The Pixii Max: The first real competitor to the Leica digital M’s
Adding a full frame sensor and matching range/viewfinder ups the ante!
By Jason Schneider
The French have a penchant for doing things their own way, especially when it comes to designing cameras. Examples of their defiantly idiosyncratic approach include the long-running Foca line of un-Leica-like interchangeable lens rangefinder 35s and the extensive range of spartan yet sophisticated Semflex 6x6 cm twin lens reflexes. All these beautifully made, high-performance cameras were fitted with superb French-made optics. It’s therefore hardly surprising that when Pixii (PIXII SAS), a French company located Besançon France unveiled its first digital M-mount rangefinder camera in 2017, it bore scant resemblance to the legendary digital Leica M’s that inspired it. Like all subsequent Pixii models, including the new top-of the-line full frame Pixii Max, the original 2017 Pixii A1112 has an optical multi-frame range/viewfinder, no LCD (it relies on a Wi-Fi-connected smartphone for reviewing captured images), and no memory card slot (it was available with a choice if 8GB or 32GB of internal storage). It also had an 11MP APS-C-format CMOS sensor, LED-illuminated frame lines, and a “dual block machined aluminum alloy” body with a compact “moderately modern” form factor that has been retained on all subsequent models.
Top view of Space Grat Pixii Max with connected iPhone displaying a captured DNG image. Camera is set for "M," metered manual mode.
The original Pixii A11i2 was succeeded in 2021 by the upgraded Pixii A1571 with a 26MP APS-C CMOS sensor, and in 2023 by the Pixii A2572, which incorporated the same sensor and added a 64-bit processor. Later in 2023 the company brought forth the Pixii+ (aka Pixii A2572+), which uses the same 26MP APS-C CMOS sensor and 64-bit processor but extended the rangefinder base length for more precise focusing. It is noteworthy that all these APS-C-format models are factory upgradable t by swapping out the image processor, the range/viewfinder unit or the range/viewfinder and the sensor, a remarkable achievement that’s unique to the Pixii line and a boon for Pixii owners. No complete price list for these upgrades is currently accessible online but upgrading a late model APS-C Pixii+ to full frame Pixii Max specs (which entails swapping out the range/viewfinder and the sensor) currently runs Є 1,499.00 plus tax. While that’s not cheap, upgrading a Pixii still costs a lot less than purchasing a new one.
According to a 2021 review posted by the sensor- and lens-test portal dxomark.com, the Pixxi sensor was the only APS-C sensor that delivered virtually noiseless images at ISO 1600, thus establishing it as the benchmark in the APS-C format camera sector. The Pixii’s optical viewfinder is an inversed Galilean type with LED-illuminated frame lines, integrated with a classic optical rangefinder employing an optical prism, and including additional in-finder display of exposure parameters, etc.
Several camera functions typically built into digital cameras are “outsourced” out of the Pixii camera (all models) and into a smartphone app. Images stored in the internal memory are transferred via a Bluetooth 5 wireless connection, then stored in the smartphone and displayed on the phone’s touch screen or downoaded onto a USB-C flash drive to free up space. This makes Pixii cameras noticeably smaller and lighter than comparable Leica M’s and provides a more “analog” shooting experience by “separating” picture taking and image evaluation, but you do have to carry and connect your smartphone to view and offload image files, and for some users that’s a deal breaker.
Pixii Max in Matte Black top view, held in hands, showing ergonomic form factor and well placed controls. Top LCD panel shows camera is set for "A" autoexposure mode and camera selected "proper exposure" shutter speed if 1/125 sec when lens is set at a tad past f/4 .
Pixii camera intro imeline
Pixii Max in Space Gray, front view showing 4-lug M-mount and full frame24.5MP CMOS sensor. Note classic Leica M style neck strap lugs.
Front view of Pixii Max in Matte Black. Note Leica M style rounded end rangefinder coupling arm inboard of the nicely crafted M-mount.
The new Pixii Max: Pixii’s first full frame digital rangefinder camera, the recently released Pixii Max, is the French digital rangefinder company's fifth model and its first full-frame camera. Its 24 x 36mm 24.5MP BSI CMOS sensor is built into the same compact, machined aluminum body as the previous APS-C-sensor models and it includes the latest refinements, a newly developed 64-bit processor, a choice of 32GB or 128GB of internal memory for storage, and of course its signature feature, a Leica M-compatible lens mount. The first real competitor to the legendary (and pricey!) Leica M11, the Pixii Max delivers state-of-the-art digital imaging performance and something akin to the traditional analog shooting experience since reviewing captured images is a separate operation requiring a Wi-Fi-connected smartphone.
