Pixii Max full-frame rangefinder camera takes on Leica M11 and smaller sensors in analysis
The Pixii Max is one of very few alternatives to the Leica M11, as Leica and Pixii are currently the only companies that still produce rangefinder cameras. The Pixii "Max" model is equipped with a full-frame sensor for the first time. With prices starting at $4,449, the Pixii Max is considerably cheaper than the Leica M11, which costs $8,995. Even a used Leica M10 usually costs over $4,000.
Photons to Photos has now analyzed how the 24.5 MP full-frame sensor of the Pixii Max can hold its own against the 60 MP sensor of the Leica M11. The result is quite clear, as the Pixii Max achieves a maximum dynamic range of 10.5 f-stops, while the Leica M11 achieves a much more impressive 11.8 f-stops. Even at higher light sensitivities, Leica is always about half an f-stop ahead, thus achieving visibly better image quality aside from higher resolution.
Indeed, the Pixii Max also falls behind the Leica M10 from 2017, but is still ahead of the Leica M (Typ 240) from 2012. As a comparison with cameras with smaller sensors shows, full-frame does not necessarily result in a higher dynamic range, as the Leica TL2 is just ahead of the Pixii Max, while the Fujifilm X100VI is roughly on a par with the full-frame camera.
Consequently, the Pixii Max can hardly compete with the Leica M11, but the camera is not intended to impress via image quality alone, but also via a number of unusual features. In addition to the rangefinder and the Leica M bayonet, the Pixii Max scores with its monochrome RAW mode and the absence of a rear display. More details about the Pixii Max can be found on the official product page.
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