Isn’t this exciting news? A brand new rangefinder camera, a completely independent design, a modern approach to combining tradition and modernity, and yet full compatibility thanks to M-mount. All this is promised and will be covered by the Pixii rangefinder camera review. The Pixii is now available in its third version, the model A2572 with a 26 MP APS-C sensor. Here is the full review.
Let me get this out of the way: I received the camera for this Pixii rangefinder camera review on loan from its manufacturer, Pixii SAS, in France. No strings were attached, and no attempt to steer my review in any particular direction. On the other hand, the Pixii team was very helpful in answering some of the questions that came up. Overall, I can confidently say this is an unbiased review, and I would like to thank Pixii for their trust in me in many ways.
You can read a German version of the Pixii review here / Lesen Sie hier eine deutsche Version der Pixii Review.
1. Introduction: What’s on the table for a Pixii rangefinder camera review?
The Pixii is, in some ways, the most modern rangefinder camera imaginable. There was no legacy to consider when designing the body. Not a moment’s thought about whether a removable base plate was important or not. They were able to start from scratch at Pixii, and they took on the challenge with a lot of courage. They did not try to make an overtly Leica-like camera, nor did they forget that it is a good idea to make a rangefinder camera look like what the target group expects from a rangefinder camera. All technical specifications of the Pixii model 2572 can be found here.
The Pixii rangefinder camera is the most modern answer to an 80 year old question
The first impression in the process of writing a Pixii rangefinder camera review could be described as follows: “This is a moderately modern looking camera with some classic virtues. The all-metal body feels very solid, and the M-mount bayonet looks well made, as does the optical viewfinder with the familiar split-image focusing. The Pixii has very few controls and feels even more purist than a Leica M.” In many ways, it reminded me of the -D Leica M models.
The APS-C sensor get top marks and produces a 1.5 crop factor
While Leica’s M line has been full-frame since the M9, the Pixii uses an APS-C-sized sensor. I asked founder David Barth where they get it from during my research for this Pixii rangefinder camera review, but in contrast to his general openness, he did not want to be quoted on this. What I can say for sure is that it is not the same sensor that Leica used in the CL and TL2 digital cameras. The Pixii has 26MP as opposed to the Leica’s 24MP. And it has a Bayer array and not Fujifilm’s X-Trans pattern. More on that later. The sensor is always fully exposed, the Pixii has no mechanical shutter.
The Pixii rangefinder camera is better used with the Pixii app*
The Pixii relies heavily on connectivity. To use it properly, you must install the Pixii app on your smartphone. Connection is via Bluetooth or, preferably, an (existing) wireless network (WLAN/WiFi). You will also need to connect the camera to your computer in order to download large numbers of images. Remember, the Pixii does not have a rear display or electronic viewfinder to view the pictures you take with it.
*It is technically possible to use the Pixii almost completely without the app (see the comments section), but it is the opinion of the reviewer that this makes little sense as the whole concept of the camera is based on connectivity.
2. The outward part of a Pixii review: mechanics and ergonomics
When I took the Pixii out of its very nice and stylish box (Apple look and feel), it immediately reminded me of the Konica Hexar RF, one of the most advanced rangefinder cameras ever made (read more about it in this The M Files episode). The Pixii conveys the same sense of density and quality. Even the form factor is similar, with a small nod to the legacy of rangefinder cameras. The few controls are well-made and feel solid. There is no door for a memory card slot (in fact, the Pixii only uses internal memory), and the battery compartment is closed with a removable cover that also seems well-made. All in all, the build quality is impressive. Nothing prototype, nothing unfinished, nothing tinkered with.
