Regarding the DA 35, I have it, I love it, I think there IS something special about the way it renders. I love that I can use it for street photography and go right into an extreme closeup. I've even defended it recently in this forum. All that being said, I think it's a bit silly for us (yes, I include me) to be arguing about it.
First of all, everyone has different ideas of what they want their own photos to look like. If this wasn't true, there'd be no need for lightroom or photoshop, there would just be one program that had a "Make My Picture Perfect" option. For instance, I like what I've seen of the FA 31 and FA 43, but not as much as the DA ltds. I don't find that mystery quality others find in those photos. Check that, I SEE what they're talking about, but I don't particularly like it. No biggie, to each his or her own. I definitely like the DA 35 more than the FA 31, but I got no problem with others being opposite that.
Secondly, regarding the two reviews, one is clearly subjective and one is technical. As many others have stated, neither one should be taken as the final word on whether or the lens is great. I'm glad the first two guys liked it, but I liked it before their article. And I trust Klaus' technical review, and find it interesting, but couldn't care less if he recommends it or not, I like it.
Finally, Ogl, and I don't say this with any malice at all, but it seems a bit strange for you to cite the photozone review to back up your campaign against this lens, when your biggest complaints about the lens are that it's "dull" and has "no mystic," two categories that I couldn't find in Klaus' test.
Oh, one more thing in regards to my post title: check out the differing opinions on the DA 40 when it came out (a lens that has been cited as better than the DA 35 in this current round of lens disputes). Some of the arguments sound strangely similar:
Why so little lust for the DA 40mm ? [Page 1]: Pentax SLR Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review
Many lenses, many users, many needs, everyone can be happy with what they have!
Todd