PIXII Your dream camera was created

Danas_Anis · 07-07-2020, 02:18 AM

hello!

I guess many Pentax users should be excited somewhat. Pity it's not Ricoh Pentax who came up with it, but I remember heated discussions about Pentax and Video features, and there were many vocal Pentaxians who were so against accepting that photography and videography nowadays come together that they expressed desire for a camera, that came with no video features and/or screen etc. And that wish just came true!
Pixii cameras are for your service.
I am curious what you think about that?

Pixii is here ?*the $3,000 camera with Leica mount, no LCD and no card slot | Digital Camera World

**Rondec** · 07-07-2020, 02:23 AM

Seems a bit pricey.

I wouldn't miss the video, but I've always said that it is best to include features like that in order to make more sales. Of course, when Leica is getting 3000 dollars for an APS-C camera, they don't need to sell many of them to break even.

sundown · 07-07-2020, 03:07 AM

The 8GB is already sold out. It's an ok approach and concept. What puts me off is this 8/4gb scheme, you don't need to be so-apple.

**TomB_tx** · 07-07-2020, 09:54 AM

If it was a 35mm film rangefinder with M mount I'd be interested; but the Zeiss Ikon ZM did that already, with a viewfinder better than Leica. Still didn't sell well.

awscreo · 07-07-2020, 12:13 PM

11mp sensor? 320 native iso. Weird spec, I'm guessing it's not just an off the shelf sony sensor?

I wouldn't be interested personally, but I guess there must be a market for it if they did their research properly.

Kunzite · 07-08-2020, 04:14 AM

To summarize: they cut costs by removing components essential to make this a fully functional device, and increased the price.
The sensor is a cheap one with global shutter so they won't have to include a mechanical shutter.

Guys, this is the opposite of a Pentax.

**pres589** · 07-08-2020, 04:58 AM

Used Leica M9's go for that kind of money. I don't know why I would want this camera instead of going the used M9 route.

It seems like if someone wants a digital aps-c camera to use m-mount glass on, they get a Fuji of some sort, a mount adapter (like the one with a macro helicoid incorporated) and go to town. That's what I would do.

Wasp · 07-08-2020, 06:18 AM - **1 Like**

Me thinks this is rubbish. Sorry, I just can't think of a more diplomatic way to put it.

It's manual focus only.
Rangefinder focusing is an acquired taste. Very long and very wide lenses are not supported.
It takes very expensive Leica M lenses.
With the APS-C crop factor, what are the ultra wide angle options?
An eleven megapixel APS-C sensor? In 2020?
No memory card. I am not convinced. Sure, the pictures gets sent to your phone. In raw format, that is not exactly instantaneous.
For all the lack of things electronic, it could be more compact than it is. I suppose it's the rangefinder mechanism that uses up space.

All this for medium format money? Nah.

**pres589** · 07-08-2020, 06:29 AM

I don't know of any M mount lenses that offer autofocus. Not to say it isn't possible, like the K mount lenses from the 80's that had integrated AF sensing and motors in the lens, but... The sensor plane could also be moved to provide AF, that's been done on a few film cameras, but it sounds like a real engineering challenge.

M mount does not mean only glass from Leica. 7Artisans and Voigtlander sell M glass that isn't so crazy costly, and there's stuff from the past from companies like Minolta. That said, I agree on the ultra-wide options being limited for an APS-C M-mount camera.

The Voigtlander 28mm f2 would be nice for something like this. But I think I'd rather have that lens on something like a Fuji XPro-3 or X-T30. I hope these folks do okay but I don't have high hopes for them and this camera.

**TomB_tx** · 07-08-2020, 06:45 AM

I don't use auto-mis-focus on any camera, so M mount is fine for me for 135mm and wider. However, the rangefinder base length of the PIXII is so short I'd limit it to 90 minimum f4 or 50 minimum f2 and shorter lenses. A rangefinder focuses fine with ultra-wide lenses (I use 21 on Leica), but for precise framing you need an accessory finder - so focus with the RF, shift your eye to the VF and frame - but I can usually judge the 21 FOV well enough to skip the accessory finder. One shortcoming with ultra wide is the minimum focus distance of about 28" with an RF, but some lenses focus closer even though the RF won't track that close.
I agree the price of the PIXII (an unproven model and mfgr) is high enough that a used digital Leica is more attractive. It's "gadgety" enough to attract the younger set, and the easy transfer of images to a phone will win over some as well, as that is weak in Leica. (I still prefer film, so I'm not a target customer.)

awscreo · 07-08-2020, 06:49 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by TomB_tx

I don't use auto-mis-focus on any camera, so M mount is fine for me for 135mm and wider. However, the rangefinder base length of the PIXII is so short I'd limit it to 90 minimum f4 or 50 minimum f2 and shorter lenses. A rangefinder focuses fine with ultra-wide lenses (I use 21 on Leica), but for precise framing you need an accessory finder - so focus with the RF, shift your eye to the VF and frame - but I can usually judge the 21 FOV well enough to skip the accessory finder. One shortcoming with ultra wide is the minimum focus distance of about 28" with an RF, but some lenses focus closer even though the RF won't track that close.
I agree the price of the PIXII (an unproven model and mfgr) is high enough that a used digital Leica is more attractive. It's "gadgety" enough to attract the younger set, and the easy transfer of images to a phone will win over some as well, as that is weak in Leica. (I still prefer film, so I'm not a target customer.)

