Vintage mid-1950’s Sears Tower 42 35mm rangefinder camera with Nippon Kogaku Japan Nikkor-H.C 5cm f/2 lens. Manufactured in Japan by Nicca for Sears, Roebuck & Co., the Tower 42 belongs to Sears’ premium “Tower 35” line of Leica-style screw-mount rangefinders and corresponds closely to the Nicca 3-S generation. Sears marketed these cameras under the broader Tower 35 name, which is why period catalogs and modern references sometimes use different model designations for closely related cameras. (Mike Eckman)
These cameras are an interesting piece of early postwar Japanese photographic history. Sears began selling Nicca-manufactured Tower rangefinders in the early 1950s, pairing them with high-quality Nippon Kogaku Nikkor optics at a time when Japanese cameras and lenses were rapidly establishing an international reputation. The cameras used the Leica Thread Mount, allowing the use of a wide variety of compatible 39mm screw-mount lenses. (Mike Eckman)
This example is paired with a Nippon Kogaku Japan Nikkor-H.C 5cm f/2 lens, serial no. 648498. The 5cm f/2 was one of the standard premium Nikkor lenses Sears offered with its Nicca-built Tower cameras. Period Sears advertising specifically promoted Nikkor optics with the Tower system. (Leica Copies Japan)
Film tested and working. A full roll of 35mm film was shot through this actual camera and lens. The sample photographs shown in the listing were taken with this camera. Film transported properly and the test produced usable photographs with consistent frame spacing and no major light leaks observed.
Camera shows cosmetic wear throughout consistent with its approximately 70-year age, including scratches, scuffs, finish wear, oxidation/tarnishing, and general wear to the metal and covering. Please review all product photos closely for exact cosmetic condition.
The Nikkor-H.C 5cm f/2 lens shows age-related optical and cosmetic wear, including internal dust and fine marks/cleaning wear. Visible oil/residue is present on multiple aperture blades, as clearly shown in the detailed photos. The aperture currently opens and closes through its range, but because of the visible oil, future aperture performance cannot be guaranteed. The lens has not been professionally cleaned or serviced by us.
This is an unrestored vintage mechanical camera and has not received a documented CLA from us. Film testing confirms the camera's performance during our test roll but does not establish that every shutter speed or mechanical function remains within original factory tolerances.
Film Tested: Yes – sample photographs shown were taken with this camera
Camera: Sears Tower 42
Manufacturer: Nicca Camera Co., Japan
Era: Mid-1950s
Film: 35mm
Lens: Nippon Kogaku Japan Nikkor-H.C 5cm f/2
Lens Serial: 648498
Mount: Leica Thread Mount / M39 screw mount
Focus: Coupled rangefinder
Made in Japan
Final Sale Disclaimer: All vintage cameras are sold as-is and are final sale. While this camera has been film tested and was functioning as described during testing, vintage photographic equipment can develop issues at any time due to age. We cannot guarantee continued performance after purchase. Please review all photos, sample images, and condition details carefully before purchasing.
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