The Seagull DF-300 is an SLR camera. The model was actually developed by Minolta and sold as the Minolta X-300. In the 90s, the model was licensed by Shanghai General Camera Factory and produced in China. The product could be bought under the “Seagull” brand, but also under various trademarks.
The Seagull DF-300 was sold in three variants with a simple black and silver body, an all-black body and a limited edition version. The limited edition Seagull DF-300x was produced 1000 times for the return of Hong Kong to China in 1997. On the body and lens of the camera are the words “Commemorating the Return of Hong Kong” in Chinese.
The Seagull DF-300 offers the possibility of interchangeable lenses. Lenses with a Minolta SR bayonet are usable with the camera. The lens is focused manually. The Seagull DF-300 does not have an autofocus.
Measuring the exposure is made easier by the built-in light meter. It is designed for shooting film with a sensitivity of ISO 12 to ISO 3200. The light meter is built to measure exposure through the camera’s lens. The camera is equipped with aperture priority. However, the aperture and exposure time can also be set freely by the photographer.
The camera has a Bulb mode. This allows the shutter to remain open for a variable amount of time. An external flash unit can be connected via hot shoe. The sync speed is 1/60 second.
The Seagull DF-300 has a thread for a tripod. In addition, there is a connection for a cable release and a self-timer. The dimensions of the 35mm camera are 13.7 x 9 x 5.1 cm. It weighs 470 grams. Power is supplied by two LR44 batteries (eBay / Amazon*).
Films for the Seagull DF-300
The Seagull DF-300 was built for the 35mm format. This type of film is still produced and can be processed by most photo labs without problems. For color images, there is such as the Kodak Portra 160*. An option for black and white images is the Ilford XP2 Super*.
Other model names
The Seagull was marketed under various names by different dealers and brands.
- Carena DF-300
- Centon DF-300
- Safari DF-300
- Revue DF-300
- Zenit DF-300
- Carena SX-300
- Soligor SR-300 MD
- Vivitar V50
- Texer EX-3
- Samyang DF-400x
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens mount | Minolta SR mount |
| Focus | Manual |
| Exposure times | 1/1000 second to 4 seconds, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 12 to 3200 |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe |
| Flash sync speed | 1/60 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 2x LR44 batteries |
| Size | 13,7 x 9 x 5,1 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.39 x 3.54 x 2.01 inches |
| Weight | 470 Grams |
| Country of production | China |