Excellent engineering and a slim silhouette
Lenses are attached in the usual way, using an M-mount bayonet. This works very well, and the Pixii workshop seems to have mastered the business of tenths and hundredths of a millimetre. David Barth told me that he set up the company in the French town of Besançon partly because of the watchmaking tradition there and the resulting availability of highly skilled mechanics. The Pixii rangefinder camera review shows that this body works best with small to medium-sized M-mount lenses. The largest (in terms of diameter) will block the optical path of the rangefinder, making it impossible to focus. The rather massive Zeiss Distagon 35/1.4 ZM (joint review with the 18/4 here in The M Files) works fine, as do most Leica M lenses. The Summilux 21 is too big, as is the Zeiss Distagon 18/4.
Bad news for wide-angle lovers: The 28 turns into a 42, the 50 into a 75
As this is an APS-C sensor camera, there is a crop factor to consider. The camera can display frame lines for 28, 35, 40 and 50mm lenses, but mind you, all this is in full frame. This means you get an effective focal length of 42, 52.5, 60 and 75mm. If you need a wider angle of view, you will need a very short full-frame lens as well as an external viewfinder. You can select focal lengths below 28mm in the Pixii’s menu, but only for your EXIF data (although this is useful).
Some of the new wide angles seem almost made for the Pixii rangefinder camera
In this respect, the Pixii has its limitations, mainly due to its APS-C-sized sensor. On the other hand, a number of super-wide-angle lenses have become available in recent years, many of which are fairly affordable and reasonably fast. And as the camera only uses the centre of the image, the often weaker corners of such lenses are of no consequence. Mechanically, there is nothing to prevent the Pixii from using super wide-angle lenses, as long as they are not too large.
A bit slimmer and remarkably lighter than a Leica M
The body, as my measurements for the Pixii rangefinder camera review are showing, is neither particularly small nor exceptionally large. It measures 138x79x33 millimetres (excluding the slightly protruding eyepiece, rear controls and bayonet mount). By comparison, the Leica M11 is slightly thicker at 139x80x38.5mm. When used side by side, the Pixii and the M10 appeared to be of very similar size, however. The Pixii weighs in at 460g with battery, the M11 at 530g (black) and 640g (black), so the Pixii is noticeably lighter. The colour — you can choose between space grey and black — makes no difference to the Pixii’s weight.
3. The Pixii rangefinder camera review in a nutshell: How good are the pictures?
So how good are the Pixii’s pictures? I will try to answer the most important question in several steps. First, I will look at colours, white balance, exposure and high/low ISO performance to see if I can practically confirm the excellent scores from the DXO ranking. Then I will look at jpg and DNG file quality, both in colour and black and white. Finally, I will share some thoughts on the rolling shutter effect and other more specialised aspects. I hope that this covers most of the questions that Macfilos readers have posed.
High expectations for a DXO-winning sensor
The sensor in the current model of the Pixii rangefinder camera, the A2572, scored a remarkable 90 points on DXO. This makes it the best sensor ever used in a rangefinder camera at the time of testing, including the Leica M10. However, the Leica M11 surpasses the Pixii with an incredible 100 points. But in any case, the Pixii sensor with its 26 MP (6228×4136 pixels) is more than promising.
The Pixii rangefinder camera review shows an impressive dynamic range
In practice, the dynamic range is impressive, to say the least. The manufacturer claims 13.5 EV which seems realistic in real life use. The Pixii rangefinder camera review shows that even severely underexposed images can be safely recovered in the DNG workflow without visible loss. Burned highlights can appear, but the risk is much lower than with the (notorious) M10. Basically, there is no need to be afraid of poorly exposed images, as almost everything can be corrected in post-production. With high-contrast images, it is even possible to create an HDR-like effect (if you like).
For the best image quality, watch out for fast shutter speeds
With the very good high ISO performance of the Pixii’s sensor, the user’s focus should be on short exposure time. The filter’s dense package leaves no room for error. As we have seen, a well-adjusted rangefinder can guarantee perfect focus. But remember that with ultra-high resolution sensors, even minimal camera shake can become a serious problem. Do add a generous helping of ISO and look for the shortest shutter speeds possible. It is not a bad idea to aim for 1/500 with a 50mm lens.
