Seagull 4B Video Manual

[@moe473]

Thank you for the informative videos, I just got this camera from a garage sale, going to try it. By the way, “Hoi” and “Kwan” are the Cantonese of Open and Close, “Kai” and “Kwan” are the Mandarin. The nameplate “海鷗” read “HAIOU” in Mandarin, which is written on the lens, it means seagull in Chinese, and read “Hoi Au” in Cantonese! Love from a Hongkonger!

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@brentdrafts2290]

When I was a kid use to make my own "tlr" using a milk carton a a small compact mirror. Did have support for trying to make film work in it. Later was fascinated by Stanley Kubrick and his use of one. Thanks for the review.

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you! And I've never heard of a milk carton TLR. That sounds like a fantastic DIY project.

[@stevedunne1083]

Your camera guides are the best I've found on KZbin

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you, Steve!

[@qipeizhang7323]

Nice video! The last Seagull 4A was made in 2002. The rest of the stock parts were made into about 1000 new Seagull 4A-109 cameras (with Tessar lens) in 2016. The production line is now in a museum in Shanghai. The new 109s were also produced there. Actually, the production of TLR cameras of Seagull went into a state of stagnation at the end 1990s because of the rising of the 135 format cameras.

[@DavidHancock]

Nice! Thank you. I didn't know a lot of that. It sounds like you have some insight into the Chinese camera makers'. Do you know anything about the Chinese film factories? I saw that new batches of Lucky SHD and ShangHai GP3 are for sale. Do you know if those are actual new batches or old batches that are just now being sold?

[@qipeizhang7323]

David Hancock The production of 120 format, 4x5 and 8x10 sheet film of Shanghai GP3 was resumed one or two years ago. The Lucky 135 format are also new. The 135 format of GP3 is not in production but may come in several months. I have also heard about the resumtion of Lucky 120 film but I can't affirm that information.

[@cristianionescu8510]

If David Hancock cannot explain how a camera works, nobody can... Thank you David for your patience here. Congrats for the quality of your work. May God Bless You, Steinbeck and all your Family!

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you, Christian! :D

[@smitthone]

My father had an original rolley, I bought a segual while in China as souvenir in 2006. It came complete, including the window frame. Thank to yr video I can now test shoot a few pics

[@DavidHancock]

Nice!

[@ivarhakuse8572]

Thank you for your comprehensive coverage of this camera. I bought mine in Shanghai in 1987 and had some really great shots with it. Will have to get it out again after watching this. I feel It’s more fun having to fiddle around with the dials for the shot because then you can claim more credit for the final product than if the camera had worked everything out for you instead.

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you and I agree that having to set up a support makes the results much more rewarding.

[@miscx7355]

Mate honestly all your videos help so much on my film journey!

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@Fabzsoundmedia]

Thanks a lot for taking time to make this video! Tons of infos there to get me started with my seagull 🙏🏻

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@MyDiesel101]

Thank You Dave for your very enjoyable & informative videos. Your knowledge about cameras in very extensive. I have this same camera. I produced some nice photos until the shudder started to stick. One day I have to perform a CLA on it.

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you! With leaf shutters there's a really sketchy home repair you can do to buy yourself some added time. Take the front elements off and put two drops of lighter fluid on a couple of leaves. Run the shutter a few times. You may need to do that a couple times and then repeat 24 hours later (don't put the lens element back on until about 12 hours after you're done with the process, just for safety.) That can (no guarantee) thin out the internal lubricating oils and, with luck, get them off the springs or mechanism they're gumming up. sometimes that works and works for years, sometimes not at all. It depends on where the thick oils are and if the problem is oils or a weak spring.

[@MyDiesel101]

Thank You Dave for your advice. I have been successful with lighter fluid with curing my sticking Brownie Box camera shutter.I'll follow your advice. Today I just received the Baby Brownie 127 camera that I ordered a week ago. I am anxious to try it out. I think it was made in 1947. I love the old Bakelite cameras.

[@DavidHancock]

Nice!

