Hanimex Praktica Nova I

The Hanimex Praktica Nova I is a SLR camera. It was produced in the GDR from 1967 to 1972 Pentacon. The 35mm camera was also available under the name Praktica PL nova I on the East German market. Hanimex was mainly produced for the American market.

The Hanimex Praktica Nova I offers the possibility of interchangeable lenses. It features a M42-Gewinde. There is a wide range of lenses for the M42 screw mount. The lens mount was originally invented by Carl Zeiss in Jena, East Germany. Zeiss, KMZ, Pentacon and Pentax were among others major producers of M42 lenses. The Hanimex Praktica Nova I does not provide an autofocus function. The focus is set manually.

The Hanimex Praktica Nova I does not have a sensor for measuring the exposure. Therefore, an external exposure meter or a corresponding smartphone app is a good choice. The desired exposure time can be determined manually. The aperture is also individually selectable. The Hanimex Praktica Nova I has a bulb mode, for example for long exposures. The shutter can remain open for a variable time. The use of an external flash unit is possible via the PC flash socket.

Films for the Hanimex Praktica Nova I

Without 35mm films, the Hanimex Praktica Nova I does not work. 35mm films are still produced today. They can be developed in most photo laboratories. One way to get color images is the Kodak Ultramax 400* and the AgfaPhoto APX 100* for black-and-white photos.

The color negative film is developed in the C-41 development process. The C-41 process is offered by almost all photo labs.

At this size, 36 images will fit on a 135-36 film. The film in the camera must be winded manually by the photographer.

The Hanimex Praktica Nova I offers the possibility to connect a cable release and has a thread for a tripod. No batteries are needed to take pictures.

The used price of a copy of the 35mm camera depends on condition and functionality.