Lubitels are beasts. The backs can get loose so make sure they close tightly or you will get light leaks. Take your time before shooting. Because your image is backwards - when you go left the camera goes right, it's hard to get used to.
Don't forget to crank the film to the next shot immediately after you take your pic or you will end up with a lot of multiple exposures (but this can be cool).
How will you know if your image is in focus? The trick is not to believe the crisp, clear portion of the viewfinder because it is for composing only. The dingy circle in the middle is what you must concentrate on so squint, get yourself a magnifier to place above this small area for better focusing, and try not to let glare get in your way. When in doubt set your shutter speed to your film speed (these cameras work well with slow film) and your aperture to f/16 (if it's sunny -- "sunny 16 rule").
You can't shoot close up with accuracy. There is something called parallax error at close distances - the viewing lens is not in line with the taking lens, so you will not be shooting what you are focusing on.
If you find you like the feel of the camera, upgrade to a Yashica Mat 124 - still cheap but sturdier and more reliable. (I did and found this camera easier to use and the results were more consistent).
Here's a nice Lubitel web page on exposure:
http://lubitel-resource.tripod.com/resource.html#Exposure
Good Luck!
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