Doncaster Camera Club


Doncaster Camera Club - Website

History of Doncaster Camera Club

On Friday 11th November 1955, at the Athenaeum Hall, Doncaster, a public meeting was convened to discuss the formation of a Camera Club.
The following officers were elected:
President: Mr Ross Miller
Vice Presidents: Mr Keith Petty/Mr Harry Thomas
Secretary: Mr Russell Hardidge
Treasurer:  Mr Ralph Petty
Publicity Officer: Mr Ken Silcock
Committeeman: Mr Eddie Secombe
Auditor:  Mr Brian Norbury

The first resolutions were that the club be called the Doncaster and District Camera Club, that it “affiliate with the Victorian Association of Photographic Societies (VAPS)” and that “the annual subscriptions should be ten shillings ($1.00)”. 

Meeting places over the years have been:
1955 – 1958 Athenaeum Hall, Doncaster Road, Doncaster
1958 – 1980 Lutheran Church Hall, Victoria Street, Doncaster
1980 – 1994 Church of Christ Kindergarten, Doncaster Road, Doncaster
1994 – 2018 Pilgrim Uniting Church, Westfield Drive, Doncaster
2018 – now: East Doncaster Baptist Church, 47-53 Tunstall Road, Doncaster East

The first photographic competitions didn’t start until several months after the Club commenced, and the visiting judge on one of these occasions was so severe in his assessments that the membership dropped drastically. Thankfully, we recovered from the shock of this harsh judgement, and now enjoy a supportive and social club environment that attracts a growing membership. On top of that, quite a few of our members are achieving recognition in various national and international photographic competitions.
From 1984 to 1987 the Club held four National Photographic Exhibitions. The first three were held in conjunction with the Donvale Rotary Club. The fourth was conducted solely by the Doncaster Camera Club. We were successful with these exhibitions with photographers from all over the world providing entries.

Portrait Profile of Doncaster Camera Club in 1992

Permission to Publish: 
  • May 2020 - Permission from Ean Caldwell, President to digitise and place on website.
  • See Original Scan
Acknowledgements:-
  • To all members of Doncaster Camera Club who unwittingly supplied me with photographs to enable this unique production to be assembled and printed.
  • To Alan Hopson for assistance in the "computerisation" and conversion of the typewritten pages into the Typeset you now see.
  • To those who helped in the proof-reading including Fred Drakeford. and especially Kevin McKay.
  • To my colleagues in the printing industry who scanned the photos so that they could be printed in the way you see them today.
  • To Oce Australia Pty Ltd who kindly allowed me to print this book on one of their high-speed photocopiers.
  • To all those other people who have helped in this production but who might have been missed being mentioned elsewhere.

Introduction by Jim Hopson.

The inspiration to write this record about our camera club came to me one evening as I was browsing through a book on portraits of famous people in the South Eastern areas of Australia.  I then recalled that in January 1992 our President, Bruce Millikan, had encouraged (some even say cajoled) us into entering into a inhouse-club portrait competition in which we had the pleasurable task of taking a portrait of a fellow member of the Doncaster Camera Club.  The entries were then judged by Peter Hunter who is a well known celebrity around the Melbourne camera clubs scene.  So, we had the photos; now it only required putting them in some logical sequence (alphabetically!) and to write a few words about each of the people portrayