Lomography Lubitel 166+ 35mm/Medium Format Twin Lens Reflex (TLR) Camera with Built-in 75mm f/4.5 Lens
The Lomography Lubitel 166+ is an inexpensive multi-format TLR camera, and a recreation of the Soviet-era classic Lubitel camera. With a twin-lens design (one lens for viewing the scene and one for shooting it) and plastic body, this fully manual camera put pro-quality images within the reach of the Soviet public. Its name, meaning "Amateur" in Russian, reflected its simplicity. Several models of Lubitels were introduced until production ended in the mid 1990's.
The Lubitel 166+ is a twin lens reflex camera. A viewing lens on top looks at your subject while the 75mm f/4.5 taking lens on the bottom shoots them. In addition, this ''plus" model features a pop-up viewfinder with an improved perfectly flat ground glass, which covers 100% of the image. This way you can also use the camera for waist-level shooting.
This non-metered classically-styled twin-lens reflex camera is patterned in the time-honored design of older Yashicamats. It features manual film wind advance and separate shutter speed and aperture levers, and two built-in exposure guides tell you the appropriate shutter & aperture setting for any light situation.
The Lubitel 166+ has a wide choice of film formats to choose from. In addition to shooting in the 6 x 6cm format, the camera is supplied with a 6 x 4.5cm format mask which fits inside the camera and allows the photographer to obtain 16 exposures from 120 film. Or you can shoot an endless stream of images with no space between frames - thereby crafting a uniquely analog panoramic image which can run the entire length of your film. With the use of the Lubikin 35mm conversion kit, the camera can be adapted for use with 35mm film. However, the result will be an image that's a vertical panoramic 58mm (in vertical orientation), with exposed sprocket holes!
Classic Design
- Inexpensive all manual Twin Lens Reflex (TLR) camera
- All-manual control
- Waistlevel viewfinder
- Accepts standard cable release and tripod
Improved Features
- 100% coverage waist level viewfinder
- Closer focus, down to 2.6' (0.8 m)
- Easy zone focus mode, with distance settings of 0.8 m, 1.5 m, 3 m, and infinity
- Two handy exposure guides (one aperture-priority, one shutter-priority) printed on back of camera
- Standard hot shoe with X-sync
- Ability to rewind 120 roll before end of roll
| Camera Type | Manual focus, leaf shutter, Twin Lens Reflex (TLR) |
| Format | 6 x 6cm, 6 x 4.5cm (with masking frame), 58x33mm 35mm portrait format (with sprockets visible), medium format 120 "endless" panorama |
| Film Back/Loading | Standard manual loading, match arrows, close back and wind to first frame |
| Film Type |
120 film: 6 x 6 (12 frames); 6 x 4.5cm (16 frames)
35mm film: 58x 33mm vertical panorama with exposed sprocket holes |
| Lens/Mount | Built-in 75mm f/4.5 lens (f/4.5-22), equivalent to a 52mm lens in the 35mm format |
| Shutter | Mechanical lens shutter; Shutter speeds 1/15th sec. to 1/125th and B |
| Shutter Release | Release on camera body lower front; Accepts standard mechanical cable release |
| Self Timer | Yes |
| Flash Synchronization | Hot shoe X-sync |
| Mirror Lock-Up | Not necessary |
| Exposure Metering | N/A |
| Exposure Bracketing | N/A |
| Exposure Compensation | N/A |
| Depth-of-Field Preview | No |
| Viewfinder | Folding viewfinder hood |
| Viewfinder Info | None |
| Film Transport | Permanent manual film winding crank located on camera body side |
| Multiple Exposure | No separate switch but possible by not advancing the film and re-shooting |
| Focusing System | Manual with rotating knob; Minimum focusing distance = 0.8m (2.6') |
| Power Source | None |
| Custom Functions | No |
| Data Imprinting | No |
| Tripod Mount | 1/4" standard socket |
| Dimensions | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Weight | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 8 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
67%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Reviewer Profile:
- Semi-pro photographer (4)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (3)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 8 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-8
Pros
- Comfortable Design
- Fast Film Loading
- Fingertip Controls
- Reliable Operation
Cons
- Dim Viewing Prism
Best Uses
- Home
- Travel
Comments about Lomography Lubitel 166+ 35mm/Medium Format Twin Lens Reflex (TLR) Camera with Built-in 75mm f/4.5 Lens:
Great little camera, however mine had a problem. Black line right in the middle of all the negatives.
Its too bad, because I truly enjoyed composing and carefully planning the pictures I wanted to take. it was also great for taking it everywhere (very light weight).
Focusing is somewhat difficult, impossible without the magnifier - that is if you are as picky as me to get those tack sharp pics.
The glass is quite decent - however there is no comparison to Carl Zeiss in a true Rollieflex.
