I have the former, and I like it. It's in a Graphic View board, so I can't easily put it on my Speed. It is worth buying a separate Ektar? Is the Ektar a noticably better lens? Either way, I would put it in the press camera mount, then use my adapter for the View. But if the Ektar is better, I'd probably sell the Optar.

Has anyone done any tests on these?

The only way to know for certain is to find an Ektar and test it. Both of these lenses are probably over 50 years old and their individual lives have a much greater bearing on their performance than their pedigree.

I've wondered the same thing with my Optar, but it's a great performer at a modest price, and if I ran the tests, they would have no bearing on the 203 Ektar that you would find becausse it may have lead a better or worse life.

What Les said. My 203 ratpO has given outstanding results. No experience with Ektar, but then I don't like Supermatic shutters nohow, so an Ek would have to be "something else" for me to even consider it.