Lubitel 166U - First Shots

Printed from: USSRPhoto Forums

Topic URL: http://localhost:8088/modern/Forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2857

Printed on: 5/7/2026 2:42:54 PM

Topic

Topic author: DcAnalogue

Posted on: 20150531101745

Hi,
I recently bought a nice (it seems new) Lubitel 166U. Very happy with the results.
I'll post a couple of shots here and you can see more in my Blog: https://thefilmrenaissance.wordpress.com/2015/05/28/lubitel-166u-first-test/

Hope you'll enjoy it! [:)][:)]

http://www.ussrphoto.com/resize/resize_image.aspx?ImgWd=800&IptFl=/UserContent/3152015_001_Lubitel166U_Hp5_001.jpg

http://www.ussrphoto.com/UserContent/3152015_001_Lubitel166U_Hp5_001.jpg

http://www.ussrphoto.com/resize/resize_image.aspx?ImgWd=800&IptFl=/UserContent/3152015_001_Lubitel166U_Hp5_005.jpg

http://www.ussrphoto.com/UserContent/3152015_001_Lubitel166U_Hp5_005.jpg

Soviet Cams:
35 mm - Kiev 4, Zorky 4K
120: Moskva 5, Lubitel 166U
L.F. - Fotokor 1

My Film Photography Blog: https://thefilmrenaissance.wordpress.com/

Replies

Reply author: Will

Replied on: 20150604060920

Very nice blog [:)]

Reply author: DcAnalogue

Replied on: 20150604061840

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Will
 Very nice blog [:)]
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Thank you Will! Happy you like it! [:)]

Soviet Cams:
35 mm - Kiev 4, Zorky 4K
120: Moskva 5, Lubitel 166U
L.F. - Fotokor 1

My Film Photography Blog: https://thefilmrenaissance.wordpress.com/

Reply author: Jacques M.

Replied on: 20150604080550

Nice blog and nice shots.
I am particularly impressed by the sqare format. I will try that with a friend's camera. Not so easy, I think, whereas is seems natural when seeing your photos...

Congrats! Jacques.

Reply author: DcAnalogue

Replied on: 20150604101711

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Jacques M.
 
Nice blog and nice shots.
I am particularly impressed by the sqare format. I will try that with a friend's camera. Not so easy, I think, whereas is seems natural when seeing your photos...

Congrats! Jacques.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Thanks Jacques! [:)]
The square format is as nice as the rectangular ones. Some people loves it unconditionally, while others doesn't find themselves confortable with it.

I like both, and can't decide which is better for me.

If you wanna try it, first try with a rangefinder or a folding... because, if you use a tlr (e.g. rolleiflex, lubitel etc.) you introduce the mirrored view of the finder, so introducing another variable which can affect your judgment. [;)]

Soviet Cams:
35 mm - Kiev 4, Zorky 4K
120: Moskva 5, Lubitel 166U
L.F. - Fotokor 1

My Film Photography Blog: https://thefilmrenaissance.wordpress.com/

Reply author: Will

Replied on: 20150604111439

I use and like the square format , not FSU cameras but a Zeiss Ikon Nettar and Yashica D.

When I'm in the mood to take my time I particularly like the folder.

Will

Reply author: DcAnalogue

Replied on: 20150604140259

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Will
 I use and like the square format , not FSU cameras but a Zeiss Ikon Nettar and Yashica D.

When I'm in the mood to take my time I particularly like the folder.

Will
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I like folders too.... or better, I'm really in love with folders!!! [:D]
I have Zeiss Ikonta 521/2 (6X9), Zeiss Super Ikonta 532/16 (6X6), 2x Zeiss Nettar 515 (6x4,5), Rheinmetall Weltax (6x6), Agfa Isolette III (6x6), Moskva 5 (bi-format).... and now I got A Zeiss Ica Trona (9x12) & a Fotokor 1 (Soviet... 9x12... not arrived yet [:(] )

You said the right words: "take my time"..... [:)]

Soviet Cams:
35 mm - Kiev 4, Zorky 4K
120: Moskva 5, Lubitel 166U
L.F. - Fotokor 1

My Film Photography Blog: https://thefilmrenaissance.wordpress.com/

Reply author: Lenny

Replied on: 20150604154956

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by DcAnalogue
 
I have Zeiss Ikonta 521/2 (6X9), Zeiss Super Ikonta 532/16 (6X6), 2x Zeiss Nettar 515 (6x4,5), Rheinmetall Weltax (6x6), Agfa Isolette III (6x6), Moskva 5 (bi-format).... and now I got A Zeiss Ica Trona (9x12) & a Fotokor 1 Soviet 9x12
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

That's great Donato,
and since you are shooting with them and really use them, which one do you like most and which one is not so high in your ranking?
Since you also have a Rolleiflex, do you like it much more than the Lubitel?
Thanks Lenny