Full-Frame Sensor, 64-Bit Processor
The new, full-frame 24.5MP BSI CMOS sensor is the defining feature of the new camera, which, in conjunction with its advanced 64-bit processor first released in 2023, provides extremely sharp imaging with extremely low noise (to about ISO 6400) and a much wider dynamic range. Its 24 x 36mm sensor size corresponds precisely with the size of 35mm film format, maximizing its light-gathering capacity and allowing the complete range of Leica M-mount lenses to be used to their full potential with put any multiplication factor. This is particularly important with wide-angle that can now be used without any “effective focal length” restrictions. The Pixii’s full frame sensor design also allows the camera to produce native DNG RAW images in both color and monochrome, the latter paralleling (but not quite equaling) the $9,045.00 black-and-white Leica M 11 Monochrom.
Wide-Angle Optical Viewfinder
The Pixii Max's upgraded optical viewfinder now sports a 28mm, wide-angle field of view, with backlit LED frame lines for standard 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, and 75mm prime lenses. Fabricated of high refractive index optical glass with multicoated, antireflective surfaces, the 0.67x viewfinder displays real-time controls and indicators inside the OVF for a more convenient and intuitive shooting experience. The full range of settings is viewable and selectable on a small top-mounted LCD panel. Surprisingly, specifications for the actual and effective base lengths of the Max’s rangefinder are not posted on the Pixii website, listed in the user manual, or posted anywhere on the internet. However, we were able to find a straight-on picture of the Pixxi Max with callouts showing the distance between both side-mounted neck strap lugs as 138mm. By comparing that distance to the measured distance between the centers of the front viewfinder and rangefinder windows in the photo, we were able to determine, with reasonable accuracy, that the Max’s actual rangefinder base is 60mm. And by multiplying 60 by the finder magnification of 0.67, we calculate the effective base length (EBL) to be 40.2mm. That compares to the Leica M11’s actual base length of 69.31mm and viewfinder magnification of 0.73x) for an EBL of 50.6. For comparison the old analog Leica CL of 1973 has an EBL of only 18.9mm (31.5 actual base length times a viewfinder magnification of 0.6x), rendering it marginal in terms of focusing accuracy with super speed normal lenses and fast moderate telephotos.. Conclusions: The Pixii Max rangefinder is more than adequate for focusing prime lenses in the 28mm to 50 mm range (though perhaps not the 75mm f/1.25 Noctilux). The Leica M11 ($9,195.00 in black or chrome) provides greater focusing precision but the Pixii Max scores on its illuminated LED frame lines (which compensate for parallax and adjust in brightness depending on the ambient light and remain visible in any light), and its more comprehensive in-finder readouts, The M11 range/viewfinder scores on its more precisely defined rangefinder patch, which can be used as a split image rangefinder to substantially increase focusing precision, and its auto-indexing, transilluminated, parallax compensating frame lines, displayed in pairs, that cover covering focal lengths of 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 75mm, 90mm and 135mm.
Viewfinder and OLED LCD diagrams of Pixii Max from manual. Note that the outer frame lines defining the 28mm field are fixed,
Page from Pixii Max manual showing averaging, center weighted, and spot metering options.
Front view diagram of Pixii Max showing all major components. Changing lenses is easy and the camera accepts adapted screw-mount lenses.
Lenses and Focusing
Like all cameras with coupled optical rangefinders, the Pixii Max provides a traditional manual focusing experience. The focus rings or tabs on M-mount rangefinder lenses (Leica or third party) control a small lever inboard of the lens mount. You turn the focusing control until the stationary image and the moving image in the center of the viewfinder field coincide—that is, merge into a single image of the object you’re focusing on. That’s why it’s called a coincident-type rangefinder, and also a coupled rangefinder because it’s mechanically linked to the distance setting of a mounted lens. This utterly analog focusing method yields more accurate results, especially when shooting with shorter focal length lenses and in low-light situations when focusing on a traditional “ground glass” screen is a lot more challenging. In general, with cameras using this system the aperture of the lens must be controlled via the lens itself and not automatically through the camera. That’s why autoexposure rangefinder cameras like the late lamented Leica M7, the current M11, and the new Pixii Max only provide aperture priority AE and metered manual exposure modes, not shutter priority or programmed autoexposure.
