the famous Kodak Medalist II from a post war brochure
Toronto. When the USA joined WW2 in 1941, it lost access to German cameras. Local manufacturing tried to plug the gap. Kodak provided a bulky “120” size camera in 1941 that lasted to 1948. The monster (about three pounds!) had an excellent Ektar f/3.5 100mm lens but no flash synchronization. The camera used Kodak 620 roll film, similar to 120 roll film but on a wooden-core spool.
Post war, the Medalist II was released with an upgrade to add flash synchronization, a coated lens, etc. The Medalist II was made from 1946 – 1953 when German cameras regained their prestige and Japanese cameras began to be introduced.
Our latest newsletter, PHSC News 25-10, has a fine article on the Medalist II. The article recommends a CLA before use (clean, lubricate, and adjust). Year ago, past president of the PHSC, Bill Belier, mentioned that Medalist cameras had finicky shutters and when they were collected years later, the cameras often suffered mechanical issues.
