Kodak Medalist converted to 120- any market?

Dan Daniel · Apr 17, 2018

I finally had time to go digging into a Kodak Medalist to see what would be involved in modifying the film chambers to work with 120. And I see a way to do it very cleanly. Basically you can machine out the film chambers and build a new wall with a larger diameter chamber for the 120 spool.

This does involve breaking down the camera to the bare frame to remove the film chamber parts. A good time to clean everything and get the full wind system, rangefinder, and shutter working well.

This would probably cost in the $300 to $500 range, including the overhaul. Camera itself, if I did it on spec, would add to the cost.

Just poking around to see what people think. Would you buy a converted Medalist? Would you send yours off to somebody to do this? Would you do it for $100 but no way for $500? Any comments appreciated!

Paul Howell · Apr 17, 2018

In the 70s and 80s there were a couple of folks who converted Medalist to 120, Photography on Bald Mt comes to mind, was expensive then. In my book for $500 I could pick up a Mamyia press so I would give it a pass or rewind a lot of 120 to 620.

Saganich · Apr 17, 2018

I probably wouldn't pay more than $100 to convert mine. If it was my only 6x9 maybe $200.

paul ron · Apr 17, 2018

i converted a few using exactly your plan. its not an easy job but very doable with patience. certainly not a money making endevour.

i think you can still special order film for it through b&h and another ebay seller. perhaps figuring out a way to spool your own film might be more worth your time.

John51 · Apr 18, 2018

fwir, some Medalist owners only had the supply side modded for 120 because the fatter 120 spools can mess up the frame counting.

Dan Daniel · Apr 18, 2018

John51 said:
fwir, some Medalist owners only had the supply side modded for 120 because the fatter 120 spools can mess up the frame counting.

Hmm... I'm not certain where people get this idea. The drive mechanism for frame spacing and counting is a small toothed gear in the film path, and would not be affected by spool size.

Thanks to everyone for your comments. I respool onto 620 spools for my own Medalist. Although it'd be great to skip this, it's not like I am running rolls and rolls through every day. I"ll probably convert one of mine for the fun of it and see what is really involved in modifying the interior walls. Beyond that, if it works out smoothly, maybe I'll convert some other ones to sell.

guangong · Apr 18, 2018

I have a Medalist with great appearance that has been serviced to as new condition. I wouldn’t bother. I bought a bunch of 620 old film and 620 spools on the auction site and just re-spool 120. After re-spooling the first one or two, quite easy and fast to re-spool ever after. A very comfortable camera to hand hold ( in case) with great lens but doubt if adding $500 to selling cost would be marketable.

BrianShaw · Apr 18, 2018

I keep thinking about conversions as I continue to seek a decent and affordable Medalist. But this has been a quest for about a decade so perhaps there just isn't enough incentive. But an additional $300/500 would probably never be even within the realm of consideration.

Like you, I re-spool 120 film for another 620 camera; it really isn't that difficult and certainly is a minor inconvenience. It would be nice to not have to do that but only if the cost is as inexpensive as my re-spooling time.

Now, if I came across a nice and affordable Medalist already converted by the-retired-master-of-Medalist-conversions...

kenj8246 · Apr 18, 2018

If a bullfrog had wings....

BAC1967 · Apr 18, 2018

http://www.baldmtn.com/Convert.htm

"The standard conversion cost for a Medalist I is $417 a Medalist II is $395"
http://www.baldmtn.com/medalist_cost.htm

Dan Daniel · Apr 18, 2018

BAC1967 said:
http://www.baldmtn.com/Convert.htm

"The standard conversion cost for a Medalist I is $417 a Medalist II is $395"
http://www.baldmtn.com/medalist_cost.htm

An interesting thread that shows the conversion work by Ken Ruth-
https://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=163575

Saganich · Apr 18, 2018

John51 said:
fwir, some Medalist owners only had the supply side modded for 120 because the fatter 120 spools can mess up the frame counting.

That's not a bad idea to only convert the supply side. I use a Brownie Hawkeye like that as the 120 spool just fits in the supply side but I use 620 for take-up side. This hasn't been an issue as long as I have a spare spool for each roll I take into the field. That would make the Medalist just as useable IMHO and would gladly pay $100 bucks for that.

choiliefan · Apr 18, 2018

One side converted would work for me. Looking forward to more on your project.

