I had already looked at this (I read The Phoblographer regularily - and of course, Chris linked to it) and wasn't that impressed by most of the blurb (including the image samples); after all, this is just the - stated - high-class execution of the simplest possible lens; f/8 hyperfocal isn't fantastic at all, it just means that I'd get a fixed focus lens that's not very useful for many genres of on-the-go photography. The gestalt and form factor are really, really nice, though; and the fact that it's a Tessar type lens (my favourite design of all times) is also very appealing for me. But all in all, I think it's pretty expensive for what you get - even if its optical quality is better than the heavily modded "instagrammatic" images are able to prove.
In all honesty, my impression is that this thing is geared towards the hipster in-crowd, not photographers. That said, I'd be all over it if it were just a little brighter and had a means of focusing closer, maybe down to one meter. As it is, I'd probably not find a real use for it except for traveling as compact as possible; *anyone* could to hyperfocal with *any* lens, though most of them would probably be bigger. But then again, Voigtländer offer a couple of lenses that can do a lot(!) more than this Goerz 35mm - for instance, there's the tiny, yet beautifully made Ultron 40mm II SL for Nikon F (they seem to have discontinued the Canon EF version, however):
40 mm / F 2,0 Ultron SL II N
I own that lens, it's a great performer - and hardly any bigger; yes, it's more expensive, but you also get a lot more for your money!
The same goes for mirrorless, including M mount - Voigtländer's Nokton Classic lenses are bright, small and beautiful, and while they have what is called "character" (really meaning visible optical limitations when not stopped down considerably), they're extremely well made and work fine (I own the 35mm):
35 mm / F 1,4 Nokton
40 mm / F 1,4 Nokton Classic
If you need an even smaller lens (as small as the Goerz, yet full-featured!), the Color-Skopar pancake will serve you well:
35 mm / F 2,5 Color Skopar Pancake II
I know that all of these lenses are more expensive, but they are also a lot more useful. In short, considering what's already available, I don't think this lens is really worth my money. Besides, I already helped fund this:
The Neptune Convertible Art Lens System
Again, more expensive, but much more versatile, old-school - and fun (I know this kind of set lens from Zeiss Ikon Contaflex cameras I inherited from my father and grandfather).
I'm prepared to eat my words once thorough (field) testing with this lens has been done and results are convincing. For the time being, I'll stay away from it.
M.