close up lens for Seagull?

[varan]

I have a Chinese seagull camera (from the 60s/70s) and would love advice on finding a close up lens or filter - I can't really take good portraits. Drop me a line - thanks much - Miguel

 

[glbeas]

If you can find the little screw on closeup lens sets that will fit the threads on your camera, then buy two sets and put matched diopters on both the taking and viewing lenses and you should be in business. It should be the lowest diopter for doing portraits as these actually shorten the focal length of whatever lens you put them on and you want to retain as long a focal length as practical for aesthetic reasons.

If your camera has the bayonet type filter mounts you may need to get the bayonet to threaded adaptors and buy the closeups to fit that.

 

[SteveGangi]

If your Seagull uses Bay 1 filters, then you are in luck, because then you can use any filters and auxiliary lenses that were made for Rollei and Yashica TLRs.

 

[JHannon]

I believe the older Seagulls (models 4A/B) use 34mm threaded mounts. I am not sure how small you can get the close up lenses. Even using a step up to a standard size may give you trouble since the lenses are so close together. You will need one for the viewing and taking lenses.

 

[esearing]

Just to play devil's advocate....
Do you drive in screws with a hammer? Use the right tools for the job. Rent an SLR camera with the appropriate lens focal length if you can not afford to buy.

 

[varan]

thanks all - I do have a nice Canon 35mm but I like to work with the MF - I've seen some amazing close up results with some of the Yashicas.