This is the Seagull 205 (also known as the Phenix 205) rangefinder camera produced by Shanghai Seagull Camera Ltd. from the late 1960s to early 1980s. Known primarily for their TLR cameras, Seagull is the oldest camera manufacturer in China.
| Make | Seagull |
|---|---|
| Model | 205 |
| Year | 1969 – 1983 |
| Format | 35mm |
| Shutter | leaf |
| Speed | B, 1, 2, 4, 8, 15, 30, 60, 125, 300 |
| Lens | Seagull |
| f2.8 50mm | |
| Focus | 0.8m – ∞ |
| Aperture | f2.8 – 22 |
| Light Meter | No |
| Rangefinder | Yes |
There appears to be conflicting information as to the production run and year range for the Seagull 205. What I can gather from this camera’s serial number, it was produced in 1983, shortly before the Phenix 205 name went into use. However, other sources indicate that full metal advance levers were only on early production models, indicating that this camera was made in the early ’70s at the latest.
This camera has nice hand feel and ranks in the upper third of cameras I have used in terms of build quality and enjoyment of use.
Sample images taken on Ilford FP4, stand-developed HC110 for 30 minutes.
