Film Rolls is a niche utility app for analog photographers to log technical shooting data and GPS coordinates for individual film frames. While it is highly valued for its simple UI and granular tracking, it is currently a legacy product that has not been updated since 2014. This lack of maintenance has led to critical failures on modern iOS versions, creating a significant gap between its high utility and its current technical reliability.
Product velocity
Dormant
Daily rank 🇺🇸
—
Photo & Video
Sentiment
4.0
30 reviews
Nemesis
Fragmented field
The App DNA
What makes this app unique?
For Film photographers who need a digital tool to track and document their analog shooting settings and technical data.
What does it look like?
Key features
Allows users to save technical shooting data for each individual film roll and frame.
Enables users to export their recorded shooting data for external use or archival.
Granular management of metadata at the specific frame level for film photography.
How much does it cost?
The app is a legacy tool with no visible monetization, likely maintained as a utility rather than a commercial venture.
Velocity
Dormant developmentShow more...
The app has not received a recorded update in over 12 years. Given the lack of activity since April 2014, the app is classified as a zombie project with no active development or maintenance.
Who built it?
Sergey Pershenkov
3 apps tracked · Photo & Video
QuietScrob – Last.fm Scrobbler
Keyring – Password ManagerUser Sentiment
What do users think recently?
The recent review mood reads mixed. Users appreciate essential utility for film photography and simple and intuitive design.
How are ratings & reviews evolving?
What users say, by theme
- Essential Utility for Film Photography
- Simple and Intuitive Design
Unlock 1 more frustration theme, each backed by review evidence.
Access the full report for freeCompetition
Competitive landscape for Film Rolls – App for Film Photographers
How's the Photo & Video market?
The rivals identified
Unlock the deeper market read.
Access the full report for freeThe Analyst's Read
Key takeaways for Film Rolls – App for Film Photographers
Where is it heading?
- Last updated in 2014 — the app is effectively abandoned and lacks modern framework support.
- Frustrated mood in recent reviews due to iOS 14+ compatibility crashes.
- Core utility remains unique, but manual entry is being threatened by automation in newer apps.
The SWOT
- Frame-level metadata granularity
- Automated GPS location tagging for analog shots
- Clean, uncluttered UI optimized for field use
- Modernize for iOS 17 compatibility to reclaim lost users
- Implement CSV export for better data portability
- Add cloud sync to prevent data loss during re-installs
Next best moves
Resolve iOS 14+ launch crashes
+ 2 more prioritized movesFeature gaps
Chemical development database (available in Massive Dev Chart Timer) +2
Bottom line
Film Rolls is a 'zombie' app that retains a loyal following due to its unique frame-by-frame GPS logging, but it is currently failing its users technically. If I were the PM, I would prioritize a compatibility patch and basic data management (deletion) to stop the bleeding of users to modern automated alternatives.
Unlock 4 critical frictions, 3 market threats, 2 more prioritized moves and the analyst’s take.
Access the full report for freeFAQ
Does Film Rolls work on the latest iPhone?
How do I delete a film roll in the app?
Can I export my shooting data to Excel?
What is a better alternative for film logging?
Report last updated