Sue, while I think it's a very fine lens, it's 45mm f/2.8 C stablemate might be more to your liking. It has a more "classic" rendering - it can be very sharp, but transitions are smooth, and results very pleasing. The only lens I regret having sold (or rather, having had to sell because I ran out of bodies to use it on ...) and would re-buy immediately if I had a means to shoot it.
It's also small, light and comparatively inexpensive. Nothing like the 40mm f/1.4 in terms of prowess, though ... But a worthwhile alternative.
M.