The Seagull 4 is a two-eye SLR camera. It was introduced by Shanghai Camera Factory in the 1960s. It is the successor of the Shanghai TLR and the predecessor of the Seagull 4A.
The camera comes with a fixed focal length lens. It is called “HAIOU-31” and has a maximum aperture of f/3.5. The lens for the shaft viewfinder has a fixed aperture of f/2.8. The Seagull 4 does not have an autofocus. Focusing is manual with a wheel on the side. The closest focusing distance of the lens is one meter.
The exposure has to be measured externally. The medium format camera does not have a light meter. Exposure time and aperture can be selected manually. The camera has a bulb setting. Here, the shutter is open for a variable time. The shutter must be cocked before each photo. You have to remember to do this before each shutter release, but this makes multiple exposures easy.
An external flash can be connected to the PC flash socket. The flash can be attached to a cold shoe.
Films for the Seagull 4
What kind of films does the Seagull 4 need? It requires medium format films. Films of this format are still readily available today and are still being developed.
Possible films for the Seagull 4 are the Kodak Portra 160* for color images and the Ilford Delta 100* for black and white images. The color film is processed in the C-41 development process. C-41 films are developed by almost all photo labs.
The medium format camera exposes a format of 6 x 6. To the next image, the photographer must manually advance the film with a wheel on the side. In doing so, it turns only as far as it needs to, so as not to wind too far.
The Seagull 4 comes with a self-timer. There is also a connection for a cable release and threads for a tripod. The camera does not need batteries.
The medium format camera can only be found in used condition. The price for a used copy depends on the condition. The value will probably be between 50 and 150 euros.
Sample photos
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Twin-lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 120 |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 60 mm x 60 mm |
| Focal length | 75 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/3.5 |
| Minimum focus distance | 100 cm / 3.28 ft |
| Focus | Manual |
| Viewfinder | Waist-level finder |
| Exposure times | 1/300 second to 1 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Double and/or multiple exposure function | Yes |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | Not necessary |
| Company name of the brand | Shanghai Camera Factory |
| Country of production | China |
| Estimated value / Used price | 131,44 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 33 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 179,25 Euro (193.75 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 155,15 Euro (167.77 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 158,54 Euro (171.02 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Seagull 4
Is the Seagull 4 camera automatic or manual?
The Seagull 4 is a completely manual camera. You need to manually set the aperture, shutter speed, and focus. It doesn't have autofocus or a built-in light meter.
What kind of film does this twin-lens reflex camera use?
It uses 120 roll film, a medium format film. This size is still readily available and relatively easy to develop.
How do I focus the Shanghai Camera Factory's Seagull 4?
Focusing is done manually using a wheel on the side of the camera. The closest focusing distance is one meter.
Does the camera have a built-in light meter?
No, the Seagull 4 doesn't have a built-in light meter. You'll need to use an external light meter to determine the correct exposure settings.
Can I use a flash with the Seagull 4?
Yes, you can use an external flash. It has a PC flash sync socket and a cold shoe for mounting the flash.