The Lubitel 166U (Universal) is a twin lens reflex camera. It was produced from 1983 to 1996. It is the successor of the Lubitel 166B and the last model of the Lubitel family.
The lens of the Lubitel 166U cannot be interchanged. The focal length of the lens is 75 mm and the maximum aperture is f/4.5. The name from the maker for the lens is “Triplet-22”. You have to focus the lens by hand. The medium format camera does not have an autofocus function.
The exposure must be measured externally. The medium format camera does not have a built-in exposure meter. The aperture and shutter speed can be individually configured.
Bulb mode is available 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 PC flash socket.
Films for the Lubitel 166U
The Lubitel 166U uses 120 film. There are still some manufacturers who produce new films for the camera. One way to get color images is the Lomography Color Negative 100 120* and the Kodak TRI-X 400* for black-and-white photos.
The negatives are created in 6×6 format. With this picture format, there is already a film change after twelve shots necessary. The photographer must manually wind to the next image.
One of the outstanding features of this camera is the ability to mount it on a tripod, which increases stability and offers the possibility of using longer exposure times. The camera also has a thread for a cable release, which allows the user to release the image without touching the camera, which is particularly useful for avoiding camera shake. In addition, there is also a self-timer that allows the photographer to take selfies or group photos without the need for a third person.
The Lubitel 166U is also a purely mechanical camera, which means that it does not need batteries or 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 | PC-Flash |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | Not necessary |
| End of production | 1996 |
| Production duration | 13 years |
FAQ about the Lubitel 166U
Is the Lubitel 166U a difficult camera to use for beginners?
While it's a manual camera, the Lubitel 166U is relatively straightforward. You manually focus and adjust settings, but the mechanics are simple once you understand them. Many find its simplicity charming.
What kind of film does this twin-lens reflex camera take?
The Lubitel 166U uses 120 film, which is readily available from various manufacturers. This film produces 6x6cm negatives, meaning you get twelve exposures per roll.
Does the camera have autofocus or a light meter?
No, the Lubitel 166U is a completely manual camera. It has no autofocus or built-in light meter; you'll need to use an external light meter to determine proper exposure settings.
Can I use a flash with this old camera?
Yes, the Lubitel 166U has a PC flash sync socket, allowing you to connect and use an external flash. This is helpful in low-light situations.
How do I take long exposure photos with the device?
The Lubitel 166U has a bulb mode. In bulb mode, the shutter stays open as long as you hold down the shutter release button, allowing for long exposures. A tripod is recommended for this.