1965-1968
With new - smaller - camera body, lever-wind
on top, hinged (not removable) back, self-zeroing exposure counter,
and inclined release. Fresnel focusing screen. Viewfinder indication
when shutter not set. In about 1966, the Nova was fitted with a microprism
focusing screen; this appears to have replaced a split-image focusng
screen. F and X sync through co-axial sockets on camera front. X sync
is at about 1/40 sec. Bulb sync is at about 1/30 sec. This appears
to be the first Praktica which breaks the flash circuit after the
exposure has been made, rather than after the shutter has been rewound/film
advanced. Therefore, it is safe to replace the flash bulb before or
after advancing the film with the Nova, although not with any of the
preceding models. Shutter release threaded for cable release and is
lockable. Focal plane shutter with horizontally travelling cloth blinds.
Shutter speeds can be selected before or after cocking the shutter
but the shutter speed dial rotates both when film is advanced and
after the shutter is released. Shutter speeds are 1/2, 1/4 and 1/8
sec., which use a set of delaying gears and which require the indicator
knob to be set to the red triangle, plus 1/30 to 1/500 sec. There
are no speeds available between 1/8 and 1/30.
1966 prices: with Meritar f/2.9 50 mm.
maunal, pre-set lens £42 19s. 6d. With Domiplan f/2.8 50 mm.
auto lens £49 19s. 6d. With Tessar f/2.8 50 mm. auto lens £59
19s. 6d.