Another finding in the Pixii rangefinder camera review: Average metering is erratic, centre-weighted much better
The enormous dynamic range is actually quite necessary because of the Pixii’s metering. I started with average metering, which gave me absolutely inconsistent results. Two more or less identical shots, taken within a second or less, could differ by several f-stops. This seems to be a software problem, as all metering is taken directly off the sensor. I then switched to centre-weighted metering, which gave me much better results. But then again, this could just be me getting used to it, having shot tens of thousands with the M240 and M10.
DNG files from the Pixii rangefinder camera are great, but…
Colour rendering and white balance are closely related, and what I saw was mostly very good straight out of the camera. Mind you, when shooting RAW, it’s all a bit provisional, as the ‘development’ of the images takes place on your computer. The standard Adobe profile worked well for this, giving me images with a noticeably warmer rendering than I am used to from the digital Leica M. This was particularly true of the Zeiss ZM lenses, where the result was especially pleasing.
… JPGs can be awful, the Pixii rangefinder camera review reveals
Speaking of image files, I can’t help but be critical of the JPGs the Pixii produces in some cases. Especially in very bright areas, artefacts can appear that completely ruin the image. This was the case before and after a major camera software update. As good as the RAW files are, the JPGs are prone to errors. On the other hand, if a camera supports the universal DNG format, why rely on JPG at all?
Black and white DNGs are pleasing as OOC files
Finally, a word about the black-and-white mode. This is heavily hyped by the Pixii team; I think, for marketing reasons. They promise excellent black-and-white DNG files, and the result is indeed good. But the Pixii can’t beat physics. Its black and white DNGs are certainly good, but they are no more than converted colour images. The Pixii’s sensor has a Bayer filter, period. So, the main difference is that the camera can save the b/w images in DNG format. This may give you a bit more dynamic range. However, you sacrifice the ability to create your own black-and-white image from a colour original by actively working with the channel mixer of your post-processing software.
The Pixii rangefinder camera can’t match a Leica Monochrom
The moment of truth in this Pixii rangefinder camera review was using an orange filter in monochrome mode. While this greatly affects (and often improves) the results on the M10 Monochrom, it seems to make virtually no difference on the Pixii. My explanation is that the camera somehow compensates for the filter, making it more or less useless. Speaking of which: The black and white images from a real monochrome camera are in a different league to the Pixii’s. I recommend leaving the Pixii in colour mode, choosing DNG and creating black-and-white images in post-production.
Rolling shutter? The Pixii has a good grip on it
There are many other aspects of the sensor/image processor that are important to the image quality of any camera, and I will mention at least a few of them. Sensor readout seems to be exceptionally fast; I could hardly detect any rolling shutter effects. That’s good news because, after my experience with the Sigma fp-L, I’d somewhat lost faith in an all-electronic shutter. I was able to achieve some effects when shooting cars passing by at a close distance and in fluorescent (neon) light – but all in all, the performance is impressive. Sensor readout must be really fast, maybe the merit of the 64-bit processor.
Flash? Not possible with the Pixii
Regarding the exclusively electronic shutter, it should also be said that the Pixii does not offer any possibility to connect a flash. The accessory shoe only has a mechanical function and offers no electrical contacts. For many people, rangefinder photography and flash don’t go together anyway, and LED-based continuous light sources are getting better and better. Nevertheless, I find the absence of a hot shoe a shortcoming. And the fact that a purely electronic shutter and fast flash synchronisation are not mutually exclusive has been proven since the Nikon Z9 at the latest.
