If you're considering venturing into 120 film, Go and get one. Now. Follow me on Instagram: @samsonarnettroughley Music by myself samsonarnettroughley.co.uk
Great camera. It is hard to focus using the viewfinder and viewing lens, but if you know what you're doing you can take some amazing photos with it using zone focusing etc. A good place to start is stopping the aperture all the way down and then focusing close to infinity, then adjusting the shutter speed using sunny 16 and the exposure triangle. You can learn more about photography with cameras like this than you can using higher end cameras that hold your hand for you and make things easy.
portraits with this gives you helios m 44-2 swirly bokeh vibes, but you're also getting a full camera and shooting medium format for the same cost. nailed it. love the freddie portraits.
You have to know this camera and love working with it, then everything will work out. Supporting that statement is this video. "TLR Lubitel 2 cameras, Lubitel 166U examples of black and white photos" Thank you for publishing!
This is a great camera. I can say that in the USSR it was considered an entry level for beginners. But I love taking pictures of her. I develop the film and print the photos myself. Only the chemicals are terribly expensive.
Thank you for showing the loading process! My 166B lost one of the lower screws, so the roll won't stay in place while I attach the paper to the takeup reel. I was trying to squeeze the door shut too early. I'm trying an M4x14mm screw soon.
Hi. I have a Lubitel 166 u. It's a fantastic camera. I really have fun with it. And photos are amazing. For me, it's a different philosophy than numeric photography. And more, the camera is cheap, but solid, wellmade. On the other hand, the development and printing of photos can be expensive, if you shoot a lot. But in the end, having your photos in real life is really better than on your computer. Thank you for your video.
Really enjoyed this since I'm thinking about adding a 166b to my collection. It's always great to get a photographer's perspective on the pros and cons. One little correction, though I'm not 100% sure on your camera, but I believe the 166 has only a 1/250 top shutter speed, not 1/500th as you said at 3:45. Let me know if I've gotten that wrong. I appreciate the work that goes into making these videos! Cheers.
@@SamsonArnettRoughley HAAAHA, no worries, I do it all the time on my videos. I just thought maybe I'd missed something. Seriously though, thanks for taking the time to make this. I'm still on the fence about getting one. Not sure it would add anything that my Yashica D doesn't give me, other than another camera that I have to dust. Cheers!
I have one of those, though I haven't shot it for a long while and I don't know if mine still works. My favorite film in it was Provia 100F, routinely between f/8 and f/11 if I remember correctly (adjusting in order to get precise exposure). That combination makes blue skies very interesting because it somewhat darkens the corners.
Just joking, great video fella! I am looking for one of these while I wait to find a good deal on a yashica or a rolleiflex (just like everybody else). You've made a good honest video about the problems to look out for. Nice one!
I bought one for several bucks but not tested yet. It lacks everything I need like light meter, clear viewfinder to get focus and a fast lens but still it should take pictures normally.
Samson, I'm a little puzzled when you say this camera can use 35mm film as there is a little red window which has to be open when winding the film on so that you can see which frame you are on and this actually appears on the "backing paper" of 120 film and 35mm does not have any backing paper so you can never see what frame you are on and having the red window open would fog the film anyway. The "Universal" version can produce 6x6cm and 6x4.5 cm negatives, but you can't use both sizes on the same film as it needs a mask inside the camera.
My frame counter is blocked.... How do I know that I am on the next frame? Is the film wheel calibrated, so when you roll the film and try to get to a new frame, it stops?
No, You can only tell which frame you are on by looking at the backing of the film (through the frame counter). You could possibly salvage the roll by going into a very dark room and removing it from the camera and hand spooling the film back onto the reel. Be careful though and make sure it is tight. Best of luck to you.
It will allow you to roll the whole roll through without stopping you ... You need the frame counter to roll the film onto the next frame accurately. :(
Hi i have the exact same camera found in a thrift store...question: there is no rewind knob at the bottom of the camera or anything like other Lubitel model...how do i rewind the film without exposing everything?
It's a bit late now, but this camera uses 120 film so you don't rewind the film, you just wind it on after photo 12 (when using it for 6x6cm negatives) until after the film has disappeared from the little red window at the back of the camera, then when you open the back of the camera you try and make sure the film doesn't start to unwind before you've wrapped the sticky "exposed" label around the film and then take it out.
My friend it’s a camera from the 40’s and 50’s. You can’t compare it to $3000-$7000 cameras. It’s $40 only, but we can for sure praise the USSR for having a camera in the 50’s as good as this that we are willing to use it today and actually it takes fascinating photos. True or not?
I just got the Russian version of this camera and I’m super excited to start shooting! Edit: if you have the time, can you explain why color film would be wasted on this camera? I love Black and White but I’m wondering why color wouldn’t work well
There’s no problem using colour film in the Lubitel 166. I don’t know why he said he wasn’t going to waste colour negative film with it. Slide film of course needs more accurate exposure so having a good external meter is important but otherwise all ok with colour. The lens is reasonably sharp once stopped down a bit
Just found out your channel and I love the content. I am an analog shooter and also a vlogger. I just have one wish. Watch two videos and I love all things except audio. On this hi-hat sound is just annoying (if you out the volume of the music just a little bit down) and in previous that I've watched (it was when you shoot two girls in the apartment - Lomography 800 and Portra 800 I guess). When you take the picture, the shutter sound was so loud, that hurt me every time you press the shutter. Small tip: before uploading the video listen to it without watching. Otherwise, great content and looking for some more stuff.
