Kodak Medalist II Problem

Hello guys,

A couple of days ago I purchased the Kodak Medalist II. I modified the 120 film spools and shot two rolls of B&W films, then developed at home.

However, it turned out that only first two shots are properly taken, for both rolls. Other than the first two shots rest of film is just simply blank. I actually have no idea how such thing can happen.

The first two shots properly taken are quite nice, and space in between seems like appropriate to me. At one roll I tried to take from 1sec till 1/400 step by step, but only two comes (1 sec and 1/2 sec) up. At another roll first two shots came up properly were taken in either 1/50sec or 1/20sec.

Would you mind sharing me your knowledge, how can I solve the problem?

I actually do not have any idea why only the first two shots come up properly, while auto-stop of the loading works properly.

I deeply appreciate if you can help me.

Cheers

It looks as if the shutter failed to open after the first two frames. I don't know why that would be, but I'm a little concerned about using 120 film, even with modified spools. Its a few years since I used my Medalist, but I recall it was quite delicate about advancing film, even when re-spooled on to 620 spools. I had to be sure the film was not at all loose on the thinner spool or it tended to jam and come off the film rails.

Does the shutter fire reliably when manually cocked without film?

It looks as if the shutter failed to open after the first two frames. I don't know why that would be, but I'm a little concerned about using 120 film, even with modified spools. Its a few years since I used my Medalist, but I recall it was quite delicate about advancing film, even when re-spooled on to 620 spools. I had to be sure the film was not at all loose on the thinner spool or it tended to jam and come off the film rails.

 

Does the shutter fire reliably when manually cocked without film?

Hello John,

Sorry for my late reply. I actually figured out that by adjusting the plate shape spring on the camera back to push film stronger to the sprocket, the shutter chager and loading cooperate properly. Thank you!

Sion

Sion, I'm glad you got to the bottom of it. Something to watch out for if I ever get around to using mine again (it's a Mark 1 model):

Some Shots from a Medallist

I'd be interested to know how you modified the 120 spools.

Here's another couple of Medalist questions for those in the know.

I have a recently purchased a Medalist II. It lacks a lens cap. Originals don't seem easy to find. Does anyone else have this problem? How would you go about getting an original, or what have you used as a substitute (other than sticking a skylight on there)?

My camera focuses well enough, but it would be nice if I could improve things. I want to lubricate the coils myself. For now my shutter seems to behave itself. I would rather handle this DIY than send it out for a CLA at this point. Have you tried this yourself? Did it work, and not cause other damage? If so, what oil did you use?

Many thanks!

Sion, I'm glad you got to the bottom of it. Something to watch out for if I ever get around to using mine again (it's a Mark 1 model):

 

Some Shots from a Medallist

 

I'd be interested to know how you modified the 120 spools.

^^ Don't bother trying the self modding thing , get a few rolls from Blue Moon and simply reroll onto their spools when you've

removed the original film for developing . I reused their modified rolls numerous times . They do an excellent job . Peter

The focus on mine was rather dry and uneven, but I had it done professionally. I don't know what lubricant was used.

One point worth mentioning - if you are tempted to remove the rangefinder housing for cleaning or adjustment, DON'T. It's easy to get off but getting it back on involves a trick with lining things up which was beyond me and again, needed professional attention.