Kodak Medalist - May Day

[mickeyobe]

Anybody,

I have just acquired a Kodak Medalist. It is a very impressive piece of equipment and at 2.9 lbs is heavier than the Argus C3 "Brick". It could be called the "Cement Block".

It had two problems of which the vendor apprised me:

1. Everything was either siezed up or very stiff.
I have managed to cure this problem quite easily.

2. The shutter only works at one speed. About 1/25 second.
I will very happily accept any advice, encouraging or discouraging on repairing this. I have a number of publications and some info from the internet. All I lack is the courage to begin the operation. And, of course, knowledge of what I may be getting myself into.

Mickey

[Microdad]

Mickey, how do you like the Medalist compared with the C3? I acquired a C3 a while back and though it was an interesting camera to use, I wasn't really that impressed with it. Don't get me wrong, it's a cool camera and I'm glad I grabbed it. The rangefinder was hard to use and the shutter cocking lever is located right where my hand is so it hits my finger when I shoot

If it's any consolation, I did my first minor repair job about a month ago. I relied heavily on advice I received from the folks on this forum (and Ron's forum) and now have a nicely operational Mamiya for the ol' collection.

The most difficult part wasn't the actual repair itself, but rather coming to the realization that I wouldn't have it done in one day.

Lesson learned from camera repair: There's a fine line between patience and the insane asylum.

Steve

[mickeyobe]

Steve,

I have quite a few C3's but last week was the first time I ever used one. I am not at all impressed. All the faults you recited are true. It is also extremely unergonomic (my word). Focussing is almost impossible by the knurled focussing knob. One must turn the lens itself. The results were less than satisfactory. I am going to try again, however, because it couldn't have been such a popular camera if it gave the poor pictures I got. It must be me. Unless there was a severe shortage of bookends and door stops.

There is no comparing the Medalist with the C 3. There is such a vast difference in quality of manufacture and features. However, ergonomics are about the same, both being awkward and heavy. Both the viewfinder and the range finder windows are very small but extremely easy to use, even with glasses. I was hoping that some kind soul would answer my plea for help before I took the plunge on my own. I am about ready to dive. If and when I get it working I shall report. I expect it may take considerably longer than one day.

Mickey