The LUBITEL 166u and The Case of the Sticky Shutter

It is painful joy testing a newly acquired vintage camera to discover that its quirky goodness is tainted by a mechanical defect. Such is the case with "new to me" 1980s model Lubitel 166u 6x6 Lomo camera.

I “got it” on e-bay for a very reasonable $35.us only to discover that the shutter “sticks” at 1/30th second (and below). Bummer...since it was advertised as “shutter works all speeds.”

The Lubitel 166U was made by Lomo in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), Russia. I suspect that the model I own was made sometime in the 1980s. Lens says Made in the USSR.

It's plastic, lightweight and almost impossible to focus. I repeat…Impossible to Focus. So, I guessed the focal distance and used the top viewfinder to compose my shots only. Once I got past the focus issue, it was smooth sailing.

I’m pleased with the shots. Damn that sticky shutter though! (Trying to return to the e-bay seller…will keep you posted).


Rudy's Bar & Grill
"A New York City Landmark. Cheap Booze & Free Hot Dogs!" so says a newspaper review taped to the window.


Two Boots Pizza - Hell's Kitchen
New York's famous (and delicious) Two Boots Pizza recently opened a store on 9th Avenue in Hell's Kitchen (NYC). Unknown man maniacally grins as he looks in.


Coffee Break!
That sticky shutter at 1/30thsec (and flash) delivered this COFFEE nightmare!
Pictured: Jeff Faoro at my Pop Cinema Studio

All images © 2010 Michael L. Raso

Lubitel 166u image
shot using Rolleicord III camera
Kodak Portra 100 Tungsten 120 film
(film expired 10/2001 – cold stored).

All additional shots using the Lubitel 166 Universal camera with Kodak Portra 400nc 120 film
(film expired 6/2006 – cold stored).

I host the Film Photography Internet Radio Show
With pals Duane Polcou and John Fedele
www.filmphotographypodcast.com/

Film Photography Podcast Flickr Group
www.flickr.com/groups/filmphotographypodcast/

e-mail me at MichaelRaso@ymail.com