Lubitel 166
In 1984 the Lomo company introduced the new model of the Lubitel 166, the Universal or 166U.
Universal because it could shoot 14 square 6X4.5 cm or 12 rectangular 6X6 from 120 film. Prior versions were limited to 6X6. This magical transformation was achieved by inserting a plastic frame for the smaller 6X4.5. My camera did not come with an insert and I would guess that most have been lost over the years. But 6X6 works great.
LOMO is the company that gave us the LC-A and inspired the Lomography movements. The Lubitel 166U fits that image and shooting style. Lubitel is Russian for “amateur” but that does not make this a toy camera. It is plastic, low cost, limited functionality and control, but very capable. This is not a Holga TLR. This has a glass lens that gives decent images.
The 166U is a TLR with focus capability. The shutter speeds and aperture are adjustable but limited. The materials are definitely consumer grade but get the job done. The 166U is the refinement of several TLR cameras in the Lubitel line that date back to the 1950s and are based on other TLRs that date back even earlier. So this is not a cutting edge camera. But is was not intended to be anything but an affordable amateur TLR.
My Take:
Want to try a TLR camera but don’t want to settle for a Holga type TLR? What to try a TLR but don’t want to pay for a Rolliflex or even a Yashica-A? The 166U may be for you.
I have limited TLR experience. I have shot the Yashica-A and the Minolta Autocord but not on a regular basis. So everytime I pick up a TLR, I need to adjust and re-learn. The 166U was not of the quality of the Yashica or the Minolta but was also not of the cost. In comparison it felt lacking but that also does not feel like a fair comparison.
Should you get one? Not sure how to answer this. If you told me you have never had pasta and your only chance to try it was a can of spaghetti, should you try? Maybe, because you may decide that this is great and I want to try more and when you finally get that chance to eat fresh pasta prepared by a talented cook, you will truly appreciate the experience. Or, you may try it and say “this sucks, I hate pasta” and miss out on trying the good stuff. The Lubitel 166U is a bit like a can of spaghetti, not as good a some, but could give you a taste for more. Consume at your own risk. (Avoid the canned spaghetti, maybe try the 166U)
Lens: Lomo T-22 75mm f4.5
Film: Ultrafine Extreme 100