The BOB Adds Rare Analog Photo Booth From 1980s, Only One In Michigan

Now more than ever, people take photos to capture memories. But one fun way to do this is in a photo booth. There's something about squeezing into that little booth with your partner or BFFs to get a few photos that print instantly for all of you to hold on to and cherish.

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While photo booths aren't uncommon these days, a genuine relic was just installed at the BOB (Big Old Building) that might just be the coolest photo booth, not just in Grand Rapids, but in all of Michigan. The BOB now has a "new" analog photo booth from the 1980s that develops photos the old-fashioned way: in a darkroom.

Tommy McNeill, Townsquare Media

The BOB's "New" Analog Photo Booth

Over the weekend, the BOB shared a video announcing the new photo booth, now on the main floor of the Big Old Building in the HOME. Originally built in 1986, this restored Model 21T traveled from Phoenix, AZ, and Wilson Camera owns, operates, and maintains it. It's a pretty cool collaboration between two businesses nearly 2,000 miles apart.

READ MORE: What Grand Rapids Looked Like 100 Years Ago

These photo booths are incredibly rare, since production stopped in 1995. It's believed only about 200 are still functioning worldwide, and those who know how to maintain them are very rare. This particular photobooth still bears the original serial plate. As for how Wilson Camera came into possession of such a rare item, it's a tale as old as time: one man's junk is another man's treasure.

Tommy McNeill, Townsquare Media

This photo booth was just sitting in a guy's garage in Kansas City. It was then flown to Los Angeles, fixed up, and then brought to Grand Rapids. Nick, the owner of Wilson Camera, is from GR and wants to expand the business here. This is his first step in that process.

Difference Between Digital vs. Analog Photo Booths

So, why make such a big deal over a photo booth? The confusion was evident in the comments, as many don't know what makes this photo booth so special. If you go somewhere like Morning Ritual Coffee and use their photo booth, it takes your photos on a digital camera and prints them instantly.

The silver center dips the photo between chemicals and water. After three minutes, the photo is developed. / Tommy McNeill, Townsquare Media

In contrast, this photo booth is analog and requires more work to develop. Built in 1989, this photo booth has a mini darkroom inside and utilizes a variety of chemicals to develop the photo. Once the photo is taken, it is dunked into chemicals and water.

As the sign says, the machine takes about three minutes to complete the process. The BOB has one of these now, which is truly unique, and people should treat it with the utmost care. The photo booth is available for use Tuesday-Wednesday, 4 pm-12 am, and Thursday-Saturday, 4 pm-1 am.