Not sure how it took me this long to notice, but tonight for the first time I realized that some Super D's have Ektars and some have Optars! I took a quick look at Paine and he draws no distinction. Is there any practical difference between the two?

Thanks in advance,
Semi

From a quick flick through my files, it looks like age. 1949 catalog shows Ektars, 1952 shows Optars.

From a shooting point of view I think the quality control might have been better on the Ektars, and some say that all Wallies suffer from some coma, other claim it's not a defect but a feature.

Unlike Speed Graphic lenses, Super D lenses tend to get better protection from life's bumps and scratches, so unless there's steel wool in the case or it's been stored in the basement of an outhouse I don't think the lens' life is as big a factor than Speed Graphic lenses.

Bottom line I seriously doubt you'd be able to tell the difference between the two lenses on 8x10s.