On an I’m Back Roll roll

The concept is sound, since the company making this version has already done something similar. But the solution was previously hosted outside of analogue cameras. This version looks like a roll of film, which stretches across the camera’s rear and plops a new digital sensor right where it’s supposed to be.

The sensor, in this case, is a Sony IMX571 APS-C affair. The add-in, according to the project’s creators, will support multiple 35mm camera systems. Some internal modification might be required, mostly the removal of the camera’s pressure plate, but everyone from Canon to Pentax to Leica should have functional models. The Kickstarter page showcases the Nikon F3 and the Leica M as examples.

It’s almost identical in design to a roll of film in size, but the I’m Back Roll integrates most of a camera’s internals. At least 64GB of storage, the battery, sensor, and other parts needed to use vintage bodies and lens assemblies pop into a camera’s rear panel. It’s all a bit thicker than using film, of course. The setup needs 4mm of space, which is why that pressure plate has to go.

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There’s really only one tricky bit. Since the I’m Back Roll can’t communicate with old cameras, there’s an external remote. Before a shot is taken, users must activate the remote, which starts up the sensor. After that, there are roughly two seconds before the sensor must be turned on again. Users have that long to trigger the camera’s physical shutter. So… not for high-speed, critical shooting then. The Bluetooth remote is similar to other remote camera shutters.

It would still be a cool thing to experience. The I’m Back Roll was initially looking for just over $44,000 to get production rolling. To date, with 37 days of funding to go, it’s made ten times that amount. But previous Kickstarter success doesn’t always mean that every project will go off flawlessly.

Still, if you’d like to chance it, upgrading your old hardware will cost at least R7,500 ($455). It’s a bit much for an old Kodak, but if you’ve got a vintage Leica lying around, it might be time to get it out of storage.

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