Lubitel Lover

If you’ve taken the time to delete the /goodtime from this site address, you might have noticed that I have a small collection of photographs that I’ve taken over the years. I think it’s safe to say that I have a photography hobby (I only have about 10 different cameras!), and I’ve become increasingly interested in using film and experimenting with older cameras. The main film camera I use is a Holga FN (I like experimenting using 35mm, I love shooting so you see the sprocket holes!), and more recently with an LC-A. I’ve looking to expand my range and manual photographic abilities, and I think I’ve found a camera that will help me out with that!

A couple weeks ago when New York had its first lovely spring weather weekend, I was able to go to the Lomography store and borrow a Lubitel 166+ for a day! It’s the new version of an older twin lens reflex camera made in Russia as far back as 1946. What’s great and new about this version of the camera (compared to its original predecessor) is its ability to be able to use medium format or regular 35mm film, and you can also rewind back to any shot on the roll and take a double exposure! Developing medium format film is pretty expensive, so it’s nice having the option of using 35mm film instead.

Normally I am pretty precious with my film and don’t like to be forced to take photos, but since I was only borrowing it for a day I had to be fast! Even under pressure I was able to get some pretty nice photos and double exposures! Though I’m a little upset about two photos that I took that didn’t come out as I had hoped (the one downside to film!). I hardly ever take photos of people (outside of concert photography), but I asked two random people if I could take their photos. With the afternoon light and the guy’s bright pink shirt in front of a dark background I was excited to see how it came out. But somehow I pressed the shutter when I crossed the street, since there’s a huge truck in the middle of the photo! I’m not sure what happened, but in this case it wasn’t a happy mistake :(

This photo made Flickr’s Explored!

Aside from that, I liked the fact that a lot of people stopped me on the street or on the subway asking me about the camera, since it looks so odd to what we’re used to, and you also look through it from the top! But I liked that and being able to chat about something I like with people on the street :) I’m looking into buying one of the original Lubitels on eBay (since I can’t afford this newer version), so hopefully in the not-too-distant future I shall have more Lubitel photos to share with you!