Lubitel 166 Universal: Budget TLR Review

Lubitel is a Soviet-era TLR that offers a cheap introduction to medium format photography. In this review, we'll highlight its strengths and weaknesses, along with essential tips to help you make the most of this iconic camera if you decide to try one out for yourself.

A Brief History

The LOMO company was founded in 1914 in Petrograd (now Saint Petersburg). In 1946, the first Lomo Lubitel camera was created in Leningrad. The design is based on the early 1930s Voigtländer Brillant. With a twin-lens design (one lens for viewing the scene and one for capturing it) and plastic body, this fully manual and inexpensive medium format camera put high-quality images within the reach of the Soviet public. Its name, meaning “Amateur” in Russian, reflected its simplicity.

Production continued all the way into the 1990s, with several models introduced. These were:

Komsomolets "Young Communist": 1946-1950 First Soviet TLR camera.
Lubitel: 1949-1956 Introduced coupled lenses for synchronised focusing. Bakelite plastic construction.
Lubitel 2: 1955-1980 Enhanced version of Lubitel with self-timer and flash sync.
Lubitel 166: 1976-1986 Shifted to modern plastics with a film counter and better mechanics. Notable collectible version for 1980 Moscow Olympics.
Lubitel 166B: 1980-1990 Simplified Lubitel 166 without film counter but added weather symbols for easier exposure settings.
Lubitel 166 Universal: 1983-1993 The final model made by LOMO with dual format masks (6x6cm and 6x4.5cm), fairly similar to the 166B.
Lubitel-166+: 2008- (manufactured by Lomographic Society)

Features and specifications

Film Type: 120 film

Frame Sizes: 6x6 cm or 6x4.5 cm

Lens: 75 mm f/4.5 triplet lens

Shutter: ZT-8 leaf shutter, manually cocked

Shutter Speeds: B, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250 sec

Aperture Range: f/4.5 – f/22

Focal Range: 1.3 m – infinity

Flash Synchronisation: PC cord connection; X-sync at all speeds, M-sync at 1/15 & B

Self-Timer: Mechanical, 7 - 15 seconds

Film Transport: Manual, operated via a knob on the right side

Dimensions: 126 mm (H) x 98 mm (W) x 95 mm (D)

Weight: 550 grams

Connections: Cold shoe for accessories + PC sync port

Tripod Socket: 1/4"

Multiple Exposure Capability: Yes (no controls required)

Aesthetics and Build Quality

The Lubitel captures the classic aesthetic of TLR cameras, featuring prominent twin lenses and a waist-level viewfinder that will appeal to both film enthusiasts and newcomers. Where it differs is its no-frills design. Unlike higher-end medium format cameras the Lubitel lacks decorative trim, presenting a straightforward, boxy appearance with only the essentials for photography.

Made primarily of plastic, the Lubitel is lightweight and easy to handle. Despite its plastic body, it feels solid, and the use of metal in its viewfinder and mechanical components adds to its durability. The high availability of these cameras on the market today is a testament to their robust construction. More on their reliability later.

Layout and Controls

The shutter speed, aperture, timer, and focusing controls are all located around the lens on the front of the camera. If you're transitioning from an SLR or DSLR, these controls may take some time to get used to. However, when shooting at waist height, cocking the shutter and pressing the release button becomes practical and minimises camera shake.

The shooting process with the Lubitel is generally slower than with modern cameras or even film SLRs, especially since you have to hold the camera at an angle to see which aperture or shutter speed you are selecting.

On the back of the Lubitel, you'll find a latch to lock the camera shut after inserting the film, as well as a window that shows the current photo number when winding the film. The camera can accommodate both 6x6 and 6x4.5 film formats with the use of a mask that covers the exposed film—these can be hard to find if not included with your camera.

Alongside the main controls, the right side of the camera features the film advance winder, while the left side features a cold shoe. Additionally, there is a threaded tripod mount located on the bottom of the camera.

Focusing and Shooting

Focusing with the Lubitel can be a bit challenging since it relies on a small circular area of ground glass to achieve accurate focus. LOMO seems to have anticipated this difficulty, as they included a built-in magnifying glass in the viewfinder to help you get a clearer image.

Capturing spontaneous moments can be tricky with this camera. I found that estimating the distance to your subject and then checking through the magnifying glass is the most effective way to focus. This method contributes to the slow, deliberate process required when using the Lubitel.

While zone focusing can allow for quicker shots, the high cost of 120 film makes me hesitant to risk missing too many photos. This, and the reversed image in the viewfinder which is typical of TLRs, makes patience key when using the 166 Universal.

Reliability

While it may not be as reliable as digital or higher-end film cameras, the Lubitel is generally considered a reliable camera. However, you might encounter variations in quality from unit to unit, often due to differences in manufacturing, age, and the inconsistent quality control typical of many Soviet cameras.

Thanks to its straightforward design, there is less that can go wrong, but there are still some things to look out for. As with many older cameras, the shutter speeds can become less accurate over time; with my model, the shutter performed well until reaching speeds of 1/15 sec or slower. Timers are also frequently the first part of the camera to fail, so should be avoided if possible, as a fault can effectively kill the camera. Another concern is the possibility of misalignment between the two lenses, which can affect focusing.

Mechanical degradation due to age is particularly common in cameras that have been stored unused for long periods of time. Unfortunately, due to the low value and high availability of Lubitel cameras, finding a repair may not be economically viable, making replacement a more cost-effective option.

Price

Depending on condition and the included accessories, prices for the Lubitel 166 Universal typically range from £60 to £100 on auction sites. Given their long production run, you shouldn't have trouble finding a working example, and with patience, you can score a good deal online.

When shopping, ensure you only purchase from highly rated sellers or opt for reputable used camera shops that offer warranties.

Before making a purchase, consider other TLR cameras. The Lubitel does tend to be the cheapest in its class, but spending a little more will provide higher build quality, easier focusing, and sharper photos.

Possible options include:

Yashica Mat
Minolta Autocord
Yashica C or D

Lens and Image Quality

The Lubitel 166 Universal features a three-element 75mm F4.5 lens.

While not known for their image quality, Lubitels can achieve excellent results when the lens is stopped down, but, as with any three-element lens, the results will be soft by today's standards at larger apertures. There is also fairly prominent vignetting with wide apertures.

Click here for sample photos

Conclusion

While Lubitels are often considered "toy cameras" due to their low price and plastic construction, I think this is underselling them. With fully manual controls and a glass lens, the Lubitel is able to take high-quality photos when the settings and conditions are right. But, if pixel peeping is your thing, you may want to look elsewhere when purchasing a medium format camera.

Whether you're a seasoned film enthusiast or a curious newcomer, the Lubitel offers an affordable entry into medium format photography. If you appreciate its quirks and embrace the learning curve, you may find that it not only enhances your photography skills but also deepens your appreciation for the art of film.