The Pixii Max: A Digital Rangefinder Experience
Learning to love the rangefinder was a long process for me. I could appreciate the simpler and sometimes slower approach to photography that a rangefinder represents. There is more demand on the photographer to focus, compose, and pre-visualize the image. This more demanding process, which might initially seem impractical, eventually becomes the very thing you love about these cameras.
In the digital rangefinder world, the main option is a Leica, making it a prestigious and costly enterprise. This leaves the door wide open for other manufacturers to create more accessible alternatives. One such contender is the Pixii Max, a digital rangefinder that has been evolving for about seven years, offering a modular and upgradeable platform.
The Pixii Max: First Impressions
The Pixii Max is a $4,500 full-frame alternative to the Leica line of cameras, utilizing the same M-mount lenses. At first glance, the design is appealing—svelte and streamlined with a modern look. However, the classic metal brick design isn’t particularly comfortable to hold. An auxiliary grip or thumb rest would significantly enhance the user experience.
Inside, the camera is powered by a Sony FW-50 battery, which unfortunately leads to poor battery life. I struggled to get even a couple of hundred shots on a full charge, making it essential to carry spares.
Handling and Controls
The top of the camera features a simple shutter button that is flush with the camera plate. This button lacks haptic feedback and requires a firm push to activate, which can lead to unwanted camera movement. Next to the shutter button is a dedicated shutter speed dial, but it lacks markings, save for a red "A" indicating aperture priority mode. The shutter speed information is displayed on a sleek screen next to the shutter dial, which also shows camera settings.
The cold shoe on top has no electronic connections, limiting its functionality for flashes or optical viewfinders. This raises questions about its utility.
On the back, the USB port serves both for charging and image transfer. The Pixii Max only supports up to 128GB of built-in memory, with no option for removable media. While this may seem modern, the lack of removable memory is impractical for many photographers.
User Interface and Menu System
The menu button doubles as the on/off switch, but the startup time is a frustrating few seconds. In quick shooting situations, this delay can be a significant drawback. The thumb dial used to navigate the menu feels cumbersome, requiring multiple spins to access options. The overall experience lacks refinement, making it feel ponderous.
While the minimalist interface may look appealing, it can lead to a lack of customizable options. This limitation can frustrate photographers who prefer quick access to settings.
Shooting Experience
Despite my frustrations with the interface, a camera is ultimately for taking pictures. I took the Pixii Max to the streets of New York, pushing it to its limits with a Thypoch Simera 75mm f/1.4 lens. The rangefinder patch lined up properly, and the system was accurate enough for fast telephoto lenses. However, the dimness of the rangefinder patch made it challenging to confirm focus, especially compared to the brighter Leica system.
The light meter performed adequately in various lighting conditions, and I primarily shot in DNG RAW format for flexibility. The 24-megapixel BSI sensor delivered pleasing detail and color, but I encountered significant banding in shadows at ISO settings above 2500. This limitation relegates the camera to brighter lighting conditions.
Monochrome Mode and Image Quality
The Pixii Max features a dedicated monochromatic option that produces true black-and-white, 16-bit RAW files. While this mode reduces banding at higher ISO settings, it still presents challenges. The camera’s image pipeline needs further refinement to enhance usability.
The absence of a mechanical shutter allows for fast shutter speeds up to 1/32,000 second, eliminating shutter shock. However, this also introduces rolling shutter issues, distorting images during fast movements.
Final Thoughts on the Pixii Max
Throughout my review, I felt a mix of frustration and admiration for the Pixii team. Their ambition to create an alternative to established players is commendable, but the camera must also be enjoyable to use. At $4,500, the Pixii Max is not affordable, yet it offers only half the functionality of its competitors.
While some users may appreciate its boutique nature, I cannot recommend it as it stands. Alternatives like a used Leica M9 or M10 may provide better image quality and handling at a similar price point. The Pixii Max, while promising, ultimately falls short in delivering a satisfying photographic experience.
