

Based on 2024 UK auction hammer results, a Nicca 3-S body typically sells for between roughly £80 and £230, with a median value near £110.

How much does a Nicca 3-S sell for at auction?

Recent UK saleroom prices sit in the £80–£230 range depending on cosmetic condition, shutter health and whether a lens is included.

Does the Nicca 3-S take Leica lenses?

Yes — it uses the Leica screw mount (M39), so Leica-thread lenses from Leitz, Canon, Nikon and other period makers will fit.

Is the Nicca 3-S a good value rangefinder?

At a typical price of around £100–£200 it offers a working Leica-screw-mount rangefinder for a fraction of the cost of an equivalent Leica body, provided the shutter and rangefinder have been checked.

Other Nicca cameras