see http://medfmt.8k.com/mf/seagull.html and mf/tlr.html for tips, ideas.

the seagull TLRs are now priced more than very good used rolleiflex TLRs
with world class optics, due to falling MF camera prices.

the 4 element lenses have been only so-so in the past, see chart from pop
Photo tests at top URL. So-so here means as bad as 20 lpmm wide open
(edge), which is pretty awful ;-) AFAIK, similar optics are used in the
4A-109 model, just added visible f/stops and distance markings as on
Rolleiflex.

Even with the japanese made leaf shutter, you still have a different level
of quality control than on either japanese or german optics when you turn
to low cost chinese export cameras like these TLRs.

These TLRs were okay bargains at $49 and $79 from Porters camera on new
closeouts. A new USA importer has been advertising heavily, and greatly
raised the prices here in the USA, but they can still be bought for far
less overseas etc.

But for $200-ish+, I'd recommend the original rolleiflex TLRs (or for
little more than $100, one of the later rolleicords) rather than a Chinese
clone like the 4A-109. The optical and mechanical quality will be rather
better with a good example of a rollei TLR ('cord or 'flex). There are
lots of other used TLRs (minoltacord, ricoh..) which are also good
performers for rather less $$ too ;-) (see mf/tlr.html for tips)

hth bobm