Graflex 3x4 Anniversary Speed Graphic

A large format press camera built for durability, using 3-1/4" x 4-1/4" film and featuring a focal plane shutter with speeds up to 1/1000.

Overview

The Graflex 3x4 Anniversary Speed Graphic is a large format press camera manufactured by Graflex in Rochester, New York. It supports 3-1/4" x 4-1/4" film format and includes a focal plane shutter with 24 speeds, reaching up to 1/1000 second. The camera features a 3-1/4" square lensboard and 12 inches of bellows capacity, allowing for flexible lens positioning and focusing. Some models were equipped with Ektar f/4.7 127mm lenses, though lens configurations could vary.

Specifications

Picture size	3-1/4" x 4-1/4"
Bellows capacity	12"
Lensboard	3-1/4" square
Focal Plane Shutter	24 speeds up to 1/1000
Weight	6 lb 14 oz
Length	8"
Width	7.5"

Design

The Anniversary Speed Graphic features a metal body with a satin black finish and chrome trim, though wartime models omitted chrome. It uses a folding bed and body track design, typical of press cameras of the era, and was usually covered in black leather. The camera accepts 3x4 film holders.

Context

Market

Common issues include failure of the bottom tripod socket, which the service manual specifically addresses with repair instructions. One unit was listed on eBay with serial number 272591, and another was acquired at a flea market for $15. A 1943 model was reported purchased for $300 CAD, indicating wide variation in condition and value.