Body build and form factor
Remarkably, the Pixii Max is a mere one ounce heavier than the same sized Pixii+. Weighing in at 1.1 pounds, the Pixii Max employs the same machined-aluminum chassis and svelte minimalist body design as its predecessors. It nestles in the hands very comfortably, is nicely balanced with virtually and any short to moderate tele M-mount lens, and after a brief period of familiarization its controls “fall readily to hand” as the Brits say. A top OLED screen displays the camera's current settings, including the manual shutter speed controlled by the camera body’s sole dial, and access to the full settings menu. The menu and most current settings including manual metering indicators are also shown in the optical viewfinder—a great feature that contributes to the camera’s “eyelevel” responsiveness. The max also features a cold shoe for mounting accessories (but no accommodations for flash), a robust standard 1/4"-20 tripod socket on the bottom, a USB-C port for both power and data transfer, and sturdy lugs for attaching a carrying strap that look like they were swiped from a Leica M of the ‘50s. Do you love the “post-modern, softly linear” form factor of the Pixii Max? It has certain spartan elegance but as the French say, “Chacun à son goût.”
Diagram of back of Pixii Max from manual with callouts describing all features and functions.
The Pixii Mav Support System
The Pixii Max features both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for the Pixii App, which allows you to control the camera remotely, preview images while shooting, and transfer and store images saved to the camera's internal memory via a connected smartphone. As mentioned Pixii also lets you access an open-ended upgrade system for both software and hardware, that lets you “future proof” your investment by upgrading your camera with an extensive portfolio of future advancements and innovations that may well take your present Pixii to unimaginable new levels of performance and capabilities. Perhaps other digital camera companies will be inspired to follow Pixii’s lead but for now this small, innovative, and idiosyncratic French company is the only one to provide a useful measure of non-obsolescence.
Diagram of bottom of Pixii Max with callouts, from the manual. Battery is easy to change, and unique "anti-slip sole" provides a firmer grip.
The economics of owning a Pixii
The new Pixii Max body is currently priced in the U.S. at $4,799.00 in Matte Black or Space Gray with 128GB of internal memory, and $4,499.00 with 32GB of internal memory. The Leica M11 in black is priced at $8,995.00 with 64GB of internal and the Leica M11-P with 256GB if internal memory is priced at $9,195.00. Both Leicas have 60MP BSI CMOS sensors, 2.95" 2.3m-Dot Touchscreen LCDs, SD card slots, and can shoot bursts at up to 4.5 fps (a lot faster than the Pixii’s 1 fps). But the Pixii Max is upgradeable and, except for software updates, the Leica M11 is not. Another thing to consider is battery power. The Pixii’s NP-FW50 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.2 VDC, 1080 mAh battery is sufficient for only about 250 exposures so it’s a good idea to carry a few extra fully charged batteries if you plan to shoot more—equivalents of roughly the same capacity are readily available at prices ranging from about $14 to $60 apiece.
What about a used Leica M10?
Prices for used standard issue Leica M10s in pristine condition currently range from about $4,500.00 to $5,000.00 or roughly the same price as the Pixii Max with 128GB storage capacity. The M10 has a full frame 24MP CMOS sensor, can shoot bursts at up to 5fps, and has the classic form factor and feel of a Leica M because it is one! It’s also somewhat larger and noticeably heavier than the Pixii Max. In short, a used M10 is a viable option, especially for diehard Leica fans, but it’s not a new camera and (except for software) it’s not factory upgradeable.
What about resale value?
In general M-series Leicas, even digital models going back to the M8 and M8.2, hold their value very well. Based on the scant data we have, used Pixii cameras seen to retain their value better than “the average digital camera,” but more data are needed to confirm this trend.
Unpacking the Pixii Max: What’s in the box?
The fifth generation Pixii Max may not be everything to everybody and it’s defiantly idiosyncratic, but it’s also beautifully made, has an excellent range/viewfinder that, in some respects (e.g. LCD frame lines and impressive in-finder readouts) surpasses the vaunted Leica M. Its controls are logical, easily accessible, and ergonomically placed, its handling and balance are topnotch, and it delivers outstanding image quality. It falls short in battery capacity, framing rate, and the speed of transferring images from the internal memory. And a substantial percentage of potential buyers are turned off by its lack of an LCD touchscreen or memory card slot. Nevertheless, it’s a stunning achievement and worthy of consideration by anyone who hankers for a high-performance digital M-mount rangefinder camera that isn’t a Leica. In the immortal words of Burger King, “Try it, you’ll like it!”
