Kodak Medalist II
Do you choose the camera or does the camera choose you? We may try to think of a camera as a mindless, soulless, inanimate object, but experienced photographers know better. Experienced photographers know that if a camera likes you, you and it can do no wrong together. If a camera doesn't like you, there's no amount of counseling that will get the two of you on the same page.
The Kodak Medalist II is definitely a camera that chooses you. If it likes you, the massive, knurled focusing ring will move for you freely and the split image rangefinder will magically bring together the images and make them agree. If it agrees to let you use it, the camera will melt into your hands and the tall, but sturdy shutter button will feel like extensions of your fingers. The Medalist's hefty four pound weight will hardly be noticeable as you head off to make photographs together. Your vision and the camera's vision have become one. The Medalist has chosen you.
However, if you approach the Medalist with a squinty look and suspicion, the Medalist may never forgive you. You'll fumble with the film loading sequence that is a crucial step in unlocking the Medalist's secrets. There may seem to be levers and knobs that make no sense. The 1940s and 1950s design will seem as foreign as the controls of a British sports car from that era. Even trying to remove the camera's back doors will not be apparent and the Medalist will not reveal her mysterious ways easily.
As with any relationship, though, the more honest work you put into it, the better the two of you will work together. Give the Medalist time and the beauty of Kodak's 100mm f/3.5 lens will give you remarkably sharp images for a lens of its age. You'll appreciate the extra effort that goes into re-spooling 120 film onto Kodak's proprietary 620 film reels. Far from being a small price to pay, it's actually no trouble at all. You and your Medalist have learned each other and will enjoy countless afternoons together.
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