Throwback Edit Version: I edited this in January 2025, checked the links and converted it to the new WordPress blocks format if needed.

I wanted a Yashica Mat, but I couldn’t afford one. When I did finally get one at a reasonable price it didn’t work. That is the gamble with junk bins sometimes. Actually, not only did it not work, I crashed my car when taking it to a camera repair shop. They said it was beyond repair…the camera, not the car. That was just a brake light. So, I did some research and, given my love of Russian cameras, I decided to get a Lubitel 166B. There is no comparison between the two cameras, but I was happy to try the Lubitel for the price, while I keep looking for other medium-format cameras. (Ignoring the Bronica and Koroll I already have).

As with most Russian cameras, they can be found on eBay in abundance for a reasonable price. This one was clean and everything seemed to work, but the pop-up magnifier which helps with focusing didn’t really do the helping part. I could not see the difference when I tried to focus using it. In the end, I guessed the distance and set the lens to that. To be honest it did look focused in the viewfinder.

The camera was initially produced in 1980, which seems late for a twin-reflex camera. Mine is set to take 6×6 photos, but masks can be inserted for the 6×4.5 format. I have read that the camera is prone to light leaks and the back catch is weak. I found mine to be quite weak and when using it, I was worried it would pop open, but it never did. There are a few Lubitel versions out there. On this website you can find details of this and other versions. Mine was fully mechanical, no batteries needed so I had to use a light meter. The speeds go from 1/15 to 1/250 with a B option, with the aperture going from f4.5 to f22. There is a dial on the side of the camera so you can remember what type of film is inside. That is as technical as it gets. You can find a full manual at butkus.org.

For my first roll, I chose a black and white film, Fuji Acros 100 (I think), meaning I could develop it myself.

I really like the photo of my dad’s chair…he is alive right now, but it is still poignant. As you only get a few photos from a roll I tried another film, this time colour.

Using the camera by guessing only is tricky, as you can see by the out-of-focus shots. Maybe I just need to practice…or a Yashica Mat or Mamiya. But I do like the quality the shots have and I do like using the camera. Unless I can compare it to one of the more expensive versions of this type of camera I cannot comment on how much better they are. For me, this one is fine and fun.

I am keeping this until I get a better one…..I got a better one so, sold.