MattKing · Apr 18, 2018

Considering what the Fuji 6x9 rangefinders are currently selling for, there may very well be a market for a supply side conversion.

Dan Fromm · Apr 18, 2018

Saganich said:
That's not a bad idea to only convert the supply side. I use a Brownie Hawkeye like that as the 120 spool just fits in the supply side but I use 620 for take-up side. This hasn't been an issue as long as I have a spare spool for each roll I take into the field. That would make the Medalist just as useable IMHO and would gladly pay $100 bucks for that.

Hmm. I use Adapt-A-Roll 620 roll holders. These beasties will feed film perfectly well from a 120 spool but must take up on a 620 spool. In the field, I use a changing bag to spool exposed film to the 120 spool it came on. Not a big problem, and no need to carry extra spools even though I do "just in case."

MattKing · Apr 18, 2018

Dan Fromm said:
I use Adapt-A-Roll 620 roll holders. These beasties will feed film perfectly well from a 120 spool but must take up on a 120 spool.

Dan:
I expect you meant to post: "must take up on a 620 spool".

Paul Howell · Apr 18, 2018

Saganich said:
That's not a bad idea to only convert the supply side. I use a Brownie Hawkeye like that as the 120 spool just fits in the supply side but I use 620 for take-up side. This hasn't been an issue as long as I have a spare spool for each roll I take into the field. That would make the Medalist just as useable IMHO and would gladly pay $100 bucks for that.

I do as well with a Tourister, difference is that the Hawkeye and Tourister have red windows for frame count, the Medalist has a counter, don't know if both sides need to be modified for a proper frame count. I think the Chevron also uses a frame counter.

Dan Fromm · Apr 18, 2018

MattKing said:
Dan:
I expect you meant to post: "must take up on a 620 spool".

Matt, thanks for the correction. Of course you're right. I've edited my post to correct, the correction carried forward to yours.

Folks, Matt called me, correctly, for writing 120 when I meant 620.

Saganich · Apr 18, 2018

Dan Fromm said:
Hmm. I use Adapt-A-Roll 620 roll holders. These beasties will feed film perfectly well from a 120 spool but must take up on a 620 spool. In the field, I use a changing bag to spool exposed film to the 120 spool it came on. Not a big problem, and no need to carry extra spools even though I do "just in case."

I spent some time respooling onto 620 in changing bags but I found there were paths of even less resistance in my camera draw.

BrianShaw · Apr 18, 2018

BAC1967 said:
http://www.baldmtn.com/Convert.htm

"The standard conversion cost for a Medalist I is $417 a Medalist II is $395"
http://www.baldmtn.com/medalist_cost.htm

rather important... also see this: http://www.baldmtn.com/

John51 · Apr 18, 2018

There's a 120 modded Medalist II on ebay Spain. Asking £645.40 or whatever that is in Euros.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BEAUTIFU...201039?hash=item1ede65524f:g:PnAAAOSwhCJazvvH

The English text isn't very clear. Gives the impression that it is a full conversion but it ships with 2 x 620 spools. The pic with the back off shows a 620 spool on the take-up side.

The Kodak Reflex tlr has similar frame counting to the Medalist and I have played around turning the spindle and little wheel with no problem getting it back to zero. The Medalist has a warning not to move that roller so I'd guess that there is more to the frame counting with the Medalist.

adelorenzo · Apr 18, 2018

I bought a medalist earlier this year. If I had the option to buy a converted one at the time I definitely would have. Instead I bought a bunch of 620 spools and re-spool film.

moto-uno · Apr 19, 2018

^ I suspect that after spending what it cost for the conversion , it'd be easier looking for chicken lips then finding a modded one for sale , Peter

Dan Daniel · Apr 20, 2018

Thanks again for all the comments. I'l go ahead with the prototype modification and see how it works out. Maybe do another one to see if anyone wants to buy it. I'll post more as I move along!

BrianShaw · Apr 20, 2018

Good luck Dan!

Kodak Medalist converted to 120- any market?

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