Shelf Appeal: my unscripted adventure with the Lubitel 166+

There’s a special kind of thrill that comes with diving into a new photographic format. For me, that format has always been medium format. I absolutely adore the quality, the depth, and let's be honest, the glorious size of those negatives. Specifically, I've always been drawn to the square crop - a perfect 1:1 frame that forces you to compose in a completely different way.

So, when the opportunity arose to pick up a Lubitel 166+, I couldn't resist. This camera, with its twin-lens reflex (TLR) design and reputation for producing that dreamy, distinctive look, was going to be my low-stakes entry point into shooting medium format film myself. My excitement was genuinely high.

The Unboxing of Expectations

Now, here's where things get real. I bought this camera knowing its backstory was a little vague. It was sold as untested, which in the world of vintage or revived film cameras is often code for, "it might be a glorious paperweight." I went into the purchase with zero expectations, treating it more like a fascinating photographic lottery ticket than a guaranteed workhorse.

And honestly? That turned out to be the best approach.

When I finally loaded it up and tried to shoot, the camera definitely had some... personality quirks. The main issue was clear: those all-important light seals around the camera back had seen better days. That meant precious little light-tight integrity, and nobody wants foggy negatives, right? On top of that, the film advance mechanism felt incredibly unstable - a shaky foundation for an already fiddly process. Trying to reliably advance the film without overlapping frames or having it slip was a battle I was rapidly losing.

A Happy Ending, Just Not the One I Planned

You’d think after all that, I'd be frustrated or disappointed. But truly, I wasn’t.

Because I hadn't invested any real expectation into it, the camera's mechanical failings just felt like part of the experiment. It didn't work as a functioning piece of gear, but it fulfilled its destiny as a learning experience. I got to handle the process, understand the mechanics of the TLR, and confirm my love for the medium format idea, even if the camera itself couldn't deliver the negatives.

The upside? While I don't have a new shooting companion, I do have a beautifully crafted piece of photographic history. The Lubitel 166+ now sits proudly on my shelf. With its elegant look and that classic twin-lens design, it’s become a fantastic piece of ornamentation. It’s a great visual reminder of my commitment to one day fully conquer medium format - and a very pretty one at that.

So, the journey to shooting those perfect square negatives continues, but the Lubitel has secured its permanent, if decorative, place in my heart and home.

Reclaiming My Mind and Body: Why I'm Disconnecting to Truly Connect

Today, I want to share a deeply personal decision that has been brewing in my mind and heart for quite some time. It's a choice born out of a growing sense of unease and disillusionment, and it has finally culminated in a liberating step:

I am moving away from regular active use of Facebook and Instagram.

This isn't just about freeing up time; it's about reclaiming a fundamental part of myself.

For too long, I've watched as the platforms of social media have ceased to be tools for simple connection and have become, instead I feel, something of a root of evil in our society. They amplify voices of hate, perpetuate division, and thrive on the manufactured outrage generated by bad actors and trolls. This knowledge is compounded by the sobering realisation that this isn't accidental - it's the system. Corporate executives pour money into a steel funnel, funding the very "hate and division" that we, as users, then contend with.

It's this constant exposure to negativity and the despair it causes - the feeling of being controlled by the scroll - that has been my greatest catalyst. I've felt the deep weariness of watching society consume itself, and it has led me to a simple, profound truth: my energy is needed elsewhere.

Trading the Scroll for the Soul: A Creative Pivot

The decision to quit is a principled rejection, but my departure is not a retreat - it's an advance. Instead of spending my energy consuming manufactured chaos, I'm dedicating my focus to creation.

I'm really excited about some new ventures, which will be my only digital presence going forward:

1. Three New(ish) Blogs: I'll be regularly maintaining this blog (life and photography), a dedicated music blog (for all my thoughts on sound and rhythm), and a third specialty blog (I'll share details soon!).

2. A YouTube Channel & Companion E-zine: I'm going to be launching a new YouTube channel which will be supported by a companion e-zine (again, I'll share more details soon).

This move is about liberating my mind and my body. I'm trading the endless noise for quiet contemplation, the sedentary scrolling for the focused work of writing and creating. I believe these spaces, built on my own terms, will allow for deeper, more meaningful connection with any person who genuinely wants to be there.

The metaphorical glass of these apps is being smashed, and I’m ready to look out the window at the world beyond the screen. This is an intentional step towards a life lived with greater authenticity, peace, and genuine purpose.

Thank you for being part of the journey. I hope to see you in my new digital home with warmth and a renewed optimism,

P.S. no apologies for the AI images, they make illustration so much easier and maybe a little more personal ;-)