Pixii Max Specs
Imaging
Exposure Control
Still image capture
Interface
Monitor
Viewfinder
Focus
General
Positive Features
Negative Features
Adding a full frame sensor and matching range/viewfinder ups the ante!
By Jason Schneider
The French have a penchant for doing things their own way, especially when it comes to designing cameras. Examples of their defiantly idiosyncratic approach include the long-running Foca line of un-Leica-like interchangeable lens rangefinder 35s and the extensive range of spartan yet sophisticated Semflex 6x6 cm twin lens reflexes. All these beautifully made, high-performance cameras were fitted with superb French-made optics. It’s therefore hardly surprising that when Pixii (PIXII SAS), a French company located Besançon France unveiled its first digital M-mount rangefinder camera in 2017, it bore scant resemblance to the legendary digital Leica M’s that inspired it. Like all subsequent Pixii models, including the new top-of the-line full frame Pixii Max, the original 2017 Pixii A1112 has an optical multi-frame range/viewfinder, no LCD (it relies on a Wi-Fi-connected smartphone for reviewing captured images), and no memory card slot (it was available with a choice if 8GB or 32GB of internal storage). It also had an 11MP APS-C-format CMOS sensor, LED-illuminated frame lines, and a “dual block machined aluminum alloy” body with a compact “moderately modern” form factor that has been retained on all subsequent models.
Top view of Space Grat Pixii Max with connected iPhone displaying a captured DNG image. Camera is set for "M," metered manual mode.
The original Pixii A11i2 was succeeded in 2021 by the upgraded Pixii A1571 with a 26MP APS-C CMOS sensor, and in 2023 by the Pixii A2572, which incorporated the same sensor and added a 64-bit processor. Later in 2023 the company brought forth the Pixii+ (aka Pixii A2572+), which uses the same 26MP APS-C CMOS sensor and 64-bit processor but extended the rangefinder base length for more precise focusing. It is noteworthy that all these APS-C-format models are factory upgradable t by swapping out the image processor, the range/viewfinder unit or the range/viewfinder and the sensor, a remarkable achievement that’s unique to the Pixii line and a boon for Pixii owners. No complete price list for these upgrades is currently accessible online but upgrading a late model APS-C Pixii+ to full frame Pixii Max specs (which entails swapping out the range/viewfinder and the sensor) currently runs Є 1,499.00 plus tax. While that’s not cheap, upgrading a Pixii still costs a lot less than purchasing a new one.
According to a 2021 review posted by the sensor- and lens-test portal dxomark.com, the Pixxi sensor was the only APS-C sensor that delivered virtually noiseless images at ISO 1600, thus establishing it as the benchmark in the APS-C format camera sector. The Pixii’s optical viewfinder is an inversed Galilean type with LED-illuminated frame lines, integrated with a classic optical rangefinder employing an optical prism, and including additional in-finder display of exposure parameters, etc.
Several camera functions typically built into digital cameras are “outsourced” out of the Pixii camera (all models) and into a smartphone app. Images stored in the internal memory are transferred via a Bluetooth 5 wireless connection, then stored in the smartphone and displayed on the phone’s touch screen or downoaded onto a USB-C flash drive to free up space. This makes Pixii cameras noticeably smaller and lighter than comparable Leica M’s and provides a more “analog” shooting experience by “separating” picture taking and image evaluation, but you do have to carry and connect your smartphone to view and offload image files, and for some users that’s a deal breaker.
Pixii Max in Matte Black top view, held in hands, showing ergonomic form factor and well placed controls. Top LCD panel shows camera is set for "A" autoexposure mode and camera selected "proper exposure" shutter speed if 1/125 sec when lens is set at a tad past f/4 .
Pixii camera intro imeline
Pixii Max in Space Gray, front view showing 4-lug M-mount and full frame24.5MP CMOS sensor. Note classic Leica M style neck strap lugs.
Front view of Pixii Max in Matte Black. Note Leica M style rounded end rangefinder coupling arm inboard of the nicely crafted M-mount.