Young users are attracted to tech specs imo, and I don't see anything there that would attract them. Low res, no af, high price, no video (again, younger users tend to want that). Just the techy looks, and the ability to view photos on the phone really. It's not "retro" enough to attract hipsters either. In my eyes this is a rather aimless product, as others have said, I'd rather get a fuji apsc, or a used Leica for that kind of money.

Also, 8gb is like a slap in the face. Ssd storage is super cheap these days. I purchased super fast nvme m.2 ssd storage for my pc for $110 for 1TB. And that was last November, there are better deals out there. This little storage for such an expensive camera is a joke.

**Larrymc** · 07-08-2020, 06:59 AM

Originally posted by Danas_Anis

hello!

I guess many Pentax users should be excited somewhat. Pity it's not Ricoh Pentax who came up with it, but I remember heated discussions about Pentax and Video features, and there were many vocal Pentaxians who were so against accepting that photography and videography nowadays come together that they expressed desire for a camera, that came with no video features and/or screen etc. And that wish just came true!
Pixii cameras are for your service.
I am curious what you think about that?

Pixii is here ?*the $3,000 camera with Leica mount, no LCD and no card slot | Digital Camera World

Wow, all that for a mere $3,000!

fiveseven · 07-08-2020, 06:59 AM

I wouldn't buy something like this even for fifty bucks.
So when I take a photo I need to looks at my phone?

Sorry, phones are still phones (with cameras). This is not designed for photographers, rather it's for phone- photography people with accessory gadget.

Wasp · 07-08-2020, 08:19 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Larrymc

Wow, all that for a mere $3,000!

Plus the cost of a high-end phone...

awscreo · 07-08-2020, 08:22 AM

Originally posted by Wasp

Plus the cost of a high-end phone...

Gamers will understand

Youtu.be

07-07-2020, 02:18 AM	#1
Danas_Anis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 198	PIXII Your dream camera was created hello! I guess many Pentax users should be excited somewhat. Pity it's not Ricoh Pentax who came up with it, but I remember heated discussions about Pentax and Video features, and there were many vocal Pentaxians who were so against accepting that photography and videography nowadays come together that they expressed desire for a camera, that came with no video features and/or screen etc. And that wish just came true! Pixii cameras are for your service. I am curious what you think about that? Pixii is here ?*the $3,000 camera with Leica mount, no LCD and no card slot \| Digital Camera World

07-08-2020, 06:18 AM - 1 Like	#8
Wasp Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Pretoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,660	Me thinks this is rubbish. Sorry, I just can't think of a more diplomatic way to put it. It's manual focus only. Rangefinder focusing is an acquired taste. Very long and very wide lenses are not supported. It takes very expensive Leica M lenses. With the APS-C crop factor, what are the ultra wide angle options? An eleven megapixel APS-C sensor? In 2020? No memory card. I am not convinced. Sure, the pictures gets sent to your phone. In raw format, that is not exactly instantaneous. For all the lack of things electronic, it could be more compact than it is. I suppose it's the rangefinder mechanism that uses up space. All this for medium format money? Nah. Last edited by Wasp; 07-08-2020 at 06:23 AM.

07-08-2020, 06:49 AM - 1 Like	#11
awscreo Veteran Member Join Date: May 2016 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,722	Originally posted by TomB_tx I don't use auto-mis-focus on any camera, so M mount is fine for me for 135mm and wider. However, the rangefinder base length of the PIXII is so short I'd limit it to 90 minimum f4 or 50 minimum f2 and shorter lenses. A rangefinder focuses fine with ultra-wide lenses (I use 21 on Leica), but for precise framing you need an accessory finder - so focus with the RF, shift your eye to the VF and frame - but I can usually judge the 21 FOV well enough to skip the accessory finder. One shortcoming with ultra wide is the minimum focus distance of about 28" with an RF, but some lenses focus closer even though the RF won't track that close. I agree the price of the PIXII (an unproven model and mfgr) is high enough that a used digital Leica is more attractive. It's "gadgety" enough to attract the younger set, and the easy transfer of images to a phone will win over some as well, as that is weak in Leica. (I still prefer film, so I'm not a target customer.) Young users are attracted to tech specs imo, and I don't see anything there that would attract them. Low res, no af, high price, no video (again, younger users tend to want that). Just the techy looks, and the ability to view photos on the phone really. It's not "retro" enough to attract hipsters either. In my eyes this is a rather aimless product, as others have said, I'd rather get a fuji apsc, or a used Leica for that kind of money. Also, 8gb is like a slap in the face. Ssd storage is super cheap these days. I purchased super fast nvme m.2 ssd storage for my pc for $110 for 1TB. And that was last November, there are better deals out there. This little storage for such an expensive camera is a joke. Last edited by awscreo; 07-08-2020 at 06:56 AM.

