Film Photography

Back in the USSR

A few months ago I took possession of an old camera (a Lubitel 2) of dubious heritage. A skip was mentioned. It looked OK, but then I took it from its case and saw the bottom was in pieces. Never mind. Into the ‘drawer of doom’ with it.


Then, a couple of weeks ago I am browsing round the Lomography website pondering a new avenue of photography when I see the Lubitel 166B. Hmm, I like it. Hmm, name rings a bell… [rummage] I already have one!


So, I get to work with gaffer tape and fix it’s bottom. Decipher the inpenetrable instructions which are a literal translation from the Russian (would be quite amusing if not so necessary). Load it with film and take myself to the beach to test it out.


Everything about it is manual, there’s no light meter so lots of guesswork and calculating is required. It’s a twin lens reflex so involves looking down onto a large viewfinder in order to frame and focus the shots. Twelve shots later I’m at the phot lab and crossing my fingers. I’m not sure if it was the finger crossing or gaffer tape that did the trick but they all came out and I love the way they look.


The lighting is gorgeous and I’m impressed by the sharpness and depth of field. This one is my absolute favourite…


I’ve ordered lots more medium format film and can’t wait to shoot some more!

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5 Comments

  • Reply
    J.G.
    29 April 2009 at 02:35

    I don’t know snap about photography but this one has such, what’s the word? Personality!

  • Reply
    jen jafarzadeh
    3 May 2009 at 03:40

    your photos are gorgeous! makes me want to run out and pick up that camera — i remember seeing it at the lomography booth at gift show. your last pic is my favorite!

  • Reply
    kelly
    3 May 2009 at 19:59

    These shots are are beautiful. I recently bought a Diana camera from Lomography but haven’t tried it out yet. Now i’m inspired!
    Looking forward to seeing more of your shots in class. (unravelling)

  • Reply
    Liz
    3 May 2009 at 23:46

    Oh, how totally gorgeous these are… I have on one of my endless lists, kind of like notes to self, one one line Lomography…. and now seeing your amazing images, I need to go back and look at that note, and perhaps do a little follow up-ness.

  • Reply
    Angie
    4 May 2009 at 00:48

    Thanks for all your lovely comments – I can thoroughly recommend getting to grips with a vintage camera such as this. They make you stop and think about composition and technically about your settings, both of which have to be a good thing!

  • Leave a Reply to Angie Cancel Reply