The new Pixii Max: Pixii’s first full frame digital rangefinder camera, the recently released Pixii Max, is the French digital rangefinder company's fifth model and its first full-frame camera. Its 24 x 36mm 24.5MP BSI CMOS sensor is built into the same compact, machined aluminum body as the previous APS-C-sensor models and it includes the latest refinements, a newly developed 64-bit processor, a choice of 32GB or 128GB of internal memory for storage, and of course its signature feature, a Leica M-compatible lens mount. The first real competitor to the legendary (and pricey!) Leica M11, the Pixii Max delivers state-of-the-art digital imaging performance and something akin to the traditional analog shooting experience since reviewing captured images is a separate operation requiring a Wi-Fi-connected smartphone.
Full-Frame Sensor, 64-Bit Processor
The new, full-frame 24.5MP BSI CMOS sensor is the defining feature of the new camera, which, in conjunction with its advanced 64-bit processor first released in 2023, provides extremely sharp imaging with extremely low noise (to about ISO 6400) and a much wider dynamic range. Its 24 x 36mm sensor size corresponds precisely with the size of 35mm film format, maximizing its light-gathering capacity and allowing the complete range of Leica M-mount lenses to be used to their full potential with put any multiplication factor. This is particularly important with wide-angle that can now be used without any “effective focal length” restrictions. The Pixii’s full frame sensor design also allows the camera to produce native DNG RAW images in both color and monochrome, the latter paralleling (but not quite equaling) the $9,045.00 black-and-white Leica M 11 Monochrom.
Wide-Angle Optical Viewfinder
The Pixii Max's upgraded optical viewfinder now sports a 28mm, wide-angle field of view, with backlit LED frame lines for standard 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, and 75mm prime lenses. Fabricated of high refractive index optical glass with multicoated, antireflective surfaces, the 0.67x viewfinder displays real-time controls and indicators inside the OVF for a more convenient and intuitive shooting experience. The full range of settings is viewable and selectable on a small top-mounted LCD panel. Surprisingly, specifications for the actual and effective base lengths of the Max’s rangefinder are not posted on the Pixii website, listed in the user manual, or posted anywhere on the internet. However, we were able to find a straight-on picture of the Pixxi Max with callouts showing the distance between both side-mounted neck strap lugs as 138mm. By comparing that distance to the measured distance between the centers of the front viewfinder and rangefinder windows in the photo, we were able to determine, with reasonable accuracy, that the Max’s actual rangefinder base is 60mm. And by multiplying 60 by the finder magnification of 0.67, we calculate the effective base length (EBL) to be 40.2mm. That compares to the Leica M11’s actual base length of 69.31mm and viewfinder magnification of 0.73x) for an EBL of 50.6. For comparison the old analog Leica CL of 1973 has an EBL of only 18.9mm (31.5 actual base length times a viewfinder magnification of 0.6x), rendering it marginal in terms of focusing accuracy with super speed normal lenses and fast moderate telephotos.. Conclusions: The Pixii Max rangefinder is more than adequate for focusing prime lenses in the 28mm to 50 mm range (though perhaps not the 75mm f/1.25 Noctilux). The Leica M11 ($9,195.00 in black or chrome) provides greater focusing precision but the Pixii Max scores on its illuminated LED frame lines (which compensate for parallax and adjust in brightness depending on the ambient light and remain visible in any light), and its more comprehensive in-finder readouts, The M11 range/viewfinder scores on its more precisely defined rangefinder patch, which can be used as a split image rangefinder to substantially increase focusing precision, and its auto-indexing, transilluminated, parallax compensating frame lines, displayed in pairs, that cover covering focal lengths of 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 75mm, 90mm and 135mm.
Viewfinder and OLED LCD diagrams of Pixii Max from manual. Note that the outer frame lines defining the 28mm field are fixed,
Page from Pixii Max manual showing averaging, center weighted, and spot metering options.
Front view diagram of Pixii Max showing all major components. Changing lenses is easy and the camera accepts adapted screw-mount lenses.
