The Seagull 4A is a two-eye SLR camera. It is the successor of the Seagull 4 and the predecessor of the Seagull 4B. The design of the camera was somewhat cribbed from the Rolleiflex.
The lens of the Seagull 4A cannot be changed. The manufacturer’s name of the lens is HAIOU SA-85. The model has no autofocus function. It is manually focused through a shaft finder. The closest focusing distance is 1 meter for this lens.
Exposure is not metered by the camera. The aperture and exposure time are freely adjustable. The shutter has a bulb mode. Here, the shutter is open for a variable time. There is a corresponding button for multiple exposures. The use of a flash is possible via the PC flash socket.
Films for the Seagull 4A
Cartridges with medium format film are exposed in the Seagull 4A. Medium format films are still made today and are quite easy to get. For black and white images, you can go for the Ilford Delta 100*. For color images, the Kodak Portra 400* is an option.
The color film is processed in the C-41 process. The C-41 film is offered by most photo labs. The B&W film goes into a suitable black and white developer. Many photo labs offer the development of monochrome film as well.
The medium format camera exposes a format of 6 x 6. The film is wound on manually in the camera with a crank on the side. This simultaneously tensions the shutter.
The Seagull 4A can be mounted on a tripod. There is also a thread for a cable release. In addition, there is a self-timer. No power is needed to take pictures.
The medium format camera is only available in used condition. The state of preservation and the functionality decide the price of the camera.
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 | 135,92 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 10 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 183,94 Euro (198.08 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 159,23 Euro (172.10 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 163,06 Euro (176.43 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Seagull 4A
Is the Seagull 4A camera a digital or film camera?
The Seagull 4A is a film camera. It uses 120 roll film to capture images in a 6x6cm format. It's a twin-lens reflex camera, meaning it has two lenses.
How do I focus the lens on this twin lens reflex camera?
The Seagull 4A has a manual focus system. You'll focus by looking through the viewfinder and adjusting the lens until the image is sharp. There is no autofocus.
Can I change the lens on the Seagull 4A?
No, the Seagull 4A comes with a fixed lens; the HAIOU SA-85. You cannot interchange it with other lenses. It's a characteristic of the model.
Does the camera have any automatic settings, like automatic exposure?
No, the Seagull 4A doesn't have automatic exposure. You need to manually set both the aperture and shutter speed. It offers a bulb mode for long exposures.
What type of film does this camera use and how is the film advanced?
The Seagull 4A uses 120 roll film, a medium format film. The film is advanced manually using a crank on the side of the camera, which also cocks the shutter.
I also own a similar camera, but under the “Revue 6×6” brand. It’s a rebranded “Chaika 4A103A.” It has a CA-85 triplet lens.
Pros:
– Inexpensive and well-made.
– Parallax-corrected.
– Simply beautiful.
– All-metal construction.
– Double exposure capability.
– Bright viewfinder with additional focusing elements.
– Easy film loading and transport.
Cons:
– It’s heavy – it weighs one kilogram!
– There’s no indicator to visually determine whether the shutter is cocked or not, or whether the film has advanced to the next frame. That is, whether the camera is ready to take photos.
– No shutter release button lock.
– No multiple exposure button lock.
– Difficulty attaching the strap.
– The 34mm filter and lens hood threads are not very common.
– There’s no lock on the charging mechanism half-shafts when they’re removed.
That’s probably all. Overall, the camera is undeservedly under-distributed.