No hassle with smearing off-axis, only occasional colour drift*
Another question is how much a thick stack of filters in front of the sensor and/or very deep pixel wells affect image quality. We know this from using wide-angle lenses with a rear nodal point very close to the sensor. Many otherwise great wide-angle rangefinder lenses perform poorly on Sony’s A7 series, for example. In this respect, the Pixii has little problems. Even with notorious lenses such as the Zeiss 35/2.8 (review here in The M Files) or the Voigtländer 21/4 (more on this here in The M Files), I saw no corner smearing and only occasional* drift. But truth be told, colour drift is often erratic. And, of course, the Pixii’s APS-C sensor only uses the central part of a full-frame lens, so the light rays hit the sensor at a more favourable angle by sheer physics.
*I changed this paragraph a bit after some knowledgeable feedback. In fact, the image below does show colour drift with a red tone in the centre and a blueish cast toward the margins.
4. The hardest part in any Pixii review: Which M mount lenses are the best fit?
It is impossible to give a definitive list of lenses that work particularly well with the Pixii. The options within the M mount universe are simply stunning. Personally, I felt most comfortable with 28 to 50-mm lenses, which saved me from fiddling with an external viewfinder. Smaller lenses, in my opinion, fit the compact body better. I tested the camera with a wide range of lenses and found some to be particularly good.
A more affordable camera does not mean you should use inferior lenses
If you assume an inferior lens would do for the more affordable (compared to a new Leica digital rangefinder camera) Pixii, think again. The Pixii rangefinder camera review actually proves the opposite. The 26 MP APS-C sensor is very demanding indeed. It has a very small pixel pitch of 3.76µm. This is the equivalent of a 61 MP full-frame sensor, and you would not want to be cheap on lenses for such a camera. On the other hand, the Pixii only uses the area where most lenses perform best. So, you will not need an APO-Summicron for thousands of euros to get great results.
Zeiss ZM lenses are a good match for the Pixii rangefinder camera
Good flare and veiling control are a big help in achieving sharp, high-contrast results. The Zeiss T* coating is class-leading, so I can highly recommend the Zeiss ZM lenses for use with the Pixii. The Biogon 28/2.8 proved to be excellent. It has quite a bit of vignetting in full frame, but it almost disappears in the APS-C sensor. The C Biogon 35/2.8 is another wonderful choice, its resolution is legendary, and colour drift is simply cut off by the smaller sensor. The Planar 50/2 has the same excellent sharpness. And the best of all: All these lenses are affordable. Read more about the Zeiss ZM lenses in The M Files, episode 5 (25/2.8; 35/2.8; 50/2.0), episode 11 (18/4; 34/1.4), and episode 12 (21/2.8; 28/2.8; 85/4).
Voigtländer, Minolta, Leitz: many more lens options for the Pixii
Other lenses I have used with good success for the Pixii rangefinder camera review include the small and stunning Voigtländer Ultron 35/2, which easily copes with the demanding sensor and is hands down a better performer than the Nokton 35/1.4, which itself is very compact. Staying with small lenses, I also used the Minolta M-Rokkor 28/2.8, a much-underrated lens once made for the Minolta CLE. If you can get one without the cement problem on the inside of the front lens, don’t think twice. Pixii founder David Barth had the Leitz C-Summicron 40/2 on his own camera and says it gives him images full of character.
Great candidates for a Pixii rangefinder review: Voigtländer 35/2.0 and 40/2.8
A super wide-angle lens can be essential with the Pixii rangefinder camera
I think super wide-angle lenses are particularly interesting with the Pixii rangefinder camera. I did not really bother with a 21mm lens in the limited time I had for this Pixii rangefinder camera review. The crop factor would only give me 31.5mm, which is not worth the hassle of an external viewfinder (read here a comprehensive The M Files episode on attachable viewfinders). The Zeiss 18 became a 27. but it is still not really super wide. I then used the Laowa 14/4, a very affordable full-frame lens, with decent results as a “21”. Sharpness is okay, colours tend to be red. I was also able to borrow a Voigtländer 12/5.6, version II (it was later improved to version III, but this was also discontinued), which seems to be a viable 18mm equivalent. The exciting Voigtländer 10/5.6 would make a stunning 15mm, but I did not come across it.
