Nicca IIIA
The Nicca IIIA is a Japanese 35mm rangefinder camera in the Leica screw-mount lineage, produced by Nippon Camera Works in the early post-war period. It was positioned as an affordable alternative to contemporary Leica thread-mount bodies for domestic and export markets.
At UK auction, hammer prices for the Nicca IIIA have ranged from around £130 to £290, with the two recorded sales sitting roughly £210 apart in median terms. As of 2026 the model trades thinly at saleroom level, so the price a IIIA sells for today depends heavily on cosmetic condition, shutter accuracy, and whether a period-correct lens is included.
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 7 recorded sales — indicative only.
Most recent sale: November 2021.
| Date | Price | Value GBP | Source | |
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| Nov 2021 | £285 | £230 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science (Lot 125) Title: A Nicca Co. Nicca IIIA Rangefinder Camera
Description:
1951, chrome, serial no. 40322, with Nippon Kogaku Nikkor-S.C f/1.4 50mm lens, chrome, serial no. 347390, body, G-VG, shutter working, lens, G-VG, |
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| Nov 2018 | EUR 340 | £300 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 33 (Lot AI_33_36776) Title: Nicca IIIa
Description:
Japanese Leica copy in near mint condition, with matching Nikkor-H.C 2/5cm no.625660 (cleaning marks on front element), front cap, English instructions, matching warranty card, maker's box Estimate: EUR 600 - EUR 800 |
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| Jun 2015 | EUR 550 | £396 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 27 (Lot AI_27_31508) Title: Nicca IIIA
Description:
in very good working condition, inclusive quite rare close focus rigid Nikkor Q-C 3.5/5cm no.214011 Estimate: EUR 800 - EUR 1,000 |
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| Apr 2014 | £280 | £280 | 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services (archive) | |
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Auction: Cameras and Photographic Equipment on Wednesday 30th April 2014 at 11:00 (Lot 204) Title: A Nicca IIIa Rangefinder Camera
Description:
A Nicca IIIa Rangefinder Camera, chrome, serial no. 40009, with Nippon W-Nikkor.C f/2.5 35mm lens, chrome, serial no. 263014, body, VG, curtain sticking, lens, VG-E, with maker's clip-on lens cap Estimate: £300 - £500 |
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| Nov 2008 | EUR 250 | £208 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 14 (Lot AI_14_17943) Title: Nicca IIIA
Description:
Leica III copy with Nikkor-H.C 2/5cm no.624355 Estimate: EUR 400 - EUR 500 |
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| Nov 2007 | EUR 750 | £532 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 12 (Lot AI_12_20197) Title: Nicca IIIA
Description:
rare type IIIA with matching Nikkor-S.C. 1.4/5cm no.326946, Nicca cap Estimate: EUR 700 - EUR 900 |
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| Jul 1999 | £126 | £110 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | |
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Auction: Cameras and Optical Toys (Lot 52) Title: Nicca IIIa no. 37582
Description:
Nicca IIIa no. 37582 Estimate: £100 - £150 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Nicca IIIA worth today?
Recorded UK auction hammer results sit between roughly £130 and £290, so a clean working example is typically worth a price in that band.
How much does a Nicca IIIA sell for at auction?
Two tracked UK sales hammered at £126 and £285, indicating the IIIA usually sells for a low-to-mid three-figure sum depending on condition and completeness.
Does the Nicca IIIA take Leica screw-mount lenses?
Yes, the IIIA uses the 39mm Leica thread mount, which broadens the value proposition for buyers who already own LTM glass.