Hanimex Praktica Nova I B

The Hanimex Praktica Nova I B is a single lens reflex camera. It was built by Pentacon in the GDR between 1967 and 1975 and sold mainly in the United States. Under the name “Praktica PL Nova I B” the 35mm camera was also offered.

The lens of the Hanimex Praktica Nova I B is exchangeable. A M42-Gewinde was installed for this purpose. The M42 thread is standardized and manufacturer-independent lens mount. The M42 screw mount is the successor of the M39 thread mount. Zeiss, Pentacon and Pentax were among others major manufacturers of M42 lenses. You have to focus the lens by hand. The 35mm camera does not have an autofocus function.

The Hanimex Praktica Nova I B has a built-in exposure meter. The Selenium Exposure Meter does not require electricity. Over the years, however, it may lose accuracy or may not function at all. The light meter is on top of the lens.
The desired f-stop number as well as the shutter speed can be set by the user. The 35mm camera comes with a bulb mode. With the Bulb setting, it stays open as long as the photographer holds the shutter button down. The use of a flash is possible via the PC flash socket.

Films for the Hanimex Praktica Nova I B

Without photo films, nothing works with the Hanimex Praktica Nova I B. The camera needs 35mm films more precisely. These are still easy to get today and development services are still around. Beautiful 35mm films for color or black-and-white shots are the Fujifilm Superia 200* and the Ilford FP4 Plus*.

The development process for the color film is the C-41 process. The C-41 process is offered by almost every photo lab.

At this size, a film (135-36) will usually fit at least 36 photos. The film in the camera must be winded manually by the photographer.

The Hanimex Praktica Nova I B features is a thread for a mounting a normal tripod. There is also a connector for a cable release. Batteries are not needed for taking pictures.

The 35mm camera can only be found in used condition trough second hand sellers. The price you pay for a used copy of the Hanimex Praktica Nova I B depends on the condition and functionality.