Shanghai Seagull 4A-105 Medium Format Camera Logo

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Posted on Apr 21, 2008

Film advance I bought a seagull 4a-105 camera and the film advance never seems to be consistent. Often times the frame counter numbers are not centered in the viewing bubble. When I go to have the film processed, I have had as many as six to seven frames either double exposed, or no exposure in the frame. The best that I have managed out of 12 frames is 8 frames done correctly. I followed the directions and threaded the film to where the arrows align with the marks, but still the problem persists. Is the film winder the culprit? If so, how can I repair it? The camera cost me $217 new, and I can't justify spending $200 to repair it when I could buy a used Yashica online. Any help or advice is appreciated.

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  • Posted on Sep 17, 2010
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I hate to tell you this, but you're better off buying a used Yashica Mat online. Send it to Mark Hama (look him up online) for a pre-use servicing - he used to make them in Japan, and is based now in the U.S. I have one and a $40 Holga just for knocking around with. Those Seagulls are notoriously inaccurate with their calibration on all fronts.
Alternatively, if you're not going to discard the Seagull, get a roll of uncut exposed film that you don't mind running through the camera again and gauge how many turns you'll need to advance the take-up reel to clear the previous frame. If you can do this without looking at the viewing bubble, you're set from here on in.

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Anonymous

I bought a seagull 4a-105 camera and the film advance never seems to be consistent. Often times the frame counter numbers are not centered in the
viewing bubble. When I go to have the film processed, I have had as many as six to seven frames either double exposed, or no exposure in the frame. The
best that I have managed out of 12 frames is 8 frames done correctly. I followed the directions and threaded the film to where the arrows align with the marks, but still the problem persists. Is the film winder the culprit? If so, how can I repair
it? The camera cost me $217 new, and I can't justify spending $200 to repair it when I could buy a used Yashica online. Any help or advice is appreciated.

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