randomphotoguy
Member
Having owned a Leica M10 for a little over a year and loving it, but selling it to fund some needed glass for my Nikon Z kit, I was anxious to get another digital rangefinder. As fate would have it, a Pixii A2572+ with 128GB popped up on eBay for a very good price and I couldn't resist. There isn't a ton of information out there on these cameras, so I wanted to share my initial thoughts after almost 2 weeks of ownership.
This Pixii was in excellent condition. I paired a Voigtlander 28mm f/1.5 Nokton ASPH with it as well as a Laowa 11mm f/4.5 FF RL. Both lenses perform great with it and I don't see any noticeable color shifting. This is an APS-C sensor, so the 28mm acts like a 42.5mm FOV. The rangefinder is a .67x with framelines for 28mm, 35mm, 40mm and 50mm. These numbers correspond directly with the lens focal length, so no conversion needed on the fly. The viewfinder is bright and the framelines move as you focus the lens to correct for parallax. The rangefinder patch itself is probably 90%+ as good as the M10 I had. It isn't quite as bright and sharp, but it does a very good job and I haven't had any troubles getting critical focus.
The phone app works surprisingly well and it automatically transfers the previews from camera to phone within a few seconds. Since I shoot DNG only, I only get low resolution previews, but it is more than enough to check focus and exposure. If I turn on my phone hotspot, I was able to send full DNG files across quickly as well as perform remote shooting, which was useful when taking a group picture with friends. To transfer images to my laptop, I simply plug a USB-C cable into both and images are transferred quickly.
So after 2 weeks, I'm really liking the Pixii overall. There are some frustrations and oddities with full auto-exposure (Auto-ISO and Auto Shutter Speed) and since I edit in darktable, I need to select a different Input Color Profile to avoid some odd red-hue shifts, but these are easily dealt with. If anyone wants to read more of my ramblings and see more sample images, here are a few links to my website. Initial Thoughts, More Images and Camping Images from the Pixii. Feel free to ask questions and I'll try to answer.
This Pixii was in excellent condition. I paired a Voigtlander 28mm f/1.5 Nokton ASPH with it as well as a Laowa 11mm f/4.5 FF RL. Both lenses perform great with it and I don't see any noticeable color shifting. This is an APS-C sensor, so the 28mm acts like a 42.5mm FOV. The rangefinder is a .67x with framelines for 28mm, 35mm, 40mm and 50mm. These numbers correspond directly with the lens focal length, so no conversion needed on the fly. The viewfinder is bright and the framelines move as you focus the lens to correct for parallax. The rangefinder patch itself is probably 90%+ as good as the M10 I had. It isn't quite as bright and sharp, but it does a very good job and I haven't had any troubles getting critical focus.
The phone app works surprisingly well and it automatically transfers the previews from camera to phone within a few seconds. Since I shoot DNG only, I only get low resolution previews, but it is more than enough to check focus and exposure. If I turn on my phone hotspot, I was able to send full DNG files across quickly as well as perform remote shooting, which was useful when taking a group picture with friends. To transfer images to my laptop, I simply plug a USB-C cable into both and images are transferred quickly.
So after 2 weeks, I'm really liking the Pixii overall. There are some frustrations and oddities with full auto-exposure (Auto-ISO and Auto Shutter Speed) and since I edit in darktable, I need to select a different Input Color Profile to avoid some odd red-hue shifts, but these are easily dealt with. If anyone wants to read more of my ramblings and see more sample images, here are a few links to my website. Initial Thoughts, More Images and Camping Images from the Pixii. Feel free to ask questions and I'll try to answer.
nightlight
Well-known
Thank you for the review and for sharing some pics, the one on your website of the gig look particularly vivid.
(and welcome to RFF!)
(and welcome to RFF!)
randomphotoguy
Member
Thanks! The concert photos were lit by a variety of multi-colored stage lights. The Pixii handled it very well and I saw no evidence of banding or oddness due to the electronic shutter.
boojum
Ignoble Miscreant
I have an A2572 and have not used it in a long while. I have to send it back to Pixii for the RF and sensor upgrade. I tend to forget just how good the camera is. Thanks for reminding me.
lost_tripod
Newbie
Definitely interested in this camera and its manufacturer. Nice review!
randomphotoguy
Member
The camera certainly surprises me on some shots and it is pretty much indistinguishable from my Nikon Zf and Z6iii on landscape shots. I wanted back into a digital rangefinder so I could avoid looking at life through a computer monitor. I work as a Software Engineer by day, so I spend my days in front of multiple screens. While I love my Nikon Z's, I'm still looking through a computer screen and 'programming' a computer to use them. Once I sold my M10, I was hoping the Zf with M adapter would give me that same feeling of shooting, but it just couldn't. I don't know why, but I find manual focusing with a rangefinder so much easier than with an EVF. This camera brings back the joy to me of the act of photography, not just the end result of a final image. It is the process that I can get lost in. Plus the Pixii with an m-mount lens just blends into my daily carry or a small bag, something even my Nikon Zf with a 40mm f/2 cannot do as well.
