ep115 - I'm Back Founders: Why a Digital Sensor for Your Film Camera Hit $1M – CineD Focus Check

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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