The 166 Universal doesn't do 35mm film. There is no provision for that. "Universal" stands only for the multi aspect of 6x4.5 or 6x6 on medium format film only.
Gotta stop the aperture down to get anything 'nice' (although portraits wide open at closest focus come out beaut in my opinion), but still can get some really fun stuff with it. Had a lot of fun carrying it around knowing how little it would cost to replace if I damaged it etc, and how light it is !
You can get one for less than 20 pounds in Poland or the Czech Republic. Anyway, I think crap medium format is still crap and can't compete with a decent 35mm camera.
Great camera. It is hard to focus using the viewfinder and viewing lens, but if you know what you're doing you can take some amazing photos with it using zone focusing etc. A good place to start is stopping the aperture all the way down and then focusing close to infinity, then adjusting the shutter speed using sunny 16 and the exposure triangle. You can learn more about photography with cameras like this than you can using higher end cameras that hold your hand for you and make things easy.
portraits with this gives you helios m 44-2 swirly bokeh vibes, but you're also getting a full camera and shooting medium format for the same cost. nailed it. love the freddie portraits.
helios ❤️ true mate, you can use it if you want
I'm so happy to see people from other countries being excited about soviet cameras
The USSR produced some great cameras (and lenses) for sure! I personally love the Fed, Zorki & Zenit cameras!
You have to know this camera and love working with it, then everything will work out. Supporting that statement is this video. "TLR Lubitel 2 cameras, Lubitel 166U examples of black and white photos"
Thank you for publishing!
absolutely in love with that double exposure!
This is a great camera. I can say that in the USSR it was considered an entry level for beginners. But I love taking pictures of her. I develop the film and print the photos myself. Only the chemicals are terribly expensive.
Thank you for showing the loading process! My 166B lost one of the lower screws, so the roll won't stay in place while I attach the paper to the takeup reel. I was trying to squeeze the door shut too early.
I'm trying an M4x14mm screw soon.
Hi. I have a Lubitel 166 u. It's a fantastic camera. I really have fun with it. And photos are amazing. For me, it's a different philosophy than numeric photography. And more, the camera is cheap, but solid, wellmade. On the other hand, the development and printing of photos can be expensive, if you shoot a lot. But in the end, having your photos in real life is really better than on your computer. Thank you for your video.
I totally agree that the photos must be printed and embodied in real life rather than just be stored on computer.
Thank you. I was thinking of picking up one of these.
No worries, thanks for watching !
Really enjoyed this since I'm thinking about adding a 166b to my collection. It's always great to get a photographer's perspective on the pros and cons. One little correction, though I'm not 100% sure on your camera, but I believe the 166 has only a 1/250 top shutter speed, not 1/500th as you said at 3:45. Let me know if I've gotten that wrong. I appreciate the work that goes into making these videos! Cheers.
Thanks ! (and you're spot on haha I messed up)
@@SamsonArnettRoughley HAAAHA, no worries, I do it all the time on my videos. I just thought maybe I'd missed something. Seriously though, thanks for taking the time to make this. I'm still on the fence about getting one. Not sure it would add anything that my Yashica D doesn't give me, other than another camera that I have to dust. Cheers!
I have one of those, though I haven't shot it for a long while and I don't know if mine still works. My favorite film in it was Provia 100F, routinely between f/8 and f/11 if I remember correctly (adjusting in order to get precise exposure). That combination makes blue skies very interesting because it somewhat darkens the corners.
if you paint the insides of the camera with black matte paint and use a lens hood when shooting, then the quality of the pictures will be better
I've just acquired one for £16 from Ebay. For that price it's worth having a play with it even if I only use it once.
I paid £14.95 for my Lubitel 166 B back in the early 1990s. That was their standard retail price back then
Damn, this viewfinder is bright ! Got my first 120 camera, a Yashica-Mat and my wlvf is so dark and soft
I bought this camera from ebay great budget medium format and Fun to use 👍
Just joking, great video fella! I am looking for one of these while I wait to find a good deal on a yashica or a rolleiflex (just like everybody else). You've made a good honest video about the problems to look out for. Nice one!
Loved this video!
Just got the first roll of Ilford Delta 100 that I shot through my, new to me, Lubitel 2. Surprisingly good photos. Gonna shoot more. Lots more.
great stuff !
Superb music.
How do you get the film developed?
I bought one for several bucks but not tested yet. It lacks everything I need like light meter, clear viewfinder to get focus and a fast lens but still it should take pictures normally.
Samson, I'm a little puzzled when you say this camera can use 35mm film as there is a little red window which has to be open when winding the film on so that you can see which frame you are on and this actually appears on the "backing paper" of 120 film and 35mm does not have any backing paper so you can never see what frame you are on and having the red window open would fog the film anyway. The "Universal" version can produce 6x6cm and 6x4.5 cm negatives, but you can't use both sizes on the same film as it needs a mask inside the camera.
