Analog Photo Booth Arrives at The BOB
A restored 1986 photo booth now offers traditional darkroom development on the main floor of The BOB.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Photography
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Wilson Camera has installed a rare 1986 analog photo booth at The BOB in Grand Rapids. The unit utilizes an internal mini darkroom to develop prints in three minutes.
Why it matters
The installation marks the expansion of Phoenix-based Wilson Camera into the Grand Rapids market. It provides residents access to a vanishing piece of analog technology.
The 1986 model requires three minutes to complete its chemical development process. It is one of approximately 200 such machines currently functioning worldwide.
The players
Wilson Camera
This Phoenix-based photography company owns, operates, and maintains the analog booth.
The BOB
This Grand Rapids venue serves as the host location for the vintage photo equipment.
The details
The machine was sourced from a garage in Kansas City before undergoing restoration in Los Angeles. It is located on the main floor of The BOB and is available for use beginning at 4 pm on Tuesdays through Saturdays.
Timeline
The photo booth model was originally built in 1986.
Manufacturing of these analog photo booth models ended in 1995.
The BOB announced the new photo booth during the weekend of October 25-27, 2026.
Culture Shift
The installation follows the broader analog photography revival by integrating vintage, chemical-based processing into a modern hospitality setting. This move mirrors a wider societal trend where consumers seek tactile, tangible experiences over instant digital results.
Residents can access the booth starting at 4 pm, Tuesday through Saturday, on the main floor of The BOB. Visitors should expect a three-minute wait as the internal darkroom processes each set of photos.
The takeaway
The return of 1980s technology to public spaces highlights a growing consumer preference for mechanical processes that require patience. Users should plan for a brief waiting period while the machine's chemicals develop their prints.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest trends in the Photography community.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 100.5 The River.
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