CameraWorth.com

Nicca III (Type-3)

The Nicca III (Type-3) is a Japanese 35mm rangefinder camera built in the Leica screw-mount tradition, produced by the Nicca Camera Company of Tokyo in the early 1950s. It was positioned as a domestically made alternative to Leitz rangefinders at a time when Japanese makers were establishing their own precision-camera industry.

At recent UK auction, Nicca III (Type-3) bodies have fetched hammer prices in a £94–£190 range, with a median around £155 across the sales on record. The most recent saleroom result, in 2024, reached the top of that range, suggesting that as of today a clean, working example sells for close to £190 while rougher or incomplete bodies pull the price nearer £90.

I have one to sell

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 10 recorded sales.

Most recent sale: April 2024.

Date Price Value GBP Source
Apr 2024 £190 £190 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services
Nov 2018 USD 600 £465 🇺🇸 pedia_sales_tamarkin
Dec 2009 EUR 400 £360 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction
May 2005 EUR 450 £308 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction
Feb 2005 £216 £180 🇬🇧 Christie's
Jun 2004 £167 £140 🇬🇧 Christie's
Jun 2004 £155 £130 🇬🇧 Christie's
May 2003 £94 £80 🇬🇧 Christie's
Feb 1999 £345 £300 🇬🇧 Christie's
May 1998 £149 £130 🇬🇧 Christie's
Have one of these? Get a free valuation →

Frequently asked questions

What is a Nicca III (Type-3) worth today?

Based on UK auction hammer results, a Nicca III (Type-3) is worth roughly £94 to £190 depending on condition, with a median value near £155.

How much does a Nicca III (Type-3) sell for at auction?

Recent UK saleroom results show the camera sells for about £155 on average, and a tidy example sold for £190 in 2024.

What affects the price of a Nicca III (Type-3)?

Shutter health, rangefinder accuracy, cosmetic condition and the presence of a matching period lens are the main factors that move the price within the observed range.

Other Nicca cameras