The nova replaced the Praktica IV and V series when introduced in 1965. Early models had the flash sockets at the top of the body later they were moved to the bottom. A nova B was similar but included an uncoupled selenium exposure meter.

The nova had more conventional styling with a lower pentaprism housing when compared to the IV series, the film advance lever was moved to the top of the camera, the shutter release knob was angled to the body and the back was hinged to the body.

In 1967 the nova was replaced by the PL nova 1, which incorporated a quick-load facility and single range shutter speed knob which replaced the dual range of the nova. A PL nova 1B was fitted with an exposure meter.