Seagull 海鸥 4B

The Seagull 4B is a Chinese-made twin-lens reflex (TLR) camera designed for the 120 medium format film. Produced by the Shanghai Camera Factory under the Seagull brand, likely during the mid-20th century, it represents a common, accessible approach to medium format photography for amateur and budget-conscious users. As a TLR, it utilizes a coupled reflex viewing system, allowing the user to compose through the top lens while the bottom lens exposes the film, offering a direct, waist-level viewing experience typical of this camera type. It features a simple shutter providing speeds from Bulb (B) to 1/300th of a second, sufficient for general-purpose shooting, and its robust, all-metal construction contributes to its substantial 900g weight. Characterized by straightforward functionality and affordability, the 4B served as a practical entry point into the larger 6x6cm format for photographers in China and elsewhere, prioritizing ease of use and reliability over advanced features.