Purchasing a 4x5 Speed Graphic

[VulpesVulpesVulpes]

First of all, hello! I'm a bit new here so sincere apologies if I've posed this question in the wrong place.

I recently decided I wanted to try my hand at large format, and took a shining to the Speed Graphic and how approachable it seemed for a beginner.
Thus far in my stupidity, I have bought two from eBay (in quick succession) which a kind user on Flickr pointed out have been incorrectly listed as 4x5, and are in fact one of the smaller models.

My question is, what is a reliable way to gauge from photos alone which model you're looking at? Given how similar they can appear.

(Before purchasing i read and re-read the graflex faq many times but still fell for the eBay trap)
(Will also add that I'm in the u.k and bought from the u.s so at this time neither have arrived yet)

Thanks for any responses!

[jp]

Pretty much everything is the same proportions but the rangefinder looks a little big on the smaller models.
If someone incorrectly listed it as 4x5, I'd return it. Speed graphics are fun, but 4x5 film is most available sheet film size, so that's most useful.

[VulpesVulpesVulpes]

I think I may have to return it when it arrives. I've heard the smaller sizes without a graflok back are especially useless to me.
any chance I could get a second opinion on the one I've bought? On the off chance it is a 4x5.

http://r.ebay.com/pCBCx8

[Old-N-Feeble]

FWIW, I don't see anything incorrect in the item description. The seller knows nothing about vintage Graflex cameras but he/she didn't try to hide anything nor did they describe things poorly.

The above stated, it has a spring back, not Graflok. That's fine if you don't need it. The 35mm Tessar lens is utterly useless... but the seller clearly described it so, again, they didn't try to hide anything. If I was the buyer and decided this isn't the camera for me then I'd politely ask the seller to accept a return and I would pay shipping both ways.

[Tim Meisburger]

It looks like a 4x5. The lens is incorrectly listed as 3.5cm, but that is because most of the "1" is worn off. The lens is actually 13.5cm (135mm), which is correct for 4x5, and everything else looks proportionally correct. So, you should be fine.

[Old-N-Feeble]

It looks like a 4x5. The lens is incorrectly listed as 3.5cm, but that is because most of the "1" is worn off. The lens is actually 13.5cm (135mm), which is correct for 4x5, and everything else looks proportionally correct. So, you should be fine.

Ha ha... you're right. I missed that.

[DrTang]

the seller DID say it was 4x5 several times..although..with the 135 lens..it probably is

the 3x4's came with a 127..right?

so if it does turn out to be 3x4..I'd return it

[John Kasaian]

It's an Anniversary model. Take a look at www.graflex.org for info re your new camera.

[Kevin Crisp]

The lens is incorrectly stated to be an Ektar, but there is nothing wrong with the Optar.

[Louis Pacilla]

The lens is incorrectly stated to be an Ektar, but there is nothing wrong with the Optar.

Hey Kevin

I think you made the same mistake I did. The 1st time I clicked on the eBay link the OP provided Somehow I wound up w/ a Pacemaker Graphic/Opatr lens w/ Graflock & a BIN price of $399. The OP actually bought a Anniversary Graphic w/ a Tessar lens & a spring Grflock back.

When I went back a second time (because like you I saw an Optar on a Pacemaker & Graflock back then I checked again and found the correct camera on discussion.