Compact standand lens for a M8

How aboutthe Cosina Voigtlaner 35mm f/2.5 II M lens at $379 new?

http://www.cameraquest.com/voigtpma2004.htm

I have it and it is one nice lens.

My brother has that one and he is very happy with the results but I would prefer something in the f/2 or f/1.4 range.

Thanks for your answer!

You might be able to find a 40/2 summicron or minolta version 40/2 in that price range. It is a very good lens, with a nice look. Only two problems -- getting an IR filter for it, and not having coding or framelines. The importance of that is really about how picky you are...
I am not sure how important coding would be...the 35mm lenses generally need it to correct for cyan vignetting, but not the 50s...the 40mm is in between of course. I would agree though that the CV f/2.5 is a good bet -- there is not really much of a practical difference between 2.5 and 2...it is only 2/3rds of a stop, underexposing by that amount would not affect most photos. CV does have a 35/1.4 as well, though I am not sure of the price...it is not supposed to be super sharp either I think. Their old 35/1.7 was very highly regarded...you could look at that as well, but it is not as compact.

The 50mm would give you about 65mm equivalent. If that is not too long, an older 50 mm f2.0 Summicron might suit you, such as a fairly modern Canadian issue from about 1978 on going for about your price in mint or mint- shape. A same period Summicron 35mm is much more expensive, much more compact, but less well corrected (although great out of focus rendition). Although I have an aspherical 35mm from Leica, I use the 35 mm f2.5 classic VC lens (LTM mount) with adapter. Very compact and very nice for B&W work.

Thanks for your answers, the CV 35mm f/1.4 looks like a very interesting candidate. I guess I need to do some search for the picture quality.

All in all has it all, its compact, cheap and fast. Ussually this three doesn't go together so I wonder how good is in reality.

The CV 35mm f1.7 LTM lens is reviewed here

(http://www.imx.nl/photo/zeiss/zeiss/zeiss/page53.html)

where Erwin Puts places it almost on the level of the pre-aspherical Summicron 35mm f2, which used is now selling well over $1000. His review of the VC 35mm f1.2 is not all that favourable, although he has not reviewed the VC 35mm or VC 40mm f1.4 lenses, but they may come close to the f1.7 in quality.

Thanks, the 35mm f/1.7 look like a nice option, I will check ebay for it. The CV 35/1.4 is smaller but the reviews seem to put the 35/1.7 in a better place.