Lenses and Focusing
Like all cameras with coupled optical rangefinders, the Pixii Max provides a traditional manual focusing experience. The focus rings or tabs on M-mount rangefinder lenses (Leica or third party) control a small lever inboard of the lens mount. You turn the focusing control until the stationary image and the moving image in the center of the viewfinder field coincide—that is, merge into a single image of the object you’re focusing on. That’s why it’s called a coincident-type rangefinder, and also a coupled rangefinder because it’s mechanically linked to the distance setting of a mounted lens. This utterly analog focusing method yields more accurate results, especially when shooting with shorter focal length lenses and in low-light situations when focusing on a traditional “ground glass” screen is a lot more challenging. In general, with cameras using this system the aperture of the lens must be controlled via the lens itself and not automatically through the camera. That’s why autoexposure rangefinder cameras like the late lamented Leica M7, the current M11, and the new Pixii Max only provide aperture priority AE and metered manual exposure modes, not shutter priority or programmed autoexposure.
Body build and form factor
Remarkably, the Pixii Max is a mere one ounce heavier than the same sized Pixii+. Weighing in at 1.1 pounds, the Pixii Max employs the same machined-aluminum chassis and svelte minimalist body design as its predecessors. It nestles in the hands very comfortably, is nicely balanced with virtually and any short to moderate tele M-mount lens, and after a brief period of familiarization its controls “fall readily to hand” as the Brits say. A top OLED screen displays the camera's current settings, including the manual shutter speed controlled by the camera body’s sole dial, and access to the full settings menu. The menu and most current settings including manual metering indicators are also shown in the optical viewfinder—a great feature that contributes to the camera’s “eyelevel” responsiveness. The max also features a cold shoe for mounting accessories (but no accommodations for flash), a robust standard 1/4"-20 tripod socket on the bottom, a USB-C port for both power and data transfer, and sturdy lugs for attaching a carrying strap that look like they were swiped from a Leica M of the ‘50s. Do you love the “post-modern, softly linear” form factor of the Pixii Max? It has certain spartan elegance but as the French say, “Chacun à son goût.”
Diagram of back of Pixii Max from manual with callouts describing all features and functions.
The Pixii Mav Support System
The Pixii Max features both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for the Pixii App, which allows you to control the camera remotely, preview images while shooting, and transfer and store images saved to the camera's internal memory via a connected smartphone. As mentioned Pixii also lets you access an open-ended upgrade system for both software and hardware, that lets you “future proof” your investment by upgrading your camera with an extensive portfolio of future advancements and innovations that may well take your present Pixii to unimaginable new levels of performance and capabilities. Perhaps other digital camera companies will be inspired to follow Pixii’s lead but for now this small, innovative, and idiosyncratic French company is the only one to provide a useful measure of non-obsolescence.
Diagram of bottom of Pixii Max with callouts, from the manual. Battery is easy to change, and unique "anti-slip sole" provides a firmer grip.
The economics of owning a Pixii
The new Pixii Max body is currently priced in the U.S. at $4,799.00 in Matte Black or Space Gray with 128GB of internal memory, and $4,499.00 with 32GB of internal memory. The Leica M11 in black is priced at $8,995.00 with 64GB of internal and the Leica M11-P with 256GB if internal memory is priced at $9,195.00. Both Leicas have 60MP BSI CMOS sensors, 2.95" 2.3m-Dot Touchscreen LCDs, SD card slots, and can shoot bursts at up to 4.5 fps (a lot faster than the Pixii’s 1 fps). But the Pixii Max is upgradeable and, except for software updates, the Leica M11 is not. Another thing to consider is battery power. The Pixii’s NP-FW50 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.2 VDC, 1080 mAh battery is sufficient for only about 250 exposures so it’s a good idea to carry a few extra fully charged batteries if you plan to shoot more—equivalents of roughly the same capacity are readily available at prices ranging from about $14 to $60 apiece.
What about a used Leica M10?
Prices for used standard issue Leica M10s in pristine condition currently range from about $4,500.00 to $5,000.00 or roughly the same price as the Pixii Max with 128GB storage capacity. The M10 has a full frame 24MP CMOS sensor, can shoot bursts at up to 5fps, and has the classic form factor and feel of a Leica M because it is one! It’s also somewhat larger and noticeably heavier than the Pixii Max. In short, a used M10 is a viable option, especially for diehard Leica fans, but it’s not a new camera and (except for software) it’s not factory upgradeable.
What about resale value?
In general M-series Leicas, even digital models going back to the M8 and M8.2, hold their value very well. Based on the scant data we have, used Pixii cameras seen to retain their value better than “the average digital camera,” but more data are needed to confirm this trend.
Unpacking the Pixii Max: What’s in the box?
