Graflex Anniversary Speed Graphic
The Graflex Anniversary Speed Graphic is a large-format press camera produced in the United States, introduced in 1940 to mark Graflex's fiftieth anniversary. It uses sheet film in a folding bed body and was positioned as a working press photographer's tool, equipped with both a focal-plane shutter and leaf-shutter lens compatibility.
At recent UK auction, hammer prices for the Anniversary Speed Graphic have sat in the £69–£140 range, with a median around £81, reflecting wholesale saleroom levels rather than retail. In today's market the camera sells for figures that are highly condition-sensitive: bellows integrity, shutter function and the presence of a usable lens drive most of the variation, and examples missing film holders or with pinholed bellows pull toward the lower end of that range.
Sales History
Prices shown are UK auction hammer results — the wholesale level achieved in the saleroom. Neither buyer’s nor seller’s commission is included. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher.
Prices updated: June 2024
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| Jun 2024 | £138 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Auction (Lot 435) Title: An Anniversary Speed Graphic Large Format Folding Press Camera
Description:
black, circa 1945, serial no.322554, made by Folmer-Graflex, with a Graflex Optar f/4.5 6⅜in. lens, serial no.294868, Wollensak shutter slow speeds |
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| Apr 2024 | £140 | Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 65) Title: A Graflex Anniversary Speed Graphic 4'' x 5'' Camera
Description:
A Graflex Anniversary Speed Graphic 4'' x 5'' Camera, black, serial no E782819, focal plain shutter working, body G, some paint wear/brassing to |
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| Apr 2024 | £70 | Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 79) Title: A Graflex Anniversary 4 x 5 Speed Graphic Camera
Description:
A Graflex Anniversary 4 x 5 Speed Graphic Camera, chrome trim, body G, some fading to leatherette, wear, missing bottom screw on film holder spring, |
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| Jun 2023 | £175 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 242) Title: A Folmer-Graflex Speed Graphic Anniversary Press Camera
Description:
1940-45, serial no.317581, 5 x 4in with a 9 x 12cm focusing screen, a Graflex Optar f/4.5 6⅜in. lens, front leaf shutter working, focal plane shutter |
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| Apr 2023 | £138 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: The Collectors Sale (Lot 247) Title: A Graflex Anniversary Speed Graphic Large Format Press Camera
Description:
black, 1940-45, made by the Folmer-Graflex Corporation, 5 x 4in. format, with a Schneider-Kreuznach Xenar f/4.5 150mm lens, 1952, serial no.3382797, |
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| Apr 2023 | £81 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: The Collectors Sale (Lot 248) Title: A Graflex Anniversary Speed Graphic Press Camera
Description:
black, chrome trim, made by Folmer-Graflex, 1940-45, serial no.253661, quarter plate, with a Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar f/4.5 11.5cm lens, 1938, serial |
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| Mar 2023 | £69 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: The Collectors Sale (Lot 334) Title: A Folmer-Graflex Anniversary Speed Graphic 5 x 4 Press Camera
Description:
black, 1940-47, with a Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar f/4.5 13.5cm lens, 1939, serial no.2608982, Compur shutter has issues, focal plane shutter not working, |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Graflex Anniversary Speed Graphic worth today?
Based on recent UK auction hammer results, a complete working example typically sells for between £70 and £140, with a median value around £80.
How much does a Graflex Anniversary Speed Graphic sell for at auction?
Recent UK saleroom results show a price range of £69 to £140, so most hammer prices fall within that band depending on condition and completeness.
What affects the value of an Anniversary Speed Graphic most?
Bellows condition, shutter accuracy, and whether the camera includes its original lens, lensboard and film holders are the main factors pushing value toward the upper or lower end of the range.