A new vintage photo booth museum, where visitors can take their portraits in multiple antique photo booths, has opened in the Castro.
Photomatica opened Thursday night at 2275 Market Street, formerly Active Nutrition.
The shop offers visitors the chance to take photos inside a variety of vintage 1940s-60s photo booths. Photomatica will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Photomatica is now open at 2275 Market St. \ Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
Photomatica is co-owned by photo booth enthusiasts Matt Dewalt and Doug Ellington. Dewalt and Ellington started out displaying their photo booths in a Haight Street garage back in 2010.
The popularity of photo booths has exploded in recent years as people have begun to appreciate the look and feel of printed vintage photos.
Inside Photomatica's grand opening party on Thursday. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
Originally, Photomatica had a 1960 Auto-Photo Model 14 next door at printing and frame shop Photoworks but had to move it due to its overwhelming popularity. Ellington tells Hoodline that Photoworks recommended they move into the space next door and so they did.
"On the weekends it was a lot of Gen-Z people from out of town," said Ellington. "It overwhelmed Photoworks."
"We came and looked at it and the demand was there," explained Ellington about opening in the Castro.
Inside Photomatica you will find an Auto Photo Model 9, (1940s-50s), Auto Photo Model 12 (1960s), Auto Photo Model 14 (1960s), and one booth currently being restored. In the back of the shop, you'll find technicians restoring additional photo booths.
While signs on the vintage booths say "4 poses for 25 cents" or "4 poses, 3 minutes, 50 cents," each photo will cost between $6.50-7.50.
Visitors enjoying their photos from the Auto Photo Model 9. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
Asked why vintage photo booths have become so popular recently Ellington said, "I think it's because everything is digital right now. To get a tangible photo is rare."
As an added bonus, Ellington said "people look better" in vintage photos.
Photomatica's vintage booths can be found all across the city at these locations: Hotel Zeppelin, The Warfield, Churchill, Saluhall, Jaxson, Hotel Utah Saloon, El Rio, Amoeba Music, The Ha-Ra Club, Mission Bowling, Club Photomatica, Chambers, Black Heart Tattoo, and Lost Marbles.
Thanks to Hoodline tipster Craig C. If you've seen something new (or closing) in the neighborhood, text your tips and photos to (415) 200-3233, or email [email protected]. If we use your info in a story, we'll give you credit.
