The Lubitel was produced by the Gomz factory (GOMZ stands for Gosularstvennyi Optiko-Mekhanicheskii Zavod (State Optical-Mechanical Factory). Founded in 1932 near Leningrad (now St. Petersburg)) from 1949 to 1956 and Over one million units were constructed. The shutter speeds range from B, 1/19, 1/25, 1/50, 1/100, 1/200 and no self-timer. The main lens is a 75/4.5 (coated) and the viewfinder lens is a 60/2.8. For taking pictures at eye level the frame viewfinder is used. This is more convenient when there is experience in estimating distances by eye and in correct focusing according to distance scale. This camera is the successor to the Komsomolets (1946-1950) with one major innovation that was inspired by the 1938 Voightlander Brilliant it copied, a coupled gearing system to connect the main lens and viewfinder lens, allowing each to be focused in sync. The main lens and viewing lens both opened up to a nice 'n' bright f/2.8 with a wider angle of view. The name 'Lubitel' roughly translates to a combination of ‘Hobbyist and Amateur.’ Like the Komsomolets, it was produced in Bakelite and a Chinese copy of this original Lubitel emerged in 1961 under the mysteriously hilarious name, 'Changle.' To be clear the Lubitel is a copy of the Voightlander Brilliant and the Changle is a copy of the Lubitel.