Was it 35mm? Ilford film?
My frame counter is blocked.... How do I know that I am on the next frame?
Is the film wheel calibrated, so when you roll the film and try to get to a new frame, it stops?
No, You can only tell which frame you are on by looking at the backing of the film (through the frame counter). You could possibly salvage the roll by going into a very dark room and removing it from the camera and hand spooling the film back onto the reel. Be careful though and make sure it is tight. Best of luck to you.
It will allow you to roll the whole roll through without stopping you ... You need the frame counter to roll the film onto the next frame accurately. :(
light leak?
Great video dude 😎
thankyou man
Do you need to keep the red window closed while shooting? If yes how do i know that i am on the next frame?
doesn't really matter.. just only open it when you need to move the next frame on and then close when you have found the number.
Hi i have the exact same camera found in a thrift store...question: there is no rewind knob at the bottom of the camera or anything like other Lubitel model...how do i rewind the film without exposing everything?
It's a bit late now, but this camera uses 120 film so you don't rewind the film, you just wind it on after photo 12 (when using it for 6x6cm negatives) until after the film has disappeared from the little red window at the back of the camera, then when you open the back of the camera you try and make sure the film doesn't start to unwind before you've wrapped the sticky "exposed" label around the film and then take it out.
Great insight. I’ve just picked one up and enjoying it. Your insty is lit bro. Just followed you. Cheers 🥂
My friend it’s a camera from the 40’s and 50’s. You can’t compare it to $3000-$7000 cameras. It’s $40 only, but we can for sure praise the USSR for having a camera in the 50’s as good as this that we are willing to use it today and actually it takes fascinating photos. True or not?
Great work man. Loved the video
thankyou mate
I love my Lubitel 2. It surprised me with the quality of photos. And it's fun to shoot and 120 film not 620.
You can pu some oil into the gear, since is squicking.
Subbed.
Ciao!
aweosme vid dude ! keep up the good work brother 😉👍😂😆☝️😫😈
thankyou j o e
@40 These cameras are actually Russian copies of an early 1930's German design, the Agfa Brillant.
I just won a lubitel for about 25 on ebay and i was relooking on buy one nows and they have shot up in price to nearly £80, i think i got a deal ngl
I just got the Russian version of this camera and I’m super excited to start shooting!
Edit: if you have the time, can you explain why color film would be wasted on this camera? I love Black and White but I’m wondering why color wouldn’t work well
There’s no problem using colour film in the Lubitel 166. I don’t know why he said he wasn’t going to waste colour negative film with it. Slide film of course needs more accurate exposure so having a good external meter is important but otherwise all ok with colour. The lens is reasonably sharp once stopped down a bit
Love this. Thank you! I did get a lot out of this ✌🏼
Thankyou ! :)
are the photos retouched ??? good job dude
only slightly on lightroom, editing exposure etc. Thanks man.
Have about 20 ebay tabs open right now and you just sold me on this bad boy
go cop one !
sampson
fredddiiee
Just found out your channel and I love the content. I am an analog shooter and also a vlogger. I just have one wish. Watch two videos and I love all things except audio. On this hi-hat sound is just annoying (if you out the volume of the music just a little bit down) and in previous that I've watched (it was when you shoot two girls in the apartment - Lomography 800 and Portra 800 I guess). When you take the picture, the shutter sound was so loud, that hurt me every time you press the shutter. Small tip: before uploading the video listen to it without watching. Otherwise, great content and looking for some more stuff.
The 166 Universal doesn't do 35mm film. There is no provision for that.
"Universal" stands only for the multi aspect of 6x4.5 or 6x6 on medium format film only.
My mistake. The 166+ models come with a kit that allows you to shoot 35mm through them.
The plus modern is not russian \ not made in the USSR.
It is a modern chinese made "Lomography" (overpriced) product.
I have 166b and I hate it and love it at the same time. Focusing sucks, composing sucks. But i got really nice professional photos using ektar
Gotta stop the aperture down to get anything 'nice' (although portraits wide open at closest focus come out beaut in my opinion), but still can get some really fun stuff with it. Had a lot of fun carrying it around knowing how little it would cost to replace if I damaged it etc, and how light it is !
I sold mine - and sorry I did so now. I didn't use it enough.
In this video you can see how this camera shoots: "TLR Lubitel 2 cameras, Lubitel 166U examples of black and white photos"
You can get one for less than 20 pounds in Poland or the Czech Republic. Anyway, I think crap medium format is still crap and can't compete with a decent 35mm camera.
god damn it man, blink!
Sorry 645
all my homies hate 645.
Its based on a Voigtländer Brilliant and its not based on a soviet design.
bruh from the thumbnail i did NOT expect that kinda accent lmao trppy
from the thumbnail haha ?
Try color film plz
a shout tbf
Haha
I can sell you a new one which has never been used
смарт в помощь
Mate why you got an American flag up but you’re English?
It's just a flag?
In this video you can see how this camera shoots: "TLR Lubitel 2 cameras, Lubitel 166U examples of black and white photos"