Lubitel | Paris, New York, Utah

Last spring, when we were visiting V’s family in Eastern Europe, his brother-in-law let us borrow an old medium format Russian camera: the Lubitel. We packed it up in its little leather case, plopped it into our suitcase, and began to dream of the type of images it would take. At first, we had no idea what type of film we’d need, but a trip to a Parisian Lomography shop (in Marais) cleared that up for us, and we were on our merry way to learning how to shoot this waist-held, twin-lens reflex wild little thing.

Or, really, I should say, V was on his way. I’ve never loaded or shot the thing. And over time it’s become V’s baby. We don’t get the chance to whip it out often, but when we remember to bring it with us and take the time to frame shots, there’s something about the quality of the images that I adore. Somehow evoking nostalgia and fantasy simultaneously. Both timeless and reminiscent. Sharp as hell. Fully sensory.

Anyway, here’s a taste from our first Lubitel roll, which took us through Paris, New York City, and Utah. Another post will be of the Lubitel all over Paris (taking photos of a camera taking photos… I know, ridic).