Now the Pixii is not a perfect camera or even a good camera for most people. If I'm being honest, if I had the hobby budget for an M11 I would have gone for that. However, being from a computer background, I do enjoy tinkering with stuff and I highly value the ethos of the company. The camera is upgradeable, repairable and there are software updates based on user feedback. The batteries, while small, are pretty standard and easy to find from numerous companies for between $10-15 each. No waiting for Leica USA to actually ship out new M240 or M10 batteries that cost north of $200. All great things. However, this is still coming from a tiny company compared to any other camera maker. There are bugs with the software, oddities in handling and other issues, but nothing so far is a showstopper. I wouldn't want this as my only camera, but I'm blessed enough to be able to own multiple cameras.
boojum
Ignoble Miscreant
I have had one since the A1571 days, had it upgraded to the A2572. It is a great camera with great color and IQ but sometimes fussy and quirky. If you want to be part of a possible revolution in cameras this is the one for you. The company listens to user/owners and makes software fixes. If you just want an interesting and good camera, this is the one for you. All of what @randomphotoguy says is true. I'll have to dig mine out.
I post these links not because I think the pics are great or even good. But you can get an idea of how the A2572 images.
flic.kr
I have not shot much with it recently. I'll dig it out, put on that 35mm CV 1.7 Ultron and see what I can do withit.
I post these links not because I think the pics are great or even good. But you can get an idea of how the A2572 images.
Pixii
Random photos with the French Pixii camera using various lenses. 50mm usually the Cooke Amotal, 35mm usually the Canon LTM f/2.0 and 28mm the Canon LTM f/2.8
flic.kr
I have not shot much with it recently. I'll dig it out, put on that 35mm CV 1.7 Ultron and see what I can do withit.
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randomphotoguy
Member
One of the most interesting things about this camera is that it is upgradeable. I am thinking about sending it in for the full frame sensor upgrade in the future. I'd do that not because "full frame is better!", but just so that the lenses operate at the same field of view as they were designed for.
Also, the right side strap lug sheared off when I was using it over the weekend. I've seen it before on this camera and many other brands. Nikon had that issue with the Z8 and I've seen user reports from every major camera brand as well. I'm waiting to hear back from Pixii to see what can be done. I'm hoping they can just send me a replacement part and I can fix it myself. Since I bought it used, I don't know what the warranty would even be on it. If they can't help me out, I'll probably just open it up and start tinkering.
Godfrey
somewhat colored
It sounds like you're enjoying the use and ownership of the Pixii, and your photos are very nice! I had one back a million years ago now (2022...), found it had a couple of significant flaws that made it a non-starter for me and returned it, but the Pixii convinced me that a monochrome camera was what I should have. That has turned out to be correct... 
It's interesting about the strap lug. It wasn't clear ... you've had this happen on other cameras? Or just heard of others that it happened on? Although I've heard of a few cameras with a strap lug problem, I've never experienced it on any of my own cameras, even ones that it was reported to happen frequently with. Interesting ...
G
It's interesting about the strap lug. It wasn't clear ... you've had this happen on other cameras? Or just heard of others that it happened on? Although I've heard of a few cameras with a strap lug problem, I've never experienced it on any of my own cameras, even ones that it was reported to happen frequently with. Interesting ...
G
randomphotoguy
Member
The Pixii strap lug snapping was the first that I have had it personally happen to me. On various forums I belong too have shown examples of strap lugs coming loose or breaking as this has. Nikon had a recall for the Z8 strap lugs and many other forums are littered with similar issues. Not widespread, but enough that I've seen every major brand in the stories. So I'm upset it happened, but I'm not trying to single out Pixii here. I'm still waiting to hear back from them on this, that is the more annoying part that it's been 5 days so far and nothing.
boojum
Ignoble Miscreant
Pixii can sometimes be very slow responding. I think that they are stretched very thin.
There is a group on FB which seems to have a good connection with Pixii.
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randomphotoguy
Member
I am in that Facebook group and have posted a bunch of photos so far.
boojum
Ignoble Miscreant
There is one French fellow, Laurent, who seems to have the good ear of David Barth. David is a great guy, helpful and enthusiastic. But he is human and can do only so much. It is not ever lack of interest or concern. He, and his crew, are just spread so time trying to get this fine little camera off the ground. It's kind of like the red-headed stepchild who has a high IQ and great demeanor. Overlooked too often but almost always a good guy. At least he has a US retail window with B&H. I must find mine tonight. I'll slap that 35mm 1.7 Ultron on it and see what can happen. That Ultron, BTW, is a sleeper. I have gotten good images with it. Well, at least images I find pleasing.
