The Seagull 4C is a two-lens reflex camera. The medium format camera is a product of Shanghai Camera Factory and was built in China. It is the successor of the Seagull 4B.
The lens of the camera cannot be changed. The manufacturer’s name for the lens is HAIOU SA-85. The focal length is 75 mm and the largest aperture is f3.5. The Seagull 4C does not have autofocus. Therefore, you have to focus by hand. The TLR’s shaft finder helps with this. The closest focusing distance is 1 meter.
The exposure must be measured externally. The medium format camera does not have a light meter. The exposure time can be set manually. The aperture is also freely selectable.
The camera comes with a Bulb mode. In this mode, the shutter is opened as long as the shutter release button is pressed. An external flash can be connected to the PC flash socket.
The Seagull 4C has a thread for a tripod and a connection for a cable release. In addition, there is a self-timer. Batteries are not needed for taking pictures.
Films for the Seagull 4C
The Seagull 4C takes its pictures on medium format films. These are still easy to get today and are still being developed. One possibility for B&W images is Ilford FP4 Plus*. A possible film for color images is the Lomography Color Negative 400 120*. The color film is designed to be developed in the C-41 process. C-41 films are developed by almost all photo labs.
The medium format camera exposes a 6 x 6 image format. 6 x 4.5 format and 35 mm films are also possible with one insert. For the next photo, the film is wound manually.
The Seagull 4C is still available used. Depending on the condition, the costs for the Chinese medium format camera vary. The 4A and 4B are often easier to find than the 4C.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Twin-lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 120 |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 60 x 60 mm, 60 x 45 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 |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Company name of the brand | Shanghai Camera Factory |
| Country of production | China |
FAQ about the Seagull 4C
Is the Seagull 4C camera easy to use for beginners?
The Seagull 4C is a manual camera, so it requires some learning. It has no autofocus, meaning you must focus manually using the viewfinder. However, mastering it can be rewarding, offering a unique photographic experience.
What kind of film does this twin-lens reflex camera use?
The Seagull 4C uses 120 roll film, a medium format film. This provides larger negatives than 35mm, resulting in higher-resolution images. Both color and black and white 120 films are readily available.
Can I change the lens on the Seagull 4C?
No, the Seagull 4C has a fixed lens, the HAIOU SA-85, with a 75mm focal length. This is a characteristic of many TLR cameras. You cannot switch it for a different lens.
Does the camera have a built-in light meter?
No, the Seagull 4C doesn't have a built-in light meter. You'll need to use an external light meter to determine the correct exposure settings. This adds a layer of skill required for using the camera.
How do I advance the film to the next picture?
The Seagull 4C uses a manual film advance. After each shot, you must manually wind the film to the next frame using the film advance knob. There is no automatic film advance mechanism.