I know that there a few people here who have used a Kodak Medalist (I and II). I deal with a lot of them and often will send people a list of 'tips and tricks' to avoid jamming the camera, getting blank frames, etc. I am hoping that some users can look over my notes and see if I am either missing something important or doing something wrong or that could be done better. Much appreciated!!
Be very deliberate in operation as you get used to the camera. Do every action to its completion. Probably the easiest way to stuff the camera is to wind forward but not complete something and then do something else (but if there is no film in the camera, winding the knob will have no concrete stop point so don't worry).
- If counter is not at 0, set to 8
- Get film on spool, close back
- Wind forward and watch for 1 in red window
- Once 1 is showing in window, move counter dial to 1
- Wind knob forward. It will crunch a bit and lock after a very small turn
After loading and getting to 1 on both film and counter, cock shutter using lever under the viewfinder. Loading film does not do this automatically. This will avoid possible blank frames on first shot. Using this lever if the shutter is already cocked doesn’t cause any harm.
- If using a cable release- standard style works fine- after firing the camera with the release, you need to press the shutter button down to release the wind system. Don't worry, the shutter is not cocked because it was just fired by the cable release.
- The shutter release on the Medalist is no Leica! Practice with it; use the lever under the viewfinder to cock it. My best results involves pressing the release down to just before it fires, usually with obvious back pressure. Then pause, and finish firing. One long stroke always leads to blur for me.
- I strongly suggest doing some shots on a tripod to get an idea of what this lens can do without concern over camera shake.
QUICK NOTES- Medalist I and II
(Medalist I- Please, leave the lever around the shutter release tucked next to the viewfinder and don’t use it.)
FIRST PRINCIPLE
(Medalist I- Please, leave the lever around the shutter release tucked next to the viewfinder and don’t use it.)
FIRST PRINCIPLE
Be very deliberate in operation as you get used to the camera. Do every action to its completion. Probably the easiest way to stuff the camera is to wind forward but not complete something and then do something else (but if there is no film in the camera, winding the knob will have no concrete stop point so don't worry).
LOADING
- If counter is not at 0, set to 8
- Get film on spool, close back
- Wind forward and watch for 1 in red window
- Once 1 is showing in window, move counter dial to 1
- Wind knob forward. It will crunch a bit and lock after a very small turn
After loading and getting to 1 on both film and counter, cock shutter using lever under the viewfinder. Loading film does not do this automatically. This will avoid possible blank frames on first shot. Using this lever if the shutter is already cocked doesn’t cause any harm.
- If using a cable release- standard style works fine- after firing the camera with the release, you need to press the shutter button down to release the wind system. Don't worry, the shutter is not cocked because it was just fired by the cable release.
- The shutter release on the Medalist is no Leica! Practice with it; use the lever under the viewfinder to cock it. My best results involves pressing the release down to just before it fires, usually with obvious back pressure. Then pause, and finish firing. One long stroke always leads to blur for me.
- I strongly suggest doing some shots on a tripod to get an idea of what this lens can do without concern over camera shake.