ep115 - I'm Back Founders: Why a Digital Sensor for Your Film Camera Hit $1M – CineD Focus Check
Show notes
I'm Back Roll APS-C on Kickstarter: https://i-m-back-gmbh.kckb.me/8c61e3bd
Samuel and Filippo, the two founders of I'm Back, join Nino to talk about their latest Kickstarter campaign: the I'm Back Roll APS-C — a self-contained digital sensor that replaces the pressure plate inside any analog 35mm camera. Nearly $1 million raised, 1,400+ backers, and two significant mid-campaign updates later, we dig into the engineering, the philosophy, and the honest unknowns.
This episode is sponsored by NANLITE. Learn more at (24:43).
CHAPTERS
(00:00) Introduction & What's I'm Back
(01:57) How Samuel and Filippo met & founded I'm Back
(03:02) Samuel's original idea and first prototype
(06:36) The Roll APS-C: how it works and what's inside
(09:42) Kickstarter response: nearly $1 million and two campaign updates
(14:34) Why the Roll is I'm Back's original idea — and why it took 10 years
(25:46) Camera compatibility and the 4mm thickness challenge
(28:20) Which cameras will and won't fit
(29:35) Mid-campaign update 1: the 2.5" OLED touchscreen
(34:17) Mid-campaign update 2: the wired sync shutter button
(37:57) Video capabilities — what's known and what isn't yet
(43:22) Thermal concerns and overheating in video mode
(47:53) Addressing unfair reviews and how to properly compare results
(57:17) Looking for a bigger partner — an open call from I'm Back
(01:00:10) Past delays, COVID, and the August 2027 delivery target
(01:07:03) Kickstarter used right — developing from scratch vs. pre-built products
(01:08:42) Gadget or tool? The honest case for the Roll APS-C
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