Pentax 17 film camera at BHphoto, Adorama, FotoErhardt.

ITmedia had a chat with the product manager of the Pnetax 17 camera. Here are his answers:

• (How did the film camera project begin?)
  It started when I brought the project to an internal presentation around 2020. We were discussing the next digital camera strategy, and the expressions of the executives listening were frozen. I persistently persuaded them. The top executive began to give in, saying, “It’s not impossible, but…” so I pressed on, saying, “I’ll find a reason why it’s possible.” From there, planning and development were finally able to discuss together.
• (Why film cameras?)
  The number of film camera users, especially among young people, was beginning to increase, but the only option was to buy second-hand cameras. Some young people were using cameras that didn’t work well and were in an environment where they couldn’t easily be repaired. So, as a manufacturer, we wanted to release a new film camera, provide a warranty, and create an environment where people could enjoy it with peace of mind.
• (Product concept)
  What we focused on in making a film camera was to create a new film camera that is perfect for current users, rather than simply reproducing old models. In particular, we combined functions that allow the younger generation, who are experiencing a film camera for the first time, to feel the “fun of manual operation.”
• (Features we focused on)
  The younger generation is used to vertical screens, so when they look through the viewfinder, they compose the picture vertically. Also, instead of automatic mechanical winding, we wind it manually using a crank. We think that the fun of manual winding is condensed in “hand winding”.
• (Why did we adopt the half-size format?)
  The main reason is the soaring price of film due to the recent rise in prices. Considering that beginners to film cameras often make mistakes, this format, which allows twice the number of shots, has the advantage of keeping running costs low.
• (Half-size format also has the drawback of reduced image quality.)
  To overcome this drawback, a new lens was developed. Based on the lens technology that had been well-established in the past, the latest lens coating technology was combined. The image quality was so clear and sharp that even the development team was surprised.
• (The number of preorders exceeded expectations, so they stopped accepting them immediately.)
  They stuck to the price of $500, as it was the lowest price that even young people overseas could afford. The product is produced in Vietnam, and in Japan, due to the weak yen, it is more expensive than other places, but they still received more orders than expected. Orders are currently temporarily suspended and it is unclear when they will resume, but they are considering increasing production to accommodate the situation.

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This is the google translated summary from Digicameinfo

Pixii SAS announces Pixii Max, its first full-frame camera with a high-performance 24.5MP sensor, wide-angle optical viewfinder and a seamless upgrade option for existing Pixii owners. Available for pre-order on July 5, with a launch price of 3999 euros w/o taxes.

Pixii SAS, the rising French startup, unveils Pixii Max today, its first full-frame digital rangefinder camera. Building on the success of its predecessors, Pixii Max marks a significant leap forward with exciting new features:

New 24.5MP full-frame sensor: The carefully selected, high-resolution 24.5MP full-frame sensor, builds on the strength of its pixel technology to deliver outstanding image quality, with exceptional dynamic range surpassing even its top-ranked predecessors. Photographers will appreciate the familiar feel of the 24×36 sensor paired with their rangefinder lenses of choice.

Wide-Angle Viewfinder: The new optical viewfinder complements the sensor capabilities,with high-index optical glass and fully multi-coated anti-reflective surfaces, to offer unmatched clarity and a wider field of view. The new design features comfortable frame lines for 35mm lenses, while offering an ultra-wide field of view, up to 28mm.

Upgrade option: Pixii Max isn’t just a new camera; it’s also another new upgrade path for existing Pixii camera owners. It packs all the power of Pixii Max into the existing compact form factor, with even a slight reduction in overall depth. The new upgrade confirms Pixii’s commitment to preserving the investment made by photographers in their cameras.

Additional Key Features of Pixii Max:
Modern 64-bit Platform, shared with the current Pixii cameras models, providing exceptional performances, connectivity and seamless over-the-air software upgrades.
Native Monochrome, Pixii’s exclusive feature to capture true B&W digital negatives with a bayer sensor. Pixii Max is also fully capable of producing native monochrome files.
Interactive Rangefinder Viewfinder, another Pixii exclusive feature providing real-time controls and indicators right inside the optical viewfinder, for a truly modern and immersive experience.

The Pixii Max joins the Pixii camera family, offering photographers a new option for rangefinder photography. Pixii remains committed to producing and developing the well-loved APS-C model, proposing two exceptional cameras to choose from for photographers with different needs.

Pricing and Availability
Pixii Max (Model A3410) will offer photographers a new entry point into the world of full-frame
digital rangefinders, with special introductory prices:
● Pixii Max (32GB): 3999 EUR w/o taxes.
● Pixii Max (128GB): 4249 EUR w/o taxes.
Pixii Max will be available for pre-order on July 5.

Sony had a super slow start in 2024. But in July we should finally get three products:

Sony ZV-E10II

• same 26MP A6700 sensor.

Sony E 16-50mm F/3.5-5.6 OSS II

• new version of the current 16-50mm lens

Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II

• lighter, more compact and optically much improved successor of the current 85mm GM

The ZV-E10II and the kit lens will be announced on July 10. The 85mm GM I am not sure if it’s coming on July 10th or before/after that event (all I know is that it’s coming very soon too).

Preorders are now open at BHphoto, Adorama, Calumet, WexUK.

You can preorder the camera now at BHphoto (Click here). This is good news, because I thought the market for this type of superzoom compact camera was dying out. The other important news is that this is the third camera announced by Panasonic in the last 6 weeks. As you know, they registered three cameras in China in the spring. This means that there will be no more camera announcements for at least the next 2-3 months.

Yes!Star officially released the new S1 film camera and held a new product launch conference in Shanghai. The film camera is made of all metal, with replaceable film, equipped with a 31mm lens, a maximum aperture of F11, a built-in flash, and is compact and light, weighing only about 280 grams.

There is no info yet about pricing and launch in countries outside of China. My take on this is that film is on surge and I hope that aside of Pentax (with the great Pentax 17) also other manufacturers will launch new film cameras.

Chinese tracker E8M spotted a total of two Nikon cameras officially registered in China with the following codes:

• N2216
• N2312

Both should be new Z cameras that will be announced within 2-3 months. You can guess what models those are: Z5, Z30 or Z7II successor?