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Graflex Speed Graphic

The Graflex Speed Graphic is a large-format press camera produced in the United States by Graflex, with a focal-plane shutter built into the body in addition to the between-the-lens shutter of its taking lens. It was the standard news-photography camera in the mid-20th century, typically used with sheet film in 4x5 and related formats.

At UK auction today, hammer results for Speed Graphic bodies sit roughly in the £94–£290 range across the sales on record, with a median around £180 — these are wholesale saleroom prices before buyer's premium, not dealer retail. Recent 2024 hammers of £162 and £200 suggest a typical clean example sells for around £160–£200, while earlier Christie's results show that complete outfits with desirable lenses have historically been worth more. Condition, completeness of the rangefinder, and the presence of a working lens and film holders drive most of the price variation.

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Sales History

Prices shown are realised prices — auction results and completed eBay sales, never asking prices. Most saleroom figures are hammer prices, before commission; some houses publish a premium-inclusive figure, and we do not adjust for condition. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher. How this figure is calculated.

Prices updated: January 2026

Date Price Value GBP Source
Jan 2026 £400 £320 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions
Nov 2025 £138 £110 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions
Sep 2025 £250 £200 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions
Sep 2025 £200 £160 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions
Aug 2025 £275 £220 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions
Jul 2025 £312 £250 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions
Oct 2024 £95 £95 🇬🇧 Harper Field Auctions
Oct 2024 £85 £85 🇬🇧 Harper Field Auctions
Sep 2024 £288 £230 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions
Jan 2024 £200 £160 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions
Jan 2024 £162 £130 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions
Dec 2021 £124 £100 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions
Jan 2021 £136 £110 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions
Feb 2019 £150 £150 🇬🇧 Harper Field Auctions
Jan 2019 £95 £95 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services (archive)
Jan 2017 £200 £200 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services (archive)
Jun 2007 £288 £240 🇬🇧 Christie's
Mar 2007 £96 £80 🇬🇧 Christie's
Mar 2007 £180 £150 🇬🇧 Christie's
Nov 2003 £199 £169 🇬🇧 Christie's
Nov 2003 £105 £89 🇬🇧 Christie's
Nov 2003 £235 £200 🇬🇧 Christie's
Oct 2003 £100 £100 🇬🇧 Bonhams
Jul 2002 £188 £160 🇬🇧 Christie's
May 2002 £223 £190 🇬🇧 Christie's
Jan 2001 £94 £80 🇬🇧 Christie's
Aug 2000 £82 £70 🇬🇧 Christie's
Aug 2000 £94 £80 🇬🇧 Christie's
Nov 1998 £126 £110 🇬🇧 Christie's
Oct 1998 £184 £160 🇬🇧 Christie's
Aug 1998 £80 £70 🇬🇧 Christie's
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Frequently asked questions

What is a Graflex Speed Graphic worth today?

Based on UK auction hammer prices, a Speed Graphic is generally worth between about £120 and £290, with most recent examples selling for around £160–£200 before buyer's premium.

How much does a Graflex Speed Graphic sell for at auction?

Recent UK auction sales have seen Speed Graphic bodies sell for £124, £162 and £200, while older Christie's results reached £235 and £288 for better outfits.

What affects the value and price of a Speed Graphic?

Condition of the bellows and shutter, whether the rangefinder is present and working, and whether the camera comes with a usable lens and film holders are the main factors that determine price.

Is a Graflex Speed Graphic still usable?

Yes — 4x5 sheet film and compatible holders are still produced, so a serviced Speed Graphic remains a working large-format camera.

Other Graflex cameras