Film photography fans who love the look and feel of classic rangefinders and 35mm cameras are getting an intriguing new option: I’m Back Roll, a digital “film roll” style solution designed to bring modern convenience to vintage camera bodies without losing the hands-on shooting experience.
A big part of that experience comes down to how you trigger the shot. That’s where the so-called Sync Button comes in. Instead of relying on a separate remote, the Sync Button gives you a shutter-control method that feels much closer to shooting actual film. It’s essentially the same function as a remote control, but built to sit right on the camera’s shutter release. Depending on your camera, it can be mounted using the shutter button’s thread, or attached with adhesive if your shutter release doesn’t support a threaded connection. The goal is simple: make shooting with I’m Back Roll feel natural—press the shutter, take the photo, and keep moving.
The big difference, of course, is what happens after you “finish the roll.” With traditional 35mm film, you’d be swapping film after 36 exposures. With I’m Back Roll, you’re not changing film at all. Instead, you recharge the unit via USB-C when needed. And rather than waiting for development, your images can be transferred wirelessly to a smartphone, making it far easier to review, share, and store photos while still using your favorite vintage camera.
Prices and availability are tied to crowdfunding. I’m Back Roll is currently being funded on Kickstarter, with pre-order pricing starting at around $499, plus shipping, tax, and any customs duties. The Sync Button is a paid add-on priced at $26, and it’s only available to backers who pre-order I’m Back Roll through the campaign.
Planned delivery is expected to begin in August 2027. As with most crowdfunding projects, backers should keep in mind the usual risks—timelines can slip, and final production quality can sometimes differ from early expectations.