[@Xiaoyi_Wang]

位外国兄弟把咱们中国的相机讲的这么好，真的要赞一下。感谢UP主对照相机的赞美。感谢你的讲解。

[@DavidHancock]

謝謝！我喜歡很多中國相機。 TLR非常棒。我最喜歡一個叫華中的人

[@原俊豪]

@@DavidHancock 是华中相机吧……那也是一个国产的双反

[@DavidHancock]

谢谢原俊豪！

[@vleugel4339]

Very helpful explanation. Bought 1 few years ago for a few bucks but never used it. Will give it a try these days to check if the camera even works. Wish me luck!

[@DavidHancock]

Good luck and do well!

[@dominiquebabao6457]

Thank you for this instructional video. I just bought one and this video helped greatly👍🏻

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@yongjieteng1544]

Thanks for making this video. Taking my Seagull 4B for a spin tomorrow.

[@DavidHancock]

Nice! These are fun cameras.

[@rodrigoguardia5095]

Hi, thank you for this video. I found it very helpful. I have a 4b-1, bought years ago and hardly used. Now that my son is getting into photography i ordered some film in order to start using it with him and foster his interest in photography. I find that the 4b-1 is almost the same, the controls are much the same, the only difference I notice was on the rangefinder. I hope to get the film order in the next few days and report back on the images we'll make. Wonder if they are still in production now. Sincerely, Rodrigo

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you, Rodrigo!

[@ChairmanZhongXiNa]

Hey look, it's the camera the PLA lent to my grandpa! More context: He studied at the PLA Institute of International Relations, and after he graduated, he stayed with the PLA and was a general event photographer, as well as on some military expeditions.

[@DavidHancock]

Oh nice! This would be a good camera for those uses.

[@dongej]

A real good explanation!

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@carson6097]

Huge fan already

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@carson6097]

@@DavidHancock I live in Beijing and managed to grab one of these. Its my first TLR, and while the guy at the shop did the quick and dirty runthrough with me, there were still a few things I was unclear about. Need to look up more about how to use the distance scale, cause I tend to be slow with anything regarding numbers. Great video though!

[@milanpetrovic2116]

Very informative video, just order camera! Can't wait to test it! Thanks!

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@NinjaMonkeyPrime]

Thanks for doing this years ago. A friend gifted me a Youyi and I'm eager to try it for the first time but I had no idea how to load the film or advance it. I think I understand it now.

[@DavidHancock]

That's a great gift!

[@NinjaMonkeyPrime]

@@DavidHancock _"That's a great gift!"_ I think he paid $5 while traveling to China years ago and discovered it while cleaning a closet and thought I'd like it as a decoration. I have to admit that I wasn't excited when I first had it, but once I looked into how they work I grew more interested in giving it a try. I finally picked up some film and hope to test it out soon. It's been a long time since I worked with film. Fingers crossed and thanks again for the guide. BTW, you were spot on about the glue. Mine was coming off near the timer switch and it was stopping the shutter from working at all. Once I pulled it back out of the way, everything started to work. But that glue is nearly impossible to remove and fix.

[@NinjaMonkeyPrime]

@@DavidHancock FYI - The Youyi works! I shot 16 images and a few turned out pretty good. I did notice some images had the same film defect in them (a straight line) which I think relates to the mask you describe at 12:50. I just tried to adjust the mask and oddly it no longer fits in the 16 shot position. I don't know how I got it in that position a few weeks ago but now it just doesn't seem to fit. I might try it in the 12 shot position next time after I find some more film. Thanks again for the video.

[@PatAcct]

in fact your pronounciation is super and correct, thanks for the wonderful manual video.

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@musics4me]

Very comprehensive. Thank you

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@melah663]

Great work and excellent tips in how to handle this camera. Even though this is not one of the the best cameras available, it's getting more expensive in finding one in excellent condition. I should have bought one brand new in the last 90s when it was then still available, but instead I went and bought a Yashica 635 secondhand but in mint condition. Still have this camera plus the Yashica 124G and the Minolta Autocord LMX.

[@DavidHancock]

Nice! That's quite the collection. Tomorrow I'll be uploading a video on the Yashica-12, which is similar to your 124, and later this month the Autocord LMX.

[@derecwilsom4546]

hannah looks sweet. so sorry to see the dedication at the end. Nice camera review.