- Pixii Max Digital Rangefinder Camera (128GB, Matte Black or Space Gray)
- Standard Eyepiece
- NP-FW50 Battery
- USB-A to USB-C Cable
- Limited 2-Year Manufacturer Warranty
The fifth generation Pixii Max may not be everything to everybody and it’s defiantly idiosyncratic, but it’s also beautifully made, has an excellent range/viewfinder that, in some respects (e.g. LCD frame lines and impressive in-finder readouts) surpasses the vaunted Leica M. Its controls are logical, easily accessible, and ergonomically placed, its handling and balance are topnotch, and it delivers outstanding image quality. It falls short in battery capacity, framing rate, and the speed of transferring images from the internal memory. And a substantial percentage of potential buyers are turned off by its lack of an LCD touchscreen or memory card slot. Nevertheless, it’s a stunning achievement and worthy of consideration by anyone who hankers for a high-performance digital M-mount rangefinder camera that isn’t a Leica. In the immortal words of Burger King, “Try it, you’ll like it!”
Pixii Max Specs
| Lens Mount | Leica M |
| Sensor Resolution | Effective: 24.5 Megapixel (6064 x 4040 pixels) |
| Image Sensor | Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| ISO Sensitivity Range | 100 to 25,600 |
| Internal Recording Modes | No |
| External Recording Modes | No |
| Power I/O | 1x USB-C Input/Output |
| Other I/O | 1x USB-C Data (Shared with Power Input) |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Battery Type | 1x NP-FW50 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.2 VDC, 1080 mAh |
Imaging
| Lens Mount | Leica M |
| Sensor Resolution | Effective: 24.5 Megapixel (6064 x 4040) |
| Image Sensor | Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Sensor Crop (35mm Equivalent) | Crop Factor: 1x |
| Built-In ND Filter | No |
| Capture Type | Still Only |
| ISO Sensitivity Range | 100 to 25,600 |
| Metering Method | Average, Center-Weighted Average, Spot |
| Exposure Modes | Auto, Manual |
| White Balance | Presets: Cloudy, Daylight, Fluorescent, Incandescent, Shade |
| Image Sizes | 3:2 DNG / JPEG 26 MP (6244 x 4168) |
| Aspect Ratio | 3:2 |
| Image File Format | DNG, JPEG |
| Bit Depth | 14-Bit |
| Internal Recording Modes | No |
| External Recording Modes | No |
| Recording Limit | No |
| IP Streaming | No |
Interface
| Internal Memory | 128 GB |
| Power I/O | 1x USB-C Input/Output |
| Other I/O | 1x USB-C Data (Shared with Power Input) |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Mobile App Compatible | Yes: Android & iOS App Name: Pixii App Functionality: Access Stored Files, Firmware Update, Remote Control, View Live Feed |
| Global Positioning (GPS, GLONASS, etc.) | GPS *Via Connected Smartphone |
| Secondary Display | Top: OLED Status Display |
| Type | Optical |
| Coverage | 100% |
| Magnification | Approx. 0.67x |
| Focus Type | Manual Focus Only |
| Focus Mode | Manual Focus |
| Built-In Flash/Light | No |
General
| Battery Type | 1x NP-FW50 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.2 VDC, 1080 mAh |
| PoE Support | Yes |
| Shoe Mount | 1x Cold Shoe |
| Tripod Mounting Thread | 1x 1/4"-20 Female (Bottom) |
| Material of Construction | Aluminum |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 5.4 x 3.1 x 1.3" / 138 x 79 x 33 mm |
| Weight | 1.1 lb. / 480 g (With Battery) |
Positive Features
| Built-in Wireless (Wi-fi) |
| Bluetooth Connectivity |
| Optical Built-in Viewfinder |
| 24.5MP - High Resolution Sensor |
| 25.600 Max ISO |
| 1/32000s High Shutter Speed |
| 1/32000s Electronic Shutter Speed |
| 480g Light Body |
| 32GB,64GB,128GB,256GB Internal Storage |
| Top LCD Display |
| Flash Sync Port |
| Remote control with a smartphone |
Negative Features
| No Rear LCD Screen |
| No Sensor shift Image Stabilization |
| No Full HD Video |
| No Face Detection Focusing |
| Slow Continuous Shooting: 1.0fps |
| Low Battery Life: 250 shots |
| No Environmental Sealing No mechanical or global shutter |
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