Happy to help. Most questions are answered below — otherwise just email me.
Nikon (2005 onward), Sony E-mount, Fujifilm X/GFX, Pentax, and Canon's R5/R6/R8 generation embed the shutter count in their files, so Gearscope reads it directly. Many older Canon models (RP, 5D series, M50…) do not store the counter in photos — that's Canon's design, not a fault — and Olympus/Panasonic never embed it. Gearscope always tells you honestly when a value isn't available.
Either the camera model doesn't embed the counter (see above), or the file was edited or re-exported and lost its original metadata. Always use an original, unedited file straight from the camera or card.
Yes. Everything runs on your own device — nothing is uploaded. See the privacy policy for details.
The web check reads shutter count and gear info from a photo. The full Mac app adds SD-card speed and authenticity tests, a sensor-dust check, wear history, firmware checks, PDF/CSV reports and USB readout directly from a connected camera.
Email me the camera model and, if possible, one unedited sample photo. Adding new models is exactly how Gearscope improves.