Seagull Folder

[dazedgonebye]

This 6x6/6x4.5 folder looks interesting. Even the seller admits it is not up to German/Japanese standards of build. Still, I hav to wonder about the lens design and quality. Could be a good bargain to play with.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Seagull-folding...Z7603372740QQcategoryZ710QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[wlewisiii]

I've pondered one of them far more than once, however everything I've read has always kept me from going for it. The critical weakspot is the shutter mainspring. Look at it crosseyed and it breaks. Perhaps a wizard like G'man could fix it, but not most people. If you do get it, do so with the presumption that it's a reloadable disposable camera... 😱

William

 

[dazedgonebye]

I've found a bit here and there and nothing is encouraging.
I think only if I found one on a camera show table very cheap....

 

[pshinkaw]

Their reputation is so bad that they are almost irresistible.

Folding medium format, coupled rangefinder, Tessar formula lens, dual format and probably less than 20 years old. With all of that, why would you want it to actually work?

-Paul

 

[dazedgonebye]

Sounds completely avoidable.

 

[oftheherd]

From pages 83 and 84 of Cameras of the People's Republic of China, by Douglas St Denny, this is the first version of the Seagull 203, manufactured by the Shanghai Camera Factory, from 1964 to 1975 or thereabouts. It isn't the second version as that had an accessory shoe where the film reminder dial is on the first version, and the first has EV scale coupling which the second doesn't. Its features are listed as "Coupled rangefinder, front element focussing, coupled EV scale, film speed reminder dial, along with camera setting suggestions on top plate. Lever advance with double exposure prevention, ruby window frame counting. Built in hinged masks for 6 x 4.5 cm." It also has a metal film advance lever versus the plastic on the second version. St Denny says it is one of the most common 120 rollfilm cameras in China.

All the above thanks not only to Douglas St Denny, but also captainslack, whom I haven't seen post in a while. He was kind enough to purchase the book and send it to me. Makes fascinating reading, and once in a while a chance to sound like I know a lot about chinese cameras. I don't, but I can read. 😛

 

[wyk_penguin]

My Seagull 203 works fine. Never had a problem with the shutter or RF alignment. However, the RF patch is dim and the RF flares in bright light.

They go for GBP30 at my place, so yours is a deal.

 

[Kragmeister]

I've got one and it is down for repair. The shutter works fine, but the RF and lens are out of whack. I've occasionally attempted to adjust infinity on the lens, but every time I tighten the screws on the front bezel it puts the lens off again. I'll eventually get it. 😉

Later,
Greg

 

[lushd]

Hi - I have one and find it very good - the fit and finish is not so great but it works reliably and the lens is more than OK. Here's a picture:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=24354&cat=500&ppuser=1346

 

[dazedgonebye]

Lushd
Proves once again that there has never been a camera made that can't be used for good work.

 

[lushd]

Most kind! I did have one that squirted water once - I struggled!