The Seagull GC-104 is an inexpensive introduction into the world of medium format photography. This non-metered classically-styled twin-lens reflex camera is patterned in the time-honored design of older Yashicamats. Its lightweight simple design consists of a waist-level finder with pop-up magnifier, manual film wind advance and separate shutter speed and aperture levers. The built-in (non-interchangeable) 75mm f/3.5 Seagull lens produces surprisingly pleasing results.
In addition to shooting in the 6 x 6cm format, the camera is supplied with a 6 x 4.5cm format mask which fits inside the camera and allows the photographer to obtain 16 exposures from 120 film. The mechanical lens shutter design provides flash synchronization at all speeds up to 1/300 second and there is also Bulb exposure. This camera also features a cold flash shoe and PC terminal for external electronic flash connection. For the budget-conscious 35mm photographer interested in trying a medium format camera, the Seagull GC-104 should be considered as an interesting alternative.
| Camera Type | Manual focus, leaf shutter, Twin Lens Reflex (TLR) |
| Format | 6 x 6cm or 6 x 4.5cm (6 x 4.5cm requires use of masking frame which is included with camera) |
| Film Back/Loading | Standard manual loading, match arrows, close back and wind to first frame (manual stop - frame number appears through window on camera back); Sliding switch on camera back to indicate 6 x 6 (12 frames) or 6 x 4.5cm (16 frames); Included 6x4.5cm mask must be installed to achieve 6x4.5 format. |
| Film Type | 120 film ONLY: 6 x 6 (12 frames); 6 x 4.5cm (16 frames) |
| Lens/Mount | Built-in Seagull 75mm f/3.5 lens (f/3.5 -22) and 75mm f/3.5 viewing lens); Equivalent to a 52mm lens in the 35mm format; Use of filters requires an optional 34 - 37mm step-up ring (or 39mm or larger, if preferred) |
| Shutter | Mechanical lens shutter; Shutter speeds 1 sec. to 1/300th and B; Shutter must be cocked as a separate procedure from film advance; Camera features separate shutter speed and aperture sliding levers |
| Shutter Release | Release on camera body lower front; Accepts standard mechanical cable release |
| Self Timer | Yes, approx. 8-12secs. |
| Flash Synchronization | Flash synchronization possible at all shutter speeds; Standard PC connection for electronic flash connection on camera body lower front; Hot shoe on left side of body |
| Mirror Lock-Up | Not necessary |
| Exposure Metering | N/A |
| Exposure Bracketing | N/A |
| Exposure Compensation | N/A |
| Depth-of-Field Preview | No; Scale on side of camera body |
| Viewfinder | Folding viewfinder hood with pop-up magnifier and fold-out sports finder is supplied as standard |
| Viewfinder Info | None |
| Film Transport | Permanent manual film winding crank located on camera body side (Note: Advancing film in this camera does not cock the shutter) |
| Multiple Exposure | No separate switch but possible by not advancing the film and re-shooting |
| Focusing System | Manual with rotating knob on camera body side; Minimum focusing distance = 1m (3.3ft) |
| Power Source | None |
| Custom Functions | No |
| Data Imprinting | No |
| Tripod Mount | 1/4" standard socket |
| Dimensions | 102 x 102 x 146mm (4.02 x 4.02 x 5.75") |
| Weight | 902g (2lbs approx.) |
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Comments about Seagull GC-104 Medium Format Twin Lens Reflex (TLR) Camera with Built-in 75mm f/3.5 Lens:
Love this camera. Fun and easy to use. Great pictures!
Pros
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Comments about Seagull GC-104 Medium Format Twin Lens Reflex (TLR) Camera with Built-in 75mm f/3.5 Lens:
I have to agree with most of the reviews above. It does a really good job in the class room studio. I would never use this camera in a pro shoot, but it gives the student a feel for medium format shooting. While teaching a class on lighting a brought along my Seagull for the student to see and try, and if it broke I wasn't going to cry to much over it. I shot a roll of Ilford HP BW film with a model posing under slave flashes. When I developed the roll and printed the pictures I was amazed at how wonderful the shots came out. I was so impressed that I bough a few more Seagulls for student to use. Along with good service plans on the cameras. This is due to the fact that the shutter seems to break a little to easily. But for under [$] you can't go wrong.
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Comments about Seagull GC-104 Medium Format Twin Lens Reflex (TLR) Camera with Built-in 75mm f/3.5 Lens:
This product was similar enough to the TLR medium format camera we were using in class, that I was able to understand the workings and how-tos without the manual. The photographs that have been taken thus far are beautiful. It makes it very difficult to transfer back to my 35mm as a result.
In accordance to the low price however, the manual was lacking in specific details and did not easily convey the information. In addition, there was a problem with the converter that caused several rolls of film to be scratched until the problem was realized.
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Comments about Seagull GC-104 Medium Format Twin Lens Reflex (TLR) Camera with Built-in 75mm f/3.5 Lens:
i work at a school, and we need to supply beginner students with medium format cameras. this is the easiest and most affordable camera to do that with. they are not great cameras, but they are adequate. don't expect it to last forever, but you will get your [$] worth.
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Comments about Seagull GC-104 Medium Format Twin Lens Reflex (TLR) Camera with Built-in 75mm f/3.5 Lens:
I've been using the product for about 5 weeks now. For the price, It's an less expensive, and very good as a starter medium format camera. The only thing about this camera that 1. It's completely manual, everything needs to be adjusted (the aperture & the shutter speed) and 2. there is no light meter in this specific model of this camera. So if your interested in having this camera, You have to realize that your either going to need another camera, or shelling out some money for a light meter.
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Comments about Seagull GC-104 Medium Format Twin Lens Reflex (TLR) Camera with Built-in 75mm f/3.5 Lens:
I'm new to medium format and find this a fun camera to learn the ropes with. I like this camera because operates nearly identically to older Rolleicord model of my father. I take various kind of photos with it and I am very satisfied with the simplicity of the camera. I like also the two formats of this camera 6 x 6cm and 6 x 4.5cm.
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