Seagull 4A - Should I even bother?

[hoffy]

Tonight I was offered a Second Hand Seagull 4A from a camera club member. They want $100 aust for it (around $80US).

From what I have read, these things are lumps. Is that correct? Should I even entertain the thought?

All opinions welcome!

[Krzys]

Do not bother. I have seen them go at markets (in good condition...ha!) for $40. $80 at the most expensive.

EVERY SINGLE owner I know has had theirs break.

[Andrew Moxom]

I'm going the other end of the spectrum here. What are you after specifically in a camera? The Seagull TLR's are notorious for breaking. However, they do have a certain lens signature. If you like the idea of a sharp center and swirly fall off, the lens on these cameras can be quite interesting in that regard. That said, you know it will likely you down at some point. It all depends on how hard you use it too. That said, you could save you money and get a used 1950's Super Richohflex TLR on Ebay and have a reliable camera with the same lens signature. Maybe for around $30 too!

[Shangheye]

I am with Andrew and others on this. I have owned a Seagull and I own a Ricohflex. The seagull died, but probably had more to do with leaving in a hot car..not good for any camera. Up to that point it was doing great. BUT for the same money you can get something much better and more reliable. So if it's that particular camera you want that is one thing...if you want a good TLR camera with similar character, but more reliable...there are better options. My experience anyway.

Rgds, Kal

[Sirius Glass]

If you have money to burn [send it to me!], I understand that Seagull 4A's make excellent bookends for your library.

Otherwise, use your money for something much better.

Steve

[chriscrawfordphoto]

Mine died after 6 rolls of film. Had been used so little it still looked in mint condition

[naeroscatu]

As others have said, not worth that kind of money. I got beautiful pictures from my Seagull as long as it worked but thast was long time ago. Now I have a Yashica D and a Rolleicord III. Never looked back.

[Sirius Glass]

What did you do with the Seagull camera body? Use it as a bookend or paper weight?

Steve

[lesd]

I have had a Seagull WSC120 which I bought from someone at work for £50 about 5 years ago. I am still using it and have got some nice pictures. No regrets.

It has provided a cheap entry into roll film photography but I will go for something more substantial when it dies.

Les

[KenR]

You're probably better off buying a used Yashicamat or Minolta Autocord. Yes they will be more expensive, but they better made (except for the meter on the Yashicamats) and will be alive and well many years from now.