The Lubitel 166 is a twin lens reflex camera. It was built by GOMZ / Lomo from 1976 to 1981. This model is the successor of the Lubitel 2 and the predecessor of the Lubitel 166B. The biggest changes to Lubitel 2 are the changed design and the added Hot Shoe.
The camera comes with a fixed lens. The focal length of the lens is 75 mm and the maximum aperture is f/4.5. The lens is labeled with the Name “Triplet-22”. You have to focus the lens manually.
The exposure must be measured externally. The medium format camera does not have an built-in exposure meter. The aperture and shutter speed can be freely selected by the photographer.
The Lubitel 166 has a bulb mode, for example for long exposures. With the Bulb setting, it stays open as long as the photographer holds the shutter button down. An external flash can be used via the hot shoe or PC flash port.
Films for the Lubitel 166
The Lubitel 166 exposes 120 medium format film. There are still some manufacturers who produce new films for the camera. Two great films for the medium format camera are the Kodak Portra 160* and the Kodak TRI-X 400*. Both can be used to take beautiful color or black and white pictures.
The exposure area of the Lubitel 166 is square (6×6). Twelve is the number of possible images per film at this size. The photographer has to rewind the film manually.
The Lubitel 166 has a built-in self-timer. It also comes with a thread for a cable release and tripod. There is no need for electricity to take pictures.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Twin-lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 120 |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 60 mm x 60 mm |
| Focal length | 75 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/4.5 |
| Focus | Manual |
| Viewfinder | Waist-level finder |
| Exposure times | 1/250 second to 1/15 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe, PC-Flash |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | Not necessary |
| Country of production | Soviet Union (USSR) |
| End of production | 1981 |
| Production duration | 5 years |
| Estimated value / Used price | 90,05 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 56 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 85,78 Euro (92.00 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 93,58 Euro (100.66 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 99,81 Euro (107.16 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Lubitel 166
What kind of lens does this twin-lens reflex camera have?
It has a fixed lens, a 75mm Triplet-22, with a maximum aperture of f/4.5. You have to focus it manually, there's no autofocus.
How do I meter the light for the pictures?
This camera doesn't have a built-in light meter. You need to use an external light meter to determine the correct exposure settings.
What type of film does the Lubitel 166 use?
It uses 120 roll film. You can find many different types from various manufacturers like Kodak, Lomography, and Fujifilm.
Can I use a flash with this camera?
Yes, it has a hot shoe and a PC flash sync socket for connecting external flash units. You can use it for added light.
Does the camera have any special features?
It has a bulb mode for long exposures, a self-timer for delayed shots, and a tripod mount. It also doesn't require any batteries.