Kodak Medalist II viewfinder parallax correction?

[Robert Lai]

From the online manual and Kodak literature, I get the impression that the Kodak Medalist II viewfinder has parallax correction.

However, I just got my Medalist II back from 120 conversion and overhaul by Ken Ruth, and I see no shift in the viewfinder image as I focus far to near distances. I tried to get Ken today, but I didn't get through to him.

For the Medalist owners - is the parallax correction something that you notice obviously, or is it so subtle that you've really got to look for it?

 

[Brian Legge]

Its subtle. There is a small mask which moves - I believe up and down - as you focus. You have to look for it though. It is possible for it to get stuck but I'd assume the subtly is the issue.

Did you have the full conversion or half conversion done? I've been seriously considering sending him one.

 

[Robert Lai]

Thanks, Brian for your answer. I guess I'll have to look carefully as I focus.

I had the full conversion done (I don't want to mess with 620 spools). As well, I had the shutter overhauled. During the overhaul, he noted that the viewfinder eyepiece had separated, giving a hazy image. For $20, he separated the elements, and recemented them. The viewfinder and RF give a crystal clear view now.

My only gripe is that for the $500 that he charges, he doesn't clean the camera. Mine was rather dirty (bought sight unseen from a fellow RFFer, and sent directly for servicing). Cleaning the chrome was a hassle. I made the mistake of using acetone to try to clean the chrome. If any of that gets on the shutter cocking indicator window, that window will melt :bang:. I had to send it off to get a replacement window.

I would say stick to something mild like Windex to clean it. Don't use anything abrasive, as the chrome is thin, and it will wear through. The man who replaced the window told me that one. I didn't have to learn that one the hard way 😀.

 

[ZeissFan]

The viewfinder is centered above the lens, so you only get vertical parallax.

I had someone return my Medalist II because he said the parallax correction wasn't working, I think maybe it's subtle.

On the Kodak Chevron, which replaced the Medalist, the parallax correction is a bit more obvious - but only a bit.