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07-07-2020, 02:23 AM	#2
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,652	Seems a bit pricey. I wouldn't miss the video, but I've always said that it is best to include features like that in order to make more sales. Of course, when Leica is getting 3000 dollars for an APS-C camera, they don't need to sell many of them to break even.

07-07-2020, 03:07 AM	#3
sundown Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 588	The 8GB is already sold out. It's an ok approach and concept. What puts me off is this 8/4gb scheme, you don't need to be so-apple.

07-07-2020, 09:54 AM	#4
TomB_tx Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,446	If it was a 35mm film rangefinder with M mount I'd be interested; but the Zeiss Ikon ZM did that already, with a viewfinder better than Leica. Still didn't sell well.

07-07-2020, 12:13 PM	#5
awscreo Veteran Member Join Date: May 2016 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,722	11mp sensor? 320 native iso. Weird spec, I'm guessing it's not just an off the shelf sony sensor? I wouldn't be interested personally, but I guess there must be a market for it if they did their research properly.

07-08-2020, 04:14 AM	#6
Kunzite Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Romania Posts: 15,132	To summarize: they cut costs by removing components essential to make this a fully functional device, and increased the price. The sensor is a cheap one with global shutter so they won't have to include a mechanical shutter. Guys, this is the opposite of a Pentax.

07-08-2020, 04:58 AM	#7
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,529	Used Leica M9's go for that kind of money. I don't know why I would want this camera instead of going the used M9 route. It seems like if someone wants a digital aps-c camera to use m-mount glass on, they get a Fuji of some sort, a mount adapter (like the one with a macro helicoid incorporated) and go to town. That's what I would do.

07-08-2020, 06:29 AM	#9
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,529	I don't know of any M mount lenses that offer autofocus. Not to say it isn't possible, like the K mount lenses from the 80's that had integrated AF sensing and motors in the lens, but... The sensor plane could also be moved to provide AF, that's been done on a few film cameras, but it sounds like a real engineering challenge. M mount does not mean only glass from Leica. 7Artisans and Voigtlander sell M glass that isn't so crazy costly, and there's stuff from the past from companies like Minolta. That said, I agree on the ultra-wide options being limited for an APS-C M-mount camera. The Voigtlander 28mm f2 would be nice for something like this. But I think I'd rather have that lens on something like a Fuji XPro-3 or X-T30. I hope these folks do okay but I don't have high hopes for them and this camera.

07-08-2020, 06:45 AM	#10
TomB_tx Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,446	I don't use auto-mis-focus on any camera, so M mount is fine for me for 135mm and wider. However, the rangefinder base length of the PIXII is so short I'd limit it to 90 minimum f4 or 50 minimum f2 and shorter lenses. A rangefinder focuses fine with ultra-wide lenses (I use 21 on Leica), but for precise framing you need an accessory finder - so focus with the RF, shift your eye to the VF and frame - but I can usually judge the 21 FOV well enough to skip the accessory finder. One shortcoming with ultra wide is the minimum focus distance of about 28" with an RF, but some lenses focus closer even though the RF won't track that close. I agree the price of the PIXII (an unproven model and mfgr) is high enough that a used digital Leica is more attractive. It's "gadgety" enough to attract the younger set, and the easy transfer of images to a phone will win over some as well, as that is weak in Leica. (I still prefer film, so I'm not a target customer.)

07-08-2020, 06:59 AM	#12
Larrymc Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Mississippi, USA Posts: 5,251	Originally posted by Danas_Anis hello! I guess many Pentax users should be excited somewhat. Pity it's not Ricoh Pentax who came up with it, but I remember heated discussions about Pentax and Video features, and there were many vocal Pentaxians who were so against accepting that photography and videography nowadays come together that they expressed desire for a camera, that came with no video features and/or screen etc. And that wish just came true! Pixii cameras are for your service. I am curious what you think about that? Pixii is here ?*the $3,000 camera with Leica mount, no LCD and no card slot \| Digital Camera World Wow, all that for a mere $3,000!

07-08-2020, 06:59 AM	#13
fiveseven Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: NV/CA Posts: 370	I wouldn't buy something like this even for fifty bucks. So when I take a photo I need to looks at my phone? Sorry, phones are still phones (with cameras). This is not designed for photographers, rather it's for phone- photography people with accessory gadget.

07-08-2020, 08:19 AM - 1 Like	#14
Wasp Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Pretoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,660	Originally posted by Larrymc Wow, all that for a mere $3,000! Plus the cost of a high-end phone...