Your old analog camera can become a real digital beast

Analog cameras from the 1970s and 1980s are experiencing an unexpected revival as photography enthusiasts rediscover the mechanical feel of the device. However, the high cost of film and the lengthy processing time put many off. The solution is the "I'm Back Roll" project, which turns your old device into a digital one without any changes to its exterior or mechanics.

Photo: yankodesign.com

Instead of the time-consuming process of loading film and worrying about incorrect exposure, “I'm Back Roll” offers a digital cartridge in the form of a standard film cassette. Designed by Samuel Mello Medeiros, this innovative accessory simply inserts into the film compartment of an analog digital camera, where the APS-C sensor is positioned right in front of the shutter opening. When you close the back cover, your camera remains completely unchanged on the outside. No screens or awkward attachments to spoil the retro look.

At the heart of the system is Sony's 26.1-megapixel APS-C IMX571 sensor, renowned for its low noise and used even in astronomy. The sensor is housed in a CNC-machined aluminum housing for efficient cooling. The device includes up to 256 GB of internal SSD storage and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for wireless photo transfer. The battery is replaceable and is located in the chamber where the film would normally be, following the logic of changing film rolls during photography.

It's deliberately slower and more deliberate. A small Bluetooth remote attaches to the rewind lever and synchronizes the digital sensor with the mechanical shutter. The user must press the remote just before the shutter is released, preserving the ritual of analog photography. RAW and JPEG formats are available in an ISO range of 100 to 6400, and color presets are included that mimic legendary Fujifilm and Ilford films.

The system is compatible with most 35mm cameras from Nikon, Canon, Pentax and Leica. Some models with a different back opening may require a rear plate adjustment, but the point remains: the lens and mechanics of your old device are given a new lease of life. The current promotional price of the product is approximately EUR 419 (regular price EUR 652), and the project has already raised more than EUR 490,000 on crowdfunding platforms.