For Sale FS: SEA GULL: B. I. G. Twin 4 TLR 120-size 1997

SEA GULL: B. I. G. Twin 4 TLR 1997

This is a typical example of a Sea Gull Twin Lens Reflex Camera. It is really a poorly made camera. This one performs like other Sea Gulls. It is a giant step up from a Holga or Diana but not even close to a Rolleicord, Minolta Autocord, or even a Yashica. The Sea Gull is best described as “poor execution of a good concept”. The concept being best demonstrated by the Rolleiflex twin lens reflex camera. If you like shoddy Chinese goods you’ll love this camera. Instruction book is in German.


It has had very little use. It has been handled but has only had 4 rolls of film put through it. The shutter sounds ok except at 1/15th. This is explainable because 1/15th is on the edge of the fast/slow shutter escapement range; it runs slow or at 1/15th depending on its mood. I would avoid using it at 1/15th.

I am putting a very low price on it because I have very little regard for the camera. Sold as is. This is the perfect camera as a bookend, boat anchor, or for a camera display.

$29 (cheap) including shipping to a US address.


If you want it send me a private message with your email address and we can close the deal.

pm sent

This ad made my day. I think there is definitely a future for you in advertising. lol. How do you really feel?

I know what you mean, I had one of these I bought BRAND NEW that died after 6 rolls. Was a shame because the lens it had was SHARP. It really was a GREAT lens, but a crappy body.

I had one that took pretty good photos, but it scratched the film like hell. The problem was that the metal surface that supported and framed the film behind the lens had been machined but none of the sharp edges had been "broken" (in machinist lingo that means smoothing metal edges so they don't cut like knifes). You could cut your finger on this thing bad enough to require stitches! There was obviously poor quality control - too bad because the basic design and concept was reasonable.

I used to buy these used in old shops when I'd see them while living in China back in the 90's. Found them in Kunming, Xi'an and Beijing. Got them for $5 to $20 depending on the condition. This one looks pretty good and is a very fair price. They are problematic at times and need to be treated more tenderly in setting the shutter and such. Many I had the shutters just jammed up. They are capable of very gorgeous images though the lenses vary copy to copy. A great camera to get to try to see if you like TLRs before maybe upgrading later to a Rolleicord or 'flex, Autocord, or Yashicamat.

Some years ago an acquaintence was looking to test the tlr waters and bought one. He could not figure it out as the manual was either Cantonese. Mandarin or Japanese. He brought it over and asked me to figure it out; not hard as I was used to Rolleiflex and Yashicas. I ran a roll of Tech Pan through it and developed as continious tone transparancies and the results were very good indeed. No jamming, the lenses was a smidge soft, geat for femail portraiture, and the speeds seemed tact on. He used it for some years before deciding to roll the dice for a Rolleiflex. I'm not sure how many Rolleis he has but probably more than most stores carried in inventory. He started with a 3.5 and has collected a huge selection of Bay I filters, acc'ys. He was still carrying the Sea Gull as a back up and as a daily carrier after more than a decade and has put an untold number of rolls through it as he is an avid shooter. So, if you get a good one, it can be a workhorse.

Seagulls are great fun!

I know the guy that imports these in the USA. When he first began to do business, the return rate from dealers was about 25%. He worked with the factory "quality control" guys and got it down to less than 5%.

nhemann said:

This ad made my day. I think there is definitely a future for you in advertising. lol. How do you really feel?

Click to expand...

I think the movie has already been made (Crazy People) starring Dudley Moore as an honest advertising executive. "Volvos, Yes they are boxy, but they're safe".


Steve.