Perhaps you've acquired your Russian-made Lubitel for it was the least expensive way to enter the medium format arena, or perhaps you couldn't quite force yourself low enough to try a Holga or Diana? Whatever your reasoning, you've got a camera with lots of possibilities....very simple, yet with enough controls at your fingertips to satisfy most photographic technophiles.

So why, you ask, is this Lubitel being mentioned on the GAK site, a site flaunting to the adoring public the virtues of total plasticdom? The reason is, from my perspective anyway, that this camera is an extremely versatile piece of photographic equipment! Yes, it's close to being disavowed by some plastic users, for they claim it's too good with it's glass optics and normal range of camera controls. But we can work around these minor details, enjoy some of it's value-added features, and still prove that these images belong in the toy catagory. After all, the Lubi leaks light too, and film sometimes finds an interesting path to the take-up reel. This is still a toy camera.

I've ignored my Lubi's for nearly a year now to concentrate on the joys of the Holga, and it's hard to put it down. But I think over the next 6 months it's time to rediscover these unique cameras, and I'll post some items from time to time that you may be able to use if you're just starting out. At least 5 other GAK folks are Lubitel owners, so I'm looking forward to their contributions, too! Also check excellant existing sources of information regarding the Lubitel, such as Andrew Davidhazy's site describing the alteration of the Lubitel for panoramic photography. Check out David Gingold's site with useful Lubi tips, and Mark Berry's page that outlines some of the history of the Lubitel.
 
Let's look at a few issues that may come up for a new Lubitel owner....

Everything's backwards!!! If you've never used a camera with a waist-level viewfinder before, this can be somewhat confusing at first. Take your time, you'll get used to it. It makes composing the photo a challenge, but look at it this way...it will actually slow you down, and force you to concentrate on what you are including in your photograph. Consider this: it may improve your composition!

How do I know if this is focused? Well, the trick is not to believe the crisp, clear portion of the viewfinder! This is for composing your photo only. The dingy circle in the middle is what you must concentrate on. Once you accomplish this ability to accurately determine focus, it is a distinct advantage over the Diana and Holga. Be prepared to be chastised by a few toy-camera users for cheating.

What about film choices? Unlike the Diana or Holga, your Lubi has a variable shutter speed (bulb to 1/250 sec) and a wider range of aperatures (f/4.5 to f/22). This offers you a far greater range of film choices to play with, but if you'd like to get a unique look to your photos, try leaning toward slower films (ISO 50-100) in order to shoot at maximum aperature. Readily available are Kodak's Verichrome Pan and TMax 100, Ilford's Delta 100 and Pan F Plus. Shooting at f/4.5 gives your images a look that mimics the optics used 100 years ago. I'll post some images illustrating the Lubitels optical characteristics soon, but first, let's compare images between a Diana, Holga, and Lubitel (see sidebar). Note that while the Diana, Holga, and Lubitel have virtually the same focal length lens, the Diana captures a smaller part of the scene, for the image opening is only 4 cm square, rather than 6cm square with the Holga and Lubitel. The reason the Holga frame is not square is the tape I've placed inside to help minimize light flare (see Harv's tips). Also, keep in mind that there is a great deal of lens variation within each type of camera. If you have more than one of any of these cameras for instance, they may never see the same scene alike!

Which format should I use? Well, that's up to you to determine whether to use the 6 x 4.5 insert or the stock 6 x 6 format. But, I will say this.....aren't you sick and tired of almost everything you see being in that 2:3 rectangular format? Give the square format a try, it's refreshing whether you're used to shooting a rectangular format already, or just starting out.

Remember, like any film using paper-backed 120 film, your best bet to minimize fogging the film is to load carefully in subdued light, or better yet, in a changing bag or darkroom.

Can I make my shots look more like the Diana or Holga? Why? Get a Holga, or a Diana, they're a blast! Seriously, you can do a few things to tone down the sharp look to your photos. Again, try doing what you can to shoot at f/4.5. You can also get an inexpensive UV filter, and coat it with a very light coat of vaseline. Leave the center portion of the filter uncoated, and experiment from there. You can wipe off and redistribute the vaseline coating to your satisfaction. You can get an idea of the effect by holding the filter in front of your focusing lens (the upper one), but your developed film will give you a more accurate test.

I've also changed the look of my Lubitel shots by exposing film under the following conditions: shooting underwater....shooting while swing dancing....shooting while chasing down a Diana user after trying to put chewing gum on my lens (he didn't know which of the lenses to put it on.....HA!)....shooting while running from a freight train....shooting while running from the Diana owner after he realized he outweighed me by 40 pounds.