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you.

[@skrach37]

Thanks for the video. Just bought one yesterday. Looking forward to use it, will try multiple exposures. The only doubt I have is how to get the film out. Will investigate

[@DavidHancock]

Nice! Getting the film out ought to be pretty straightforward. You'll get it pretty easily, I think.

[@PacmanJedstarz]

Hello quick question, I have the seagull twin lens camera and are wondering on to read the back on knowing which shot I am on at the moment. Because I do crank to the next shot the numbers are either shown on the top circle or bottom

[@DavidHancock]

The two windows are used if you have the 6X4.5 mask in the camera. If so, then each number is placed in each window (otherwise you skip frames.) If you are not using that mask you just use the, whichever window the video showed. I can't recall the details off the top of my head.

[@somnukmalaimontrijit8855]

Thanks for the video

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@Mrcldlo]

I picked up a 4A recently. I'm still sort of new to this, is there no ISO setting? In such case can I use any I want, or is this camera made for a specific box speed?

[@DavidHancock]

IIRC, there's either no ISO setting or just a reminder. Given that you're just starting out, shoot box speed and use a smartphone app to meter.

[@kerime.7861]

Great video, thanks !

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@LeendertCordemans]

I've got the 4a version model. It's a nice camera. Works perfect.

[@DavidHancock]

Nice!

[@jasonmcelhenney2382]

Hey do you know if there anywhere to get a replacement for the 6x4.5 format mask ?

[@DavidHancock]

eBay is your best bet, but I'm not sure how often they are listed

[@Jaaan90]

Very helpful, thank you

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@btrdangerdan2010]

I actually went to a lake in Kunming, China yesterday that was based from the Seagull Camera co since lots of seagulls are present on the lake. Also being Chinese I know open is pronounced “cai” and close is “guan”.

[@DavidHancock]

Nice! That's pretty neat. I tried to get to the Asahi factory in Japan where my K1000 was made when I was there a few years ago, but didn't make it. It's next to see the history in cameras.

[@btrdangerdan2010]

David Hancock that’s cool. Also earlier before visiting Kunming, I went to a multistory used marketplace in my family’s home town of Chongqing near Jiefangbei Square in Yuzhong District, I saw a lot of Chinese made TLR’s and other 35mm cameras there, including the seagull 4a and 4b. One seller was asking ¥1,000 yuan for the 4a in working condition.

[@DavidHancock]

What's 1,000 yuan in USD?

[@DavidHancock]

oh, about $155. That's a REALLY good price.

[@btrdangerdan2010]

David Hancock yeah. If I get the 4a, it might be a step up from my Rolleicord V.

[@mrmrs100]

Very cool video, helped a lot. But where can I set iso? Regards from Germany

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you and there's probably no ISO setting, maybe just a reminder dial on some, because there's no light meter.

[@erichartke4331]

I just got a 4b1 when looking into the viewfinder at infinity it's not in focus is his common do you know?

[@DavidHancock]

Maybe yes or maybe no. I have two quick questions to help diagnose: 1- When you adjust the focus knob, does the lens assembly move in and out and does the focus point in the top change? 2- How far away from your eyes are you holding the camera?

[@brainmira]

May i know how to unwind the film roll? And when will you know the film is done?

[@DavidHancock]

You won't unwind the roll until you load it onto a reel if you develop it yourself. The film loading and unloading section should show how to do all the things with the film. There's an index in the video's description to take you where you need to go.

[@neilpiper9889]

I prefer this camera to the Lubitel 66. I have a Rolleicord Va too and I like using both. The Sea-gull gets more use though because its more fun.

[@DavidHancock]

This was a fun camera to use for sure. The Lubitel is one I haven't seen in person, but from the photos it looks clunkier.

[@fadhlirozainoor5344]

I have a 4 series camera that was manufactured and produced in the late 50’s. I had it for years (My father and I both share a similar interest in vintage stuff) and then i realized it was the first batch of the Seagull’s TLR. Funny thing is, it works fine, just the shutter opens quite minimal and I need to send it fixed soon. Question is, what film can I use for the model?

