How do the different Seagull medium format cameras differ?
The main differences between the various models of the Seagull 4 family are the aperture of the viewing lens and the film transport. The Seagull 4A comes with a crank, for example.
The 4B and the 4C can, with an appropriate mask, not only take 6 x 6 pictures, but also 6 x 4.5. With additional accessories, the Seagull 4C also allows easy shooting on 35mm film.
All models allow multiple exposures. With the 4, 4B and 4C, you simply need to cock the shutter again. With the 4A, there is a button that enables multiple releases.
| Name | Seagull 4 | Seagull 4A | Seagull 4B | Seagull 4C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Film format | 120 film | 120 film | 120 film | 120 film |
| Format | 6 x 6 | 6 x 6 | 6 x 6, 6 x 4.5 | 6 x 6, 6 x 4.5 |
| Number of frames per film | 12 frames | 12 frames | 12 frames | 12 frames |
| Film advance | With knob | With crank | With knob and red window | With knob and red window |
| Shutter must be cocked separately? | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Lens | HAIOU-31 | HAIOU SA-85 | HAIOU SA-85 | HAIOU SA-85 |
| Interchangeable lens | No | No | No | No |
| Focal length | 75 mm | 75 mm | 75 mm | 75 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/3.5 | f/3.5 | f/3.5 | f/3.5 |
| Aperture of the viewing lens | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/3.5 | f/3.5 |
| Autofocus | No | No | No | No |
| Shutter speeds | 1/300 s, 1/125 s, 1/60 s, 1/30 s, 1/15 s, 1/8 s, 1/4 s, 1/2 s, 1 | 1/300 s, 1/125 s, 1/60 s, 1/30 s, 1/15 s, 1/8 s, 1/4 s, 1/2 s, 1 | 1/300 s, 1/125 s, 1/60 s, 1/30 s, 1/15 s, 1/8 s, 1/4 s, 1/2 s, 1 | 1/300 s, 1/125 s, 1/60 s, 1/30 s, 1/15 s, 1/8 s, 1/4 s, 1/2 s, 1 |
| Bulb | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Exposure modes | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Light meter | No | No | No | No |
| Multiple exposure possible | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in flash | No | No | No | No |
| PC flash socket | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hot shoe | No | On the 4A-1 | ? | ? |
| Cold shoe | Yes | No | ? | ? |
| Tripod socket | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Batteries | No | No | No | No |
| Other differences | There is special accessory for 35mm film |
