Re: Lubitels discontinued?

[Joel Alpers <joel.alpers@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Tom Deering wrote:
> 
> If you were planning on buying one or two Lubitels, you might be interested
> in this.
> 
> I was on the phone with Freestyle Camera yesterday, and the gal I spoke to
> said the Lubitel would no longer be manufactured.  They have a quantity in
> stock, but when they are gone, that's it.
> 
> For those that haven't seen one, the Lubitel is a MF TLR camera, rather
> similar to a Ricohflex.  It is made of cheap looking, lightweight plastic,
> like a toy camera.
> 
> But the shutter speeds go from 1/15 to 1/200 and are accurate. It has a ten
> second self timer, a useable sportfinder, and a cable release.  It is
> switchable between 4.5x6mm and 6x6mm.
> 
> And the coated lenses are sharp.  It takes a nice picture, considering it
> costs $39 brand new.
> 
> If it's true that it won't be manufactured anymore, that will be a shame.
> I think it's a real bargain.

This is sad news! The Lubitels are much-maligned on rec.photo.medium-format,
but you have to take them in the perspective of a $39 camera!

I may have to pick up a couple for a possible future project...

BTW, Freestyle hinted at one time that they might consider a 
quantity discount. If there are enough of us interested, we might
approach them from that angle....

Joel.