Additional information on the new Pixii MAX 24MP full-frame digital rangefinder camera with Leica M-mount

Here is the updated information on the new Pixii MAX 24MP full-frame digital rangefinder camera with Leica M-mount:

• Full-frame with a 24.5MP sensor
• 64-bit Platform
• The intro price starts at €3,999, later the price will increase to €4,159
• New viewfinder that will display the basic camera settings and 28/35/50/75 frame lines
• Two different models: with 32GB and 128GB internal memory
• Current Pixii camera owners will be able to upgrade to the new model
• The Zephyr-M lens seems to be just a teaser for now
• Pre-orders will open on Friday, July 5th (in the US check B&H Photo)
• The first batch of sensors (expected in September) will be reserved for existing Pixii hardware upgrades

Since the official website is still not updated, here is some additional information from the company founder, David Barth (continue after the break):

First, we are very excited by the new full frame sensor of Pixii Max. It is a relative of the Pixii Plus sensor, its APS-C cousin. Its pixel technology provides sharp results still with very low noise, and it now adds even more dynamic range, by collecting a lot more light with its large die of 24.5M generous photo diodes.

We feel that the new Max sensor is the sweet spot for contemporary cameras. We selected it for its image quality, over plain pixel count comparisons. And while I just contemplate a selection of your photos created with the current model, I really can’t wait to see what will come out of the new Max!

Ok, then we have worked to create an optical design able to match the new sensor. The work done for Plus had taught us to consider a wider palette of needs like, importantly, more confort.

With Max we set out to design a versatile viewfinder for all kinds of photography, from portrait to street. Our magnification factor turned out to be a key element for the new design, balancing the need for a wider field of view while offering a good resolution with longer focal lengths. As a result, Pixii Max features a 28mm field of view, using the full viewfinder extent, combined with confortable 35mm frame lines. Max checks the boxes with the most popular focal lengths.

During all of our design sessions though, we carefully kept one very important Pixii feature in mind: the new developments would need to fit inside the compact camera body. Not a millimeter more, neither for the sensor, nor for the viewfinder, for full upward compatibility.

Well, we ended up reducing some parts. But worry not: the camera will still feel the same in your hands. We hope it will continue to be an inspiring camera, with an extended upgrade path for Pixii photographers.

And last, but not least, it is important to confirm that Pixii Max does not mark the end of the APS-C line. On the contrary, we intend to continue developing Pixii Plus, in parallel with the new Pixii Max model. In fact, I feel the 2 cameras should complement each other well. Each serving the needs of photographers as they step further into the world of rangefinder photography.

Ok, now on to the launch itself. Here is what’s coming next.

The production of the camera has already started, but the main activities will extend throughout the Summer as we gradually gather all of the components on the Bill Of Materials. It will take us about 2 months, ie 8 weeks, to get there. That’s the average lead time of our supply chain.

The main course, the sensor, takes relatively more time to be produced. We have secured an allocation for the first production runs, but initial quantities will still be limited.

We heard so many times from photographers how a full-frame Pixii would be ideal. We anticipate a very high demand for Pixii Max. One so large that we can’t possibly tackle it alone, without your help. By opening pre-orders now, we want to adjust volume commitments to the true level of interest that the new camera will generate.

So we will start taking pre-orders this week, on July 5, with initial deliveries planned for September. We will detail this further in the coming days.

One final thing I want to highlight is the priority we intend to give to Pixii camera owners. Not everyone will want to change of sensor format, granted. But for those of you who had been waiting for it, we want to thank you with this little gesture, for your support in making Pixii what it is today.