NICCA                                                                                                                                                
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1930's


1941




1942

1943


1947

1948

1949


1950

1951



1952


1954

1955




1956


1958




1959




1960

Towards the end of the 1930's, an optical workshop is founded by a number of technical personnel who had previously worked for Canon. This is known as Kogaku Seiki.
Kogaku Seiki merge with Omiya Photo Supply Co. Ltd. but continue to trade as Kogaku Seiki SHA. At this time, the majority of Canon cameras are sold through Omiya. They also own the Hansa name, which accounts for the Hansa Canon engraving on cameras sold by them. Kogaku Seiki are asked, by the Japanese Ministry of War, to produce a 35mm camera.
The Nippon (Original), a near copy of the Leica lll, is introduced.
Kogaku Seiki SHA introduce the Nippon (Standard). This is styled differently to the Nippon (Original) and bears a strong resemblance to contemporary Canon models, such as the Canon J.
Company name is changed to Nippon Camera works Ltd. and the brand name to Nicca.
Introduction of the Nicca (Original).
The Nicca Type-3 (or Nicca lll) is marketed. This model is also supplied to Peerless Camera Stores, New York with Peerless Type-3 engraved on the top plate.
Company name changes to Nicca Camera Works Ltd.
Company name changes again, to Nicca Camera Co. Ltd. Two new models are introduced, the Nicca lllA and lllB. Both of these are also produced for Sears Roebuck under the Tower Type-3 name.
Production of the Nicca lllS (later engraved Type-lllS). This is also offered, through Sears Roebuck, as the Tower-3S. A version for use with a microscope is also produced.
The Nicca Type-4 and Type 3-S (a Type-4 without the 1/1000 top speed) are marketed.
Introduction of the Nicca Type-5. This is also produced as the Tower-5 and Snider 35. This latter model is distributed by an Australian company, Gardener & Salomon Pty. Ltd. Two further variations are offered, the Tower 45 and 46. These are a Nicca Type-5 with the addition of lever wind. The Tower 45 is fitted with a Nikkor 2/50 lens and the 46 with a Nikkor 1.4/50.
Production of the Nicca 3-F commences. This has a knob for film wind on, and is followed by a lever wind version in 1958. A Tower 3-F version is produced for Sears.
The Nicca 33 (or Type 33), appears. Financial difficulties prompt a takeover by Yashica in May 1958. In June the final Nicca badged model, the lll L is introduced. This camera, which is also produced as the Tower lll L, is cosmetically quite different to the Nicca 33, with a flattened out top plate.
Yashica market the Yashica YE, which is basically a Nicca 33 with a modified top plate (it now extends down to the lens mount) and X synchronization at 1/30 instead of 1/60. The final rangefinder model from the Nicca/Yashica stable, the Yashica YF, appears. This is a further development of the Nicca lll L..
Production by Yashica of rangefinder cameras with interchangeable lenses ceases.
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