Great results with Leica lenses between 28 and 50mm
Moving on to Leica lenses, I used the APO-Summicron 50 with excellent results. In fact, I started my Pixii rangefinder camera review task with this lens to ensure it wasn’t the lens if the result was disappointing. After some testing, I felt confident to try the Summicron 28 with equally superb results (it is a brilliant lens, after all), the Summicron 35 ASPH I. and the small Elmarit 28 (first ASPH. version). I would recommend any of these Leica lenses for use on the Pixii. But then again, if you can afford a Summicron, a (second-hand) Leica full-frame camera might not be out of your range either.
No cheating possible: The Pixii rangefinder camera has no correction profiles
In all cases, remember that it’s all about the pure optical performance of the lens. The Pixii makes no internal corrections. There are no lens profiles, and the camera cannot detect or be told which lens is currently attached. All you do is select the focal length. You can, of course, apply correction profiles in post-production. I did not, however, in order to keep the images as they came out of the camera and preserve the moment of truth.
5. What I found out about connectivity in the Pixii rangefinder camera review process
Apart from lenses, there are many other aspects to the practical use of the Pixii. As I said, connectivity is a crucial key. And this is where I saw light and shadow. The Pixii app works perfectly and intuitively. I ran it on an iPhone 11 with very good results. You can see David Barth’s history as a software engineer, and he told me that iOS is the reference. I have nothing to say about the Android version of the app.
You choose: OLED on the camera or interactive viewfinder?
The Bluetooth connection is easy to set up and reliable. Of course, Bluetooth is far too slow to transfer huge DNG image files to your smartphone. But it does allow you to set all the parameters on the Pixii without using the camera’s menu. That’s helpful, but I have to admit that I really liked the dedicated menu in the Pixii itself. I came to love the fact that it could be set using both the OLED display on the shoulder of the camera and the electronic information displayed in the unique interactive viewfinder.
Everything works better when the Pixii rangefinder camera is connected to a WiFi network
So, the WiFi connection comes into play. It worked very well at home at the start of the Pixii rangefinder camera review period, at least in places with a strong signal. You can see the image you have just taken almost in real-time, and you can download the DNG files for further processing on your device. There is even a Live View function with remote control. After a software update to the camera, the WiFi connection became a little unstable. All attempts to connect the Pixii to a WiFi set up by the iPhone itself failed. David Barth said they were working on it.
Make sure you use a good cable for the USB-C port
Finally, you will need to connect the Pixii to your computer. It worked fine with my MacBook and a genuine Thunderbolt cable. Cheap USB-C charging cables did not work. The MacBook reliably recognised the Pixii as an SSD drive, and I could transfer files to the computer once I had set the correct USB setting in the camera’s menu. The other option, to connect a USB memory stick directly to the camera to store the images, appeared in the menu but was disabled by the software, as David told me. Perhaps this handy feature (think of travelling) will be available in a future update.
6. Reliability: You can count on the Pixii rangefinder camera – almost always
One question that has come up in reviews such as this one is whether the Pixii is a reliable camera. In general, I would say yes. Even when used in the cold and other adverse conditions, there were no faults that were not easy to fix. On rare occasions, the Pixii would freeze, which I could easily solve by removing the battery. However, you need to be quick when replacing the battery as you will lose your date and time settings, which is annoying and can only be restored by connecting the Pixii to your smartphone with the Pixii app running. Personally, I think every time the camera freezes is one too many, but I am also aware that this has happened even to Leica M11 owners.
The Pixii rangefinder camera is hungry, and the battery is small
For relaxed and safe shooting, remember to bring extra batteries for the Pixii. The camera uses Sony NP50 and equivalent batteries. On the one hand, they are cheap and readily available. On the other, they have a very limited capacity. I did not get more than 120 pictures with a fully charged battery, but I do not know how healthy they really were. Pixii admits that the battery life is poor and suggests that you think of it a bit like in film photography, where you also have to change your roll of film several times a day. In cold weather, keep the spare batteries in a warm bag and be prepared for the Pixii to drain them very quickly. Certainly not the camera’s strongest point, I have to admit, in this comprehensive Pixii rangefinder camera review.
