I stopped shooting film in the very late '90s when consumer digital started appearing. I only returned to analogue in the past decade as phones effectively overtook most of my use-cases for ease, flexibility, and often "more than good enough" quality.
The rise of AI image generation also acted as a spark to continue to return to film.
This feels more "real" to me these days. I enjoy the challenge and the results (though the failures are also very real, with a real cost).
The term "mechanical gem" is often bandied about, but I believe this really is. Both cameras shown above are a joy to use.
Bayonet: Foldable Rapid Winder! A modern copy. The original ones are very much "collectors' market".
Self Defence could indeed be a possibility (or accidental self puncturing)...
It really does concentrate the mind!