[@DavidHancock]

Nice! That's an awesome find. For film, any 120 film will work but slower films are better because the shutter has a slower maximum speed. So look at 100 ISO films, definitely no faster than 400.

[@nobudgetkalle]

I´ve got this camera and I try to find any filters for b+w and a lens hood, but cannot find anything suitable in internet. Only bajonet or slip on filters, which I don´t think can fit, cause the seagull have a 34mm thread. Any ideas? Thanks in advance. Regards

[@DavidHancock]

34mm filters should be available. If not, try something like a 37mm and look for a 34mm to 37mm step-up ring.

[@cosminovidiumunteanu]

Nice. My wife has a 4A older model.

[@DavidHancock]

The 4A cameras are really nice I'm told. I haven't had one yet.

[@fantasierjason]

how did you glue the quarter to the film advance?

[@DavidHancock]

Pliobond. That way if I need to remove it I can with some rubbing alcohol.

[@GTXTi-db5xu]

Lol I just bought a Seagull 4A in Shanghai, the condition is pretty bad but it's my first medium format camera!

[@DavidHancock]

Exciting! If it works, that's what matters.

[@neilpiper9889]

75mm 2.5 viewing lens on the Seagull 4b which makes for a bright viewing screen.

[@DavidHancock]

Super bright, yes.

[@tasost2161]

is there any view finder for this camera ? i find it hard to focus from waist level

[@DavidHancock]

I don't know of one and I'm not sure that the hood can be easily removed. Learning to use a TLR is a bit of a learning curve because the focusing is much different than with SLRs.

[@rlxmsc.]

Actually... I have this camera, but i cant use it. Coz in my country so difficult to buy that film. So i want to sell that camera.

[@DavidHancock]

eBay is probably your best bet. But local shops or a direct sale might work, too.

[@metheesaengow2859]

Hi how to set the ISO for this camera?

[@DavidHancock]

Since this doesn't have a light meter, it doesn't have a setting. If you use a handheld light meter or a smartphone light meter app, you'll enter the ISO there.

[@metheesaengow2859]

@@DavidHancock thanks :) I am very new to film camera. And i got this Seagull camera for my practice. It is very difficult to shoot esp the strange viewfinder which eveything seems go on opposite direction. but it is fun to shoot with. Thanks again.

[@martinda7446]

Aha! The film advance knob and the focus knob have doubled the camera value....

[@martinda7446]

PS Only joking. I was going to get one of these donkeys years ago - They were advertised new at about 25 pounds sterling. Being a smart lad I knew this would be a cheap way to medium format and the benefits therein.. But I didn't get one, I probably bought a Nikon or something boring.

[@DavidHancock]

LOL.

[@DavidHancock]

I ended up selling this one. They're fun and have an interesting image characteristic, but there are better TLRs out there for the same money. I wouldn't say that you missed out on anything not having bought one.

[@martinda7446]

It was great to see it, wonderfully filmed in close up. It was almost as if I bought it all those years ago and unpacked it...I wouldn't have been disappointed, I thought it might have been a toy at the time. You are very naughty selling it )) I am rather attached to my Soviet (Contax) Kiev models which are lovely and also cheap. OM1 my favourite 35mm.

[@DavidHancock]

I do like Russian cameras a lot. I have a Zorki (Leica III clone) that I love using. And the OM-1 is a consistent favorite for me, too. Good choices!

[@ezekielkokspeaks]

Do you have a how to clean the 4b video

[@DavidHancock]

I do not. Are you trying to clean the lenses?

[@ezekielkokspeaks]

David Hancock what ever possible

[@neilpiper9889]

Push on 36mm improves images The operater is a knob if they don't use one. I got an Actina slip on 36mm on eBay for $6. The camera looks undressed without it imo

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@ridzuanr2967]

I have one this camera,but condition is problem,glass is crack..hmm

[@DavidHancock]

Cracked glass can still take photos in some lenses.

[@Unlucky-God-stick]

我可能是这里唯一的中文评论

[@DavidHancock]

那是對的

[@Unlucky-God-stick]

@@DavidHancock 牛批！！！！

[@Zhang113]

不再是了