What was the usual aperture for lenses on early Speed Graphics?

[Bill_1856]

Most of the 4x5 Speed/Crowns in my lifetime have been 135mm Tessar types f:4.5 to f:4.7.
Was this true in the early years, say 1920s and 30s?

[sun of sand]

Probably
Not likely to be any different than standard lenses of today
They did have faster tessars
But usual is usual

[John Kasaian]

For taking? "f/8 And be there." Weegee
The usual lenses found aboard Speeders and Crowns would be f/4.5 or f/4.7 Ektars and Wollys.
Of course I could be in error.

[ic-racer]

From Graflex.org:

1912-1927 ``Top Handle'' Speed Graphic 3-1/4x4-1/4, 4x5, 3-1/4x5-1/2, 5x7: These early cameras have very small lensboards and will not use the big fast lenses that came out in the 1920's, such as the f/2.5 and f/2.9 Cooke Speedic, Plaubel Anticomar f/2.9 (a favorite), Dallmeyer Pentac F2.9 and bigger Dallmeyer Cooke and Ross telephotos.

[Jim Jones]

In 1915 the 4x5 Speed Graphic with a Zeiss KA f/6.3 was listed at $38.50, only $3.50 more than the body alone. With a B&L Zeiss Tessar Ser. Ic f/4.5 it was $75 and with a Cooke Ser. II f/4.5 fifty cents more. The other three sizes were available with the same three lenses at prices proportional to size. In 1938 the pre-Anniversary 4x5 with Kodak Anastigmat f/4.5 #32 in barrel cost $116, and with Schneider Zenar 6.5" f/3.5 in Compound shutter was $135. The body only was $75.

[Bill_1856]

Thanks, Guys.