The return of analog cameras – with a digital touch

Analog photography became less prominent with the introduction of a digital camera; however, with the introduction of I’m Back, the situation will soon change. Lovers of old film cameras can now revive their analog cameras by turning them into digital cameras without giving up the analog mode.

The Lugano-based startup I'm Back developed «I'm Back» a digital back a device that is compatible with almost all brands of analog cameras produced since the 1950s. The device, is used to take a photo through the focusing screen of the original camera to create a digital image using 16-megapixel Panasonic-made sensor to capture the image.

Through its development journey, the startup redesigned it product based on the feedback it obtained from backers during its first unsuccessful Kickstarter campaign. The company relaunched the crowdfunding campaign with an updated version of the product leading to 250% achievement of its initial goal (CHF 60’000).

I’m back is an invention of the Italian-Brazilian photographer and designer Samuel Mello Medeiros. “I’m Back was created with the intention of reusing the old analog in a digital way, but maintaining a ‘retro’ aspect in the photos thanks to the focusing screen,” says Medeiros.

The device is currently in the market and available for purchase. Following the pre-sale season, the startup raised revenues that will aid the planned large-scale production. Moreover, Filippo Nishino, co-founder and former entrepreneur in several startup projects, is closing strategic re-selling contracts with American and Japanese companies like Adorama B&H Photo.

Recently the startup was awarded with the prize “Reviving the Past” at the Photokina 2018, the leading international trade fair for the photo, video and imaging sector. The innovative device instantly found the favor of the public and the critics, thanks to his simplicity and functionality.