The Praktica PL Nova I B is a SLR camera. It was produced by VEB Pentacon in the GDR from 1967 to 1975. The 35mm camera was also available on the US market under the name “Hanimex Praktica Nova I B“. In the Netherlands they were called “Pentor IB”.
The lens of the Praktica PL Nova I B is interchangeable. It features a M42-Gewinde. The M42 thread is standardized and manufacturer-independent, so a large number of lenses have been manufactured for this lens mount. The M42 thread was developed by Carl Zeiss in Jena, Germany. The major producers of M42 lenses were Pentax, Zeiss, Pentacon and KMZ. The Praktica PL Nova I B has no autofocus. It is manually focused.
The 35 mm camera has a built-in meter for measuring the correct exposure. She also has a selenium exposure meter. It does not require batteries to measure exposure, but can lose precision over the years or stop service altogether.
The desired exposure time as well as the number of f-stops can be set by the user. The camera has a bulb mode. In this mode, the film is exposed as long as the shutter release button is pressed. The PC flash socket allows the use of an external flash with the camera.
Films for the Praktica PL Nova I B
The Praktica PL Nova I B is designed for 35mm films. 35mm films are still produced today. They can be developed in most photo laboratories. A good choice for color photography is the Fujifilm Superia 200*. If you want to stay monochrome, the Ilford XP2 Super* is not bad.
The color film is processed in the C-41 development process. C-41 films are developed by almost all photo laboratories.
The exposure area of the Praktica PL Nova I B has a size of 24 mm x 36 mm. As a rule, 36 shots are possible per film (135-36) at this negative size. For the next frame of the film the camera has to be winded manually.
The Praktica PL Nova I B features is a thread for a mounting a normal tripod. There is also a connector for a cable release. The camera does not need electricity to take pictures.
The camera can today only be found used. The condition determine mainly the price for the camera today.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens mount | M42 lens mount |
| Focus | Manual |
| Viewfinder | Pentaprism finder |
| Exposure times | 1/500 second to 1 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | PC-Flash |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | No |
| Manufacturer | Pentacon |
| Country of production | GDR (German Democratic Republic) |
| End of production | 1975 |
| Production duration | 8 years |
| Estimated value / Used price | 31,61 Euro 51,6246,3630,85245,4527,055192,10368,3633,93 Estimate based on used prices of 5 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of 6.5.2024 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 33,77 Euro (35.72 US-Dollar) |