Digital Film Cartridge for Analog Cameras – I’m Back Film Introduced

Camera Accessories

by Alexandra ThompsonOctober 17^th, 2023

I don’t know how long you’ve been taking photos, but I would be surprised if you didn’t have an old analog camera collecting dust in a closet or hidden in a box somewhere up in the attic. Now, with I’m Back Film, you might want to consider bringing those cameras out of retirement. Let’s take a closer look and see what this is all about!

Swiss company I’m Back has been making digital camera backs for analog cameras over the past few years – we interviewed their creators during the pandemic, and reported about them several times before. They even won our award for their I’m Back Digital Back at Photokina in 2018. Now they have a new product that feels even more innovative to me because it’s so simple to use. Instead of replacing the back of your camera, you just pop in a digital film cartridge where your film roll used to go. And if you’re a bit nostalgic for that old camera, no worries! With I’m Back Film, you’ll get the best of both worlds without having to alter your analog gear.

Innovation and experimentation lead to new ideas

What are the benefits of merging digital with analog? Honestly, I don’t know yet, but personally, I can’t wait to try it out myself. The idea of experimenting with one of my old cameras and seeing what I come up with is exciting – there is something inspiring when looking at a new avenue of creativity. I felt this way when I first got my hands on a digital camera. It’s all about exploring the possibilities and asking myself whether this technology will push my creativity forward.

So what is it exactly?

I’m Back Film is a digital film roll with a Sony IMX 269 Micro 4/3 – 20mp digital sensor. Why a 4/3 digital sensor? Not only is it more affordable, I’m Back states, but if you combine your full frame lens with a wide-angle lens filter, you eliminate the crop factor and your photos maintain a 1:1 aspect ratio. Plus, the sensor adeptly captures high-resolution images, which find their home on SD memory cards. There is a 1.5-inch LCD, and when you look through your camera, a semi-transparent rectangle will show you exactly what you’re getting when you’re composing your photo. Another plus is that you can connect to WiFi with your smartphone and quickly post your photos to social media.

I’m Back Film formats are RAW and JPEG (color), and include black and white presets along with both Kodachrome® and Fujifilm® presets. The digital film roll is compatible with any analog camera, according to the company.

How does it work in my camera?

It appears to be pretty easy. You just drop the canister into the space where your film roll used to go. And remember, according to the company, you don’t need to alter your camera, meaning you can go back and forth, using your camera for both your analog and digital work.

Technical specs

• Processor: NT9853X
• Sensor: Sony IMX 269 Micro 4/3 – 20mpx
• LCD: 1.5 inches
• Display: 240RGB320 LCD
• Video format: 4K 38402160/60FPS – 4K 38402160/30FPS
• Video format: MP4
• Photo resolution: 20MP
• Photo format: RAW, JPEG in color, B&W presets, Kodachrome® presets, Fujifilm® presets
• Voice Commander

Price and availability

Their Kickstarter campaign just started a few days ago, and apparently it overfunded within 17 minutes. So there seems to be quite a bit of demand for that product. One “I’m Back Film” unit costs about EUR 674 or around USD 710. (All the cheaper “Early Bird” Units are gone.)

At the end of every crowdfunding-related article, we remind you to please be aware of the risks when backing a project on a crowdfunding platform. Also, please read the platform’s use and remember there can be significant delays when delivering the product. Some projects don’t get delivered at all.

For more information about I’m Back Film, visit their website here.

What do you think about this innovative product from I’m Back? Are you joining the campaign and getting your hands on one of these when they are released? Let us know in the comments!