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Nicca Tower Type 3

The Nicca Tower Type 3 is a Japanese 35mm rangefinder camera from the 1950s, sold in the United States under the Sears Tower brand. Nicca produced Leica-screw-mount rangefinders aimed at photographers who wanted a Barnack-style body at a lower price than the German originals.

At UK auction, hammer prices for the Tower Type 3 have ranged from £69 to £190, with the limited sales data sitting either side of a roughly £130 midpoint. Results today are highly condition-sensitive at saleroom level, and the older 2004 Christie's result shows that provenance and presentation can lift what a Tower Type 3 sells for well above the price a worn user-grade body now commands.

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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 10 recorded sales.

Most recent sale: May 2025.

Date Price Value GBP Source
May 2025 £69 £55 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions
Dec 2024 £100 £80 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions
Apr 2014 £250 £250 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services (archive)
Apr 2014 £150 £150 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services (archive)
May 2010 EUR 360 £309 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction
Jun 2005 £336 £280 🇬🇧 Christie's
May 2005 £130 £130 🇬🇧 Bonhams
Nov 2004 £191 £160 🇬🇧 Christie's
Jun 2001 £376 £320 🇬🇧 Christie's
Jun 1999 £126 £110 🇬🇧 Christie's
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Frequently asked questions

What is a Nicca Tower Type 3 worth today?

Based on UK auction hammer results, a Tower Type 3 is worth roughly £70 to £190 depending on cosmetic condition and whether the shutter and rangefinder are working.

How much does a Nicca Tower Type 3 sell for at auction?

Recent UK saleroom data shows one sells for around £69 for a user-grade body, while exceptional or well-presented examples have reached close to £190.

Is the Tower Type 3 the same camera as a Nicca?

Yes — Tower was the Sears house brand in the United States, and the Tower Type 3 is a rebadged Nicca screw-mount rangefinder, so its value tracks the equivalent Nicca-branded model.

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