surprised only one person mentioned a kodak medalist -- one of those easily could have been used in the invasion, they were standard military issue, and built to withstand bullets --- click on this link === Dead Link Removed -- and as you scroll down you will see a cartoon of a WAC smacking a Nazi with one. She could easily have used it to take his picture next, too.
Re-roll some film onto 620 spools you can still use it, too. If you need any, let me know -- years ago I bought a brick of Verichrome Pan to feed mine and kept all the empties.
From the article linked:
““If there have ever been an American Collectible camera, this would be it. Built like a Tank during World War II the GI affectionately called it the “American Leica”.
In many ways it was better than a Leica for its intended purpose. Its large negative format, 6X9, not only faithfully illustrated the pages of Life Magazine, but it made the camera specially suited for aerial reconnaissance missions a type of photography, where big, faithful enlargements of enemy terrain was a much needed ability.
Although Aluminum and steel were in short supply during the war, this camera used them generously to ensure the design mission of creating a camera just as tough and reliable as a Jeep, under all circumstances. The lens focusing mount, for example was based on a tough, generous, aluminum helicoid, that allowed for a luxurious extension capable of shooting from infinity all the way down to three an a half feet. This focusing range, unusual for a medium format camera was made possible by a gorgeous optical lens design, that, although expensive to manufacture, is still one of the best optical designs available, when outstanding focal range is a prime consideration, giving the camera great versatility on the field.
The design criteria was that if pictures could save the lives of soldiers. Good pictures definitely would. Thus the Medalist was born.
If you would like to have a camera that itself is a product of the World History, that is charged with the power of American Patriotism and that of events that changed the course of the World, this is one of them!”
it's also an incredibly usable camera -- on mine, anyway, the film registration mechanism works like a charm, the viewfinder is parallax-compensating and pretty large as these things go, the shutter works like a champ and the Ektar lens is worth its reputation. It's pretty quick to use as a result, since winding the film also cocks the shutter.