Here is a shot on an M240:
randomphotoguy
Member
I have seen many comments from Laurent on the FB group. It seems like there are around 10 or so of us that are posting and commenting somewhat consistently. David has answered a few of my emails so far back when I first asked some questions before I bought the Pixii regarding if the Android app can run on a sideloaded de-googled Android install (I like to tinker and not be tracked by companies as much as possible). David responded with some good technical information and seemed curious as that wasn't a use case they had tested yet. I was asking if they would release a development kit so I could peek at the source code, which of course they said no too for obvious reasons. I'm not unhappy with them. I'm really hoping they can continue to build these out and make improvements. If things keep going well, eventually I'll get the sensor upgrade I think.
I love Voigtlander lenses. I haven't tried the 35mm Ultron, but I have had the 35mm f/1.5 Nokton and loved it along with the 21mm f/3.5 Color Skopar and the 90mm f/2.8 APO. Those were all sold along with my M10 to fund some wildlife/sports glass for my Z kit. My next purchase will probably be a 50mm of some kind so that I have a short tele option to use with the Pixii.
boojum
Ignoble Miscreant
David is a hot-shot programmer. He can crunch some C. He was part of the group that got Linux Mint up and running so he knows code and he knows projects and he knows how. I think the big problem is that they are under capitalized. It is like Hannibal's elephants. When Hannibal wrote to tell the Carthaginian Senate that he needed more they responded with, "If you are winning you do not need them If you are losing you do not deserve them." Hannibal got to the gates of Rome but was unable to enter. I think Rommel had the same problem with Hitler over tanks. I hope David has much more success.
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randomphotoguy
Member
I hope they can keep going and stay around. I knew when buying what I was getting into and I can honestly say I'm very impressed with how good this little camera is.
boojum
Ignoble Miscreant
My feelings exactly. It is a fine camera. It is made by a group of serious folks who want to build a good camera, RF and now full-frame. My impression is that it makes good images with good IQ and color. It has been pooh-pooed from the start. 99% of the critics have never owned one and I'll bet the same amount has never held one. And that is a shame and upsetting. Soup-spitters. They don't want your soup but they want to spit in it so you won't be able to enjoy it. Nevertheless I have used and enjoyed mine. It's a good little camera.
Ooops, I forgot. In the interests of full disclosure, I am an unabashed Francophile. I like France, I like the French, I have always enjoyed being there and being with the French.
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randomphotoguy
Member
I agree with you on the camera being overlooked. It sounded like the early issues with the camera's being very buggy or having other issues has been ironed out for the most part. I'd say it's still not as 'complete' as something from the big companies, but if I wanted something as sterile to use as a Sony, I'd buy a Sony again. The Pixii to me, along with other Leica M's, are special in the way I approach photography with them. When I take my Nikon's out, it's about getting the perfect photo with razor sharp focus, perfect exposure and being clinical in how I approach it. With my Pixii (or my now sold M10) it was just about having the small but high quality camera with me and being able to capture moments, but still being a part of the scene instead of just photographing it. I may be romanticizing it to much, but it just makes me want to grab the camera and go walk around looking for scenes rather than going out with a specific purpose in mind. It's like driving a manual transmission car or shooting a bolt action rifle, both of which I love.
As far as being French, I honestly don't care either way. I would love this camera if it was made by a Chinese, Japanese, German, American or whomever company. As long as it performs, that is all that matters to me.
boojum
Ignoble Miscreant
Agreed, but I just do not want folks saying that I am influenced by my affection and therefore keeping it a secret. It's a good camera, it is unobtrusive and it takes good pictures. It intrigued me when it came out. It still does. I wish them to succeed, succeed very well.
My one big complaint was the pretty silent shutter. David put a volume control on it but still, . . . Then I discovered that the frame lines flicker when the picture is taken. Problem solved. David perhaps was too kind to point that out to me.
randomphotoguy
Member
That is understandable to not want others to perceive your national pride as getting in the way of your objective opinions. It is as you said though, these are very niche cameras that very few have actually laid hands on. I would say most do not understand the appeal of buying a camera without a rear screen, no autofocus and no other features from a very small startup company. Those reasons are what interest me the most!
I will say that I do miss the tactile feel of the Leica M10 shutter cycling. The blinking framelines and the shutter sound all work just fine on the Pixii, but there is something satisfying about hearing and feeling that 'thunk' when you press the release. It was just a reminder that you did something. Obviously, this is not a big deal at all and for long term, having an electronic only shutter should prove to have less issues that mechanical shutters. So I'm all for it.