Kodak Medalist I vs. II lens

W

Way

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Anyone have a chance to compare the Medalist I and II lenses? I believe they are the same except for the coating? Do the images have the same character, sharpness?
 
Have not had a chance to compare these two particular lenses (only have a Med II), but the Lumized coating is outstanding with color film (which is why Kodak invented it to begin with), and in general. On Kodak's large format lenses (e.g. f7.7/203, the 127s etc.), the difference makes a big difference -- better contrast, and much better color rendition.
 
Thanks for the replies. Looks like I'll try to look for a Medalist II.
 
Hello
As the owner a Medalist !,let me suggest that you don't pass a good one by.I've some trannies taken with Provia 110 F that would make your iris' dance with joy. Having said that,it doesn't like shooting into the sun.They really have fantastic lens!!!
 
Does the front cell on Medallist I screw out...

Does the front cell on Medallist I screw out...

It looks to me like the front cell simply screws out of the front of the camera, but for the life of me, I can't seem to get it loose. The camera functions all work, shutter seems on, rangefinder works, shutter cocking is easy, and focus helical is snug and smooth. However, there's a bit of haze inside the front lens cell or on the front of the back cell. It's not fungus... I know fungus.

I don't plan on using it, but would like to get the lens clean before selling it. Cosmetically, it's in great condition.

Any comments on removing the front cell. I could probably get the back cell out and work on the front cell through the aperture/shutter, but would prefer the cell out.

My apology for using your thread. Sorry I don't know about the coating question.
 
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Here is some info on the lenses.

Here is some info on the lenses.

Way said:
Anyone have a chance to compare the Medalist I and II lenses? I believe they are the same except for the coating? Do the images have the same character, sharpness?
Click to expand...

Quote:

[FONT=Gill Sans, Gill Sans Condensed, Futura Lt BT]The lens on the Medalist is a 5-element coated f/3.5 Ektar [FONT=Gill Sans, Gill Sans Condensed, Futura Lt BT] [/FONT] of a Heliar design by F. E. Altman that is sharp, even by today's standards. The Ektar for the Medalist I had inner air-glass surfaces coated. The Ektar for the Medalist II was Lumenized, a superior hard single-coating process developed by Kodak that employed magnesium fluoride that reduced inner reflections and increased lens speed when using reversal films. The Medalist I had an unsynchronized Supermatic #2 shutter, replaced in the Medalist II with a Flash Supermatic shutter, with the same speed range. In most other respects, the models were functionally equivalent. Lenses for cheaper Kodak lines were usually purchased from other lens makers, but the Ektars were the result of a corporate program in the 30s to develop new internal research and manufacturing processes that would make cameras like the Ektra and Medalist world leaders. Here is more information about Kodak Ektar lenses, or see offsite links at graflex.org [/FONT][FONT=Gill Sans, Gill Sans Condensed, Futura Lt BT] . The Medalist I was produced from 1941 to 1948; the Medalist II, from 1946 to 1953, when it was replaced by the Chevron, a slightly larger design with a problematic Synchro Rapid shutter and a smaller 6x6 format. Some of the Medalists produced during the war had black anodized lens tubes. I've understood this difference was at least partly because anodized aluminum is not as suceptible as raw aluminum is to saltwater corrosion and Medalists were used extensively in the U. S. Navy. The black lens tube may also have reduced flare in the viewfinder.[/FONT]


[FONT=Gill Sans, Gill Sans Condensed, Futura Lt BT]This is from this site:[/FONT]


http://www.bnphoto.org/bnphoto/KodakMedalist.htm
 
Got a Medalist II from the 'bay and it is with Ken Ruth. Hope to have it back in August!
 
Didn't know there was a difference between the two types, thanks for the info.

Kuzano, the front lens unit should just unscrew from the shutter as I recall.
 
I have both and echo what Moto said above: the I is no slouch and, except for shooting into the light, hold it's own with the II. Colors are quite bright with both. And, if you've one foot in the Lomo crowd, the flare-y I might be desired. Solid as a rock, either...
 
Mr_Flibble said:
Didn't know there was a difference between the two types, thanks for the info.

Kuzano, the front lens unit should just unscrew from the shutter as I recall.
Click to expand...

thanks, but try as I might and using a lens removal tool I could not make any progress. I then used a lens spanner and removed the retaining ring from the back of the lens. It looked like it was going to be a lens and shutter removal as the ring came off nicely. At that point I expected to be able to pull the lens and shutter out the front of the camera. However, under the retaining ring, I encountered what appeared to be a split locking ring in a groove in the shutter board (front of camera). There was no tool that I could come up with to accomplish the removal of that split ring.

Calling the attempt at the limits of my toolbox and skills, I put the retaining ring in place and tightened it back down. Someone with more experience than I is going to have to go after the haze on the lens.

I did then put it up on eBay with full disclosure on all aspects of the operation, and the haze. I put it up with a buy it now of $100. It was snapped up within moments of posting the listing and I have shipped, gotten feedback, and spent the money.

;););)
 
Just sent payment to Mr. Ruth as my Medalist II conversion and CLA is complete. Hope to be taking pictures with it soon!
 
Received the camera today and loaded it with Portra 160NC. Will post some pics in a few days!
 
Can anyone confirm that the Medalist II has a coated front element and the Medalist I does not, but the other elements are Lumenized in both?
 
I can confirm that the Medalist II has fully coated elements. I think Ken Ruth himself noted that the inner elements are coated on the I and the II.

The front element is close to the diaphragm, and it can get haze by its proximity. Mine unscrews without any undue force, using just a rubber glove for grip.

I got mine converted to 120 by Ken Ruth also - very useful conversion.
 
Robert Lai said:
I can confirm that the Medalist II has fully coated elements. I think Ken Ruth himself noted that the inner elements are coated on the I and the II.

The front element is close to the diaphragm, and it can get haze by its proximity. Mine unscrews without any undue force, using just a rubber glove for grip.

I got mine converted to 120 by Ken Ruth also - very useful conversion.
Click to expand...

Thank you Robert.
 
Useful mod,maybe,but at a cost that's greater than the purchase price of a good example to begin with.( This shot may put to rest excessive worry about the lens in a model 1's ability to handle flare. ) Regards Peter




med_U41336I1366066769.SEQ.0.jpg
 
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