Despite owning a smartphone capable of capturing 4K images and instantly sharing them with billions, local hobbyist Mark Lefkowitz confirmed Monday that he shelled out $234 for a Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo instant camera ‘to really savor the letdown of an overexposed photo you can physically hold.’

“There’s something magical about waiting five minutes for a blurry, $1 print that makes me look like a haunted Victorian child,” said Lefkowitz, clutching his stack of washed-out selfies and gently fanning them, as the directions demanded. “My phone’s camera is just too…accurate. Where’s the mystery? Where’s the $30 I waste every month on film cartridges?”

Enthusiasts say modern instant cameras offer the best of both worlds, combining 1970s print quality with contemporary pricing. “I love how the Instax Mini Evo has 10 retro filters and a dial that gives you the sensation of creative control while producing images that are still unequivocally disappointing,” said Diana Tan, founder of @ImperfectPrintsClub.

Industry analysts report a surge in Gen Z and millennial consumers seeking the tactile thrill of paying premium prices for photos that resemble security cam footage. “I spent $229 for the Mini Evo, so I can preview my disappointment before printing,” said recent convert Felix Moreno. “My parents used to have to wait weeks for their bad photos. I get mine instantly. That’s progress.”