7. Man-machine-communication: Viewfinder, display, and menu
Without a rear screen, the viewfinder and shoulder display are the only interfaces between the camera and the user, apart from the smartphone. Their performance is crucial to both user experience and results, and I am happy to report that the Pixii delivers in this area. At least after discovering a few things that are not in the manual. For example, the menu wheel requires two notches instead of one to advance.
A masterpiece of optical precision
The viewfinder is a classic optical viewfinder with the familiar rangefinder patch and a 70 cm close-up limit. It is reasonably sized (somewhat smaller than on the Leica M), very bright and fairly immune to stray light. The rangefinder on my copy was well-adjusted, I nailed focus at f/2 with a 50mm lens. The frame lines for lenses between 28 and 50mm (in full frame) are clearly visible, but I never found them too bright. Unfortunately, there is no dioptric correction for the viewfinder.
The interactive viewfinder is probably the best of the Pixii rangefinder camera
What really stands out about the Pixii is the extra information that is projected into the viewfinder. In a dot matrix style, you can see exposure time, remaining shots, ISO, exposure control and more in various combinations. This info screen, as Pixii calls it, is very useful. With a little practice, you can even make menu settings (such as colour/black and white, ISO, and exposure control) without taking your eye off the camera.
The OLED display is the more conventional option
The other option is the OLED screen. This is fairly self-explanatory, and after a few days or weeks with the Pixii, you will know the menu by heart. There aren’t too many options, and you can navigate easily using the jog dial. I had to be careful not to set anything by mistake, as my right thumb happened to be resting neatly on the wheel and the combined on/off and menu button. As for the latter: I really appreciate Pixii’s efforts to limit the number of controls. But in my opinion, it would have been better to have a dedicated on/off switch and a separate menu button.
Top of my wish list for Pixii rangefinder camera usability: Auto ISO
The menu may change with software updates. A programmable fn function (double-click the menu button) has recently been added, David told me. I would certainly include ISO, as the Pixii, unfortunately, lacks auto ISO (the feature I personally would most wish for). What’s already available is a shutter speed lock to prevent you from accidentally switching from auto to manual. And this can happen, believe me.
8. What a Pixii rangefinder camera review should also tell you
Now, you may be thinking that the Pixii is an exciting camera — and in my opinion, it is. And are wondering what else you should know. Here is some information that I am giving to the best of my knowledge and belief after several conversations with the Pixii staff. But you may want to check again before hitting the “buy now” button, as there can always be changes.
The Pixii rangefinder camera costs far less than any new Leica
Price and availability: The Pixii costs far less than any other new rangefinder camera. The current model starts at €2,699 for the 16GB internal memory version. But be aware that this is hors taxe, as the French say. If you are an EU customer, you will have to add the VAT; if you order from abroad, import taxes and duties may apply. In Germany, for example, the Pixii effectively starts at €3,211. Delivery is free.
Choose the internal storage right for your needs
You can also opt for 32, 64 or 128 GB of internal storage, with the following effects: 16GB will allow you to store around 360 DNG files (size varies, as you know), 32GB is good for around 800 DNG files (€2,899 plus tax), 64GB stores 1600 DNG files (€2,999 plus tax) and the 128GB version has room for 3200 DNG files or twice as many JPG files (€3,150 net). Personally, I would settle for the 32GB version, which gives a reasonable range even when travelling without your computer.
All Pixii rangefinder cameras are handmade in France
All Pixii cameras are handmade in Besançon, France, as David Barth told me. So, it should be no surprise that they rarely have cameras in stock. Expect to wait six weeks or more for your camera to arrive. At the time of writing, Pixii has no dealers, and it seems that they will continue to sell all cameras themselves.
