Lubitel 166 Universal Review : The Canny Man’s TLR

Soviet manufacturer Lomo is best known these days for the LC-A that arguably launched the whole Lomography movement. But they produced a range of other cameras which have some cachet including the Lubitel series of Twin Lens Reflex Cameras. Infact the Lubitel lives on in manufacture these days with the LSI produced 166+. Now this will set you back almost 300 GBP for which isn’t really an option for the Canny photographer. Luckily you can buy its 1980’s predecessor for much less in working order.

Lubitel 166 Universal
Lubitel 166 Universal (166U)

Continue reading Lubitel 166 Universal Review : The Canny Man’s TLR

Halina Paulette Series Review : Vorsprung Hong Kong Technique

These 60’s viewfinder point and shoot cameras drew influences from the German models of the day. But how do they fare as a retro shooter today and compared to their 70’s successors the Halina 2000 & 3000 ?

Prinz Mastermatic III
Prinz Mastermatic III (a rebadged Halina Paulette Electric)

Continue reading Halina Paulette Series Review : Vorsprung Hong Kong Technique

Minolta Hi-matic G Review : Polished but Vanilla P&S

Minolta’s Hi-matic series of compact cameras span more than 20 years of production and were usually rangefinders such as the  well-regarded Hi-matic 7sII. However the series also gave rise to  a few Point & Shoot (P&S) most notably the Hi-matic G launched in 1974.

Minolta Hi-Matic G
Minolta Hi-Matic G 35mm viewfinder camera

Continue reading Minolta Hi-matic G Review : Polished but Vanilla P&S

Yashica Minister III Review : Back to the 60’s in Style

The Minister III is one in a long line of great Rangefinders from Yashica. This beauty in chrome popped up at the start of the 60’s and is good choice for an uncoupled rangefinder of the era

Yashica Minister III
Japanese 35mm rangefinder from the early 1960’s

Continue reading Yashica Minister III Review : Back to the 60’s in Style