Reply author: DcAnalogue

Replied on: 20150604163946

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Lenny
 <blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by DcAnalogue
 
I have Zeiss Ikonta 521/2 (6X9), Zeiss Super Ikonta 532/16 (6X6), 2x Zeiss Nettar 515 (6x4,5), Rheinmetall Weltax (6x6), Agfa Isolette III (6x6), Moskva 5 (bi-format).... and now I got A Zeiss Ica Trona (9x12) & a Fotokor 1 Soviet 9x12
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

That's great Donato,
and since you are shooting with them and really use them, which one do you like most and which one is not so high in your ranking?
Since you also have a Rolleiflex, do you like it much more than the Lubitel?
Thanks Lenny
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Hi Lenny!

Yes, I really use all my cameras (these are not for display)! Just I have too much cameras and less time/places to go and shot before I buy a new one [:D]
I love all of them and each has her own caracter. Of course, the results are different but we must consider the price/quality ratio. Until now, one of the best seems to me the Agfa Isolette III (despite she's the Apotar lens instead of more high valued Solinar). It's very compact, well made, has a (uncoupled) rangefinder and makes very crisp images.

Regarding Rolleiflex Vs Lubitel... isn't impossible to compare! Rolleiflex costs more than ten times the second! Mechanical & optical manifacturing are the State of the Art of photography... but the Lubitel does its work well, is lightweight and easy to use.

Btw. I love cameras, love to collect some of these "oldies" and to play with but we must never forget that behind a camera there's always someone who takes the "real" shot....! [:)]

Soviet Cams:
35 mm - Kiev 4, Zorky 4K
120: Moskva 5, Lubitel 166U
L.F. - Fotokor 1

My Film Photography Blog: https://thefilmrenaissance.wordpress.com/

Reply author: Will

Replied on: 20150605014538

A very nice collection of folders, you now need to add an Iskra [:)]

Will

Reply author: DcAnalogue

Replied on: 20150605015551

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Will
 A very nice collection of folders, you now need to add an Iskra [:)]

Will
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

You're right! I have to find a working one not too expensive! [:D]

Soviet Cams:
35 mm - Kiev 4, Zorky 4K - Lomo Voskod
120: Moskva 5, Lubitel 166U
L.F. - Fotokor 1

My Film Photography Blog: https://thefilmrenaissance.wordpress.com/

Reply author: Lenny

Replied on: 20150605050541

Hi Donato,
since you have two Zeiss Ikon Nettar 515 I searched little bit for more information and found the Zeiss Ikonta A521 which also has the 4,5x6 format and this Ikonta is smaller than a Zorki-C. Amazing.

So which russian camera is the counterpart in 4,5x6 format?

Reply author: DcAnalogue

Replied on: 20150605124515

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Lenny
 Hi Donato,
since you have two Zeiss Ikon Nettar 515 I searched little bit for more information and found the Zeiss Ikonta A521 which also has the 4,5x6 format and this Ikonta is smaller than a Zorki-C. Amazing.

So which russian camera is the counterpart in 4,5x6 format?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Hi Lenny,

The Zeiss A 521/0 seems the natural evolution of Nettar 515. It has a better shutter (1/300 Vs 1/175) and more or less the same lens. If it works and don't costs much.... buy it and enjoy! [:D]
(Btw.... Be careful, because A 521/16 is 6X6 and A 521/2 is 6X9)

I don't know about a russian counterpart. I'll try to know something more from my more experienced contacts [:)]

Edit: The DDR's Rheinmetall Weltax (I own one) had a mask for 6X4,5... but it's hard to find nowadays.

Soviet Cams:
35 mm - Kiev 4, Zorky 4K - Lomo Voskod
120: Moskva 5, Lubitel 166U
L.F. - Fotokor 1

My Film Photography Blog: https://thefilmrenaissance.wordpress.com/

Reply author: Lenny

Replied on: 20150605211128

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by DcAnalogue
 I don't know about a russian counterpart.

Edit: The DDR's Rheinmetall Weltax (I own one) had a mask for 6X4,5... but it's hard to find nowadays.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Hi Donato,

it's not only to be capable to shoot 4,5x6 for me, but to do it at this size is unbelievable.

There is no russian counterpart, only the Moskvas and Iskras with 6x6. I don't think the Estafetas from MMZ are good.

Thanks Lenny

Reply author: DcAnalogue

Replied on: 20150606053412

Btw. There is also a Chinese one: The Seagull 203. It's a bi-format camera which hasn't a removable mask but an internal system to chose the format (6x6 or 6x4,5)

Soviet Cams:
35 mm - Kiev 4, Zorky 4K - Lomo Voskod
120: Moskva 5, Lubitel 166U
L.F. - Fotokor 1

My Film Photography Blog: https://thefilmrenaissance.wordpress.com/