If it did not have any problems, I would have kept it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Creative Expansion
- Exposure Control
- Film Versatility
Cons
- Price
Best Uses
Comments about Lomography Lubitel 166+ 35mm/Medium Format Twin Lens Reflex (TLR) Camera with Built-in 75mm f/4.5 Lens:
Ive been loking for a reasonably priced medium format camera for a few months now. I found some used Rolliecord's and Rollieflex cameras but they were all in the upwards of $400 dollar range. I debated on purchasing a Holga camera since I have had some experience with it but the exposure controls are just too limited. At least with this camera you get shutter speeds ranging from Bulb to 1/250 and aperture from 4.5-22. First off, let me tell you what you get in the box. you get the nice TLR camera, 2 film masks (a mask for 4.5x6cm to get 16 shots on a roll of 120 film instead of 12 and a mask to make your whole film an endless panorama). 35mm film conversion kit, Cable release, a roll of Fuji 120 format color film, 2 books: 1 instruction book and another a book of the history of the camera brand with images and all. And 2 masks for the viewing glass for easier framing when shooting with masks in place.With this camera you not only get a medium format AND 35mm format camera, you get a nice, sturdy camera that makes quite nice exposures. Plus, you have the option of making double exposures which offers a lot more creativity than other medium format cameras where once you cok the shutter, the film advances as well. You can shoot a whole roll of film, wind it back up, and then give it to a friend to shoot which i find extremely creative.The only Negative mark in can put on this camera is the Price tag. The [$]is a lot to ask for a plastic camera, but the body seals very well for no light leaks. Unlike with the holga, where all your images are vignetted and have a lo-fi look. If i were to put a price tag on this camera I would say it shouldnt exceed more than $200. Overall this camera is great for a beginner or advanced film enthusiast or someone whos just looking to get into photography. For the [$], you get a LOT more than you think. This camera can expand ANYONE'S creative mind with all the capabilities that it offers. I highly recommend this camera for anyone looking for that different look, a nice camera, and to expand their horizons
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Lomography Lubitel 166+ 35mm/Medium Format Twin Lens Reflex (TLR) Camera with Built-in 75mm f/4.5 Lens:
The camera is a good fun camera to play with but there is no way it is worth this money. Plastic cheap build and very primitive. Find a used rolleiflex or rolleicord for $100 and you'll have a classic instrument that will give you much more control and will last.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Unique optics
Cons
- Shoddy craftsmanship
Best Uses
Comments about Lomography Lubitel 166+ 35mm/Medium Format Twin Lens Reflex (TLR) Camera with Built-in 75mm f/4.5 Lens:
[...] this one is often compromised by shoddy assembly.Who knows-- yours might load film or it might not.It's a gamble, and at [$], a very expensive gamble.I returned mine and got a Seagull instead, which has been functioning very well.
Pros
- Reliable Operation
Cons
- Dim Viewing Prism
Best Uses
- Fun
Comments about Lomography Lubitel 166+ 35mm/Medium Format Twin Lens Reflex (TLR) Camera with Built-in 75mm f/4.5 Lens:
I have this camera since a long time ago. A nice, simple and reasonably sharp lens when stopped down. But not for this price tag ! Buy a second hand one from you know what website.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Travel
Comments about Lomography Lubitel 166+ 35mm/Medium Format Twin Lens Reflex (TLR) Camera with Built-in 75mm f/4.5 Lens:
This a great TLR 120 camera. It is a must buy if you like shooting film and you like low-fi cameras.
Buy it now!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Lomography Lubitel 166+ 35mm/Medium Format Twin Lens Reflex (TLR) Camera with Built-in 75mm f/4.5 Lens:
I remember this one from the old times. It was fantastic beginner's camera. For its price. For sure I had one. It was about [$] equivalent at the time and many enthusiasts and students would buy one to try the medium format.What I am surprised of, is the price tag - probably Lubitel 166+ has a better build quality than the classical one, but I doubt, or, there are only few medium format camera makers left, therefore the premium..I wouldn't mind buying one, but not for that price!
Pros
- Durable
- Good Value
- High Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Outside shots
Comments about Lomography Lubitel 166+ 35mm/Medium Format Twin Lens Reflex (TLR) Camera with Built-in 75mm f/4.5 Lens:
This multi-format gem is a ghost from the past who is most welcomed in our home. Just the handling and aesthetics of this camera make it something you'll wanna pass along to your kin for ages!
The viewfinder is sweet and the choice of film to shoot is the added bonus. You can't go wrong with the Lubitel!
Displaying reviews 1-8
Film
- Price: $10.95
Cases & Straps
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- Original: $13.79
- Save: $1.38
- Price: $12.41
What's in the Box
- Lubikin 35mm Conversion Kit
- 6 x 4.5 Mask
- Endless Panorama Mask
- Neckstrap
- 3 x Lomography B&W 100 Film
- 3 x Lomography Redscale Film
- 1-Year Warranty
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