No dealers yet, Pixii sell the cameras they make themselves
This raises the question of after-sales service. The Pixii team claim that they are happy to help all customers, but to be honest they seem very busy, and it can take a while to get a reply to an email. It seems that all customer service is based in France and will remain so for the foreseeable future, so you may have to return the Pixii to Besançon if you need a repair.
The Pixii’s modular concept makes hardware upgrades possible
Another reason for sending the Pixii back to France could be a hardware upgrade (just like Leica once offered for LTM and early M cameras!). Many of the Pixii’s components are designed to be replaced with newer ones, David Barth told me. For example, early buyers of the first two versions of the Pixii can upgrade to the new 64-bit image processor at a very reasonable price. I am sure Pixii will extend this to other components in the future, perhaps even the sensor — the team seemed to be serious about sustainability.
Software upgrades for both camera and app are easy
You can also rely on getting software upgrades — if you wish, the Pixii will automatically download and install them when connected to a WiFi network. This ‘over-the-air’ technology works very well, I found. A blog on the Pixii’s homepage, which keeps you updated, and the transparent documentation of all updates.
9. Conclusion: My final words in the Pixii rangefinder camera review
So, let’s come to the central question that any Pixii rangefinder camera review (in fact, any gear review) should try to answer. Is it a good idea to buy a Pixii? After using the camera for five weeks and shooting over 700 images, I can’t answer that with a straight yes or no. Because it depends on you: It depends on your style of photography, your preferred workflow, your level of expertise and your eagerness to learn and grow with your camera — and it also depends on your willingness to embrace a little adventure. Let’s put it this way:
You will be disappointed with the Pixii rangefinder camera if…
… you do not want to get really involved and want to avoid a challenge.
… an uncomplicated camera that does most of the work is right for you.
… you are not ready for a DNG workflow and expect perfect jpg files from the camera.
… you are completely new to serious photography and lack basic knowledge.
… extreme wide-angle or longer telephoto lenses are the lenses you like most.
… you just want a cheaper alternative to a Leica M camera and not the Pixii in its own right.
You can be very happy with the Pixii rangefinder camera if…
… an ongoing project fascinates you, and you want to see the camera grow in your hands.
… you are thrilled and not annoyed by a product that has just passed prototype status.
… you are ready to do post-processing to your images and have no fear of experiments.
… 40 to 75mm is a preferred focal length range in your current photography.
… you appreciate excellent image quality and know how to make it shine.
… you have experience in film photography and would like to transfer this to digital.
Your choice: The Pixii is certainly no conventional camera
You have read the Pixii rangefinder camera review to this point. Thank you, and congratulations. But now it’s up to you. You can rely on getting very good hardware with the Pixii, which is good news. The manufacturer can fix software failures much easier, after all. So, you can take up the challenge and help a great project grow by buying a Pixii. Or, with the same right, you can choose an easier route into digital rangefinder photography and buy a used Leica M240 for the same money or even a little less.
You could, for example, say: ‘How nice that I am so well equipped with my Leica M10.’ (This is my personal position at the moment.) Or you could say: ‘How great that a small start-up has made it this far, and I’m happy to be part of their journey.’ (That’s probably how many Pixii buyers feel.) In any case, I would like to express my sincere respect to all people behind the Pixii and say a heartfelt thank you to David Barth and his team. I am unquestionably highly impressed.
So, what do you think?
After reading the Pixii rangefinder camera review, are you in a buying mood or not? What surprises you in the review, what confirms your thoughts? Which features are missing from the Pixii in your eyes? What did the team get right? Do you see a future for a rangefinder camera manufacturer besides Leica? What future do you see for APS-C? And would a full-frame Pixii be a game changer for you? Discuss in the comments section below. You can also let me know if you want a few images in full resolution.
Want to contribute an article to Macfilos? It’s easy. Just click the “Write for Us” button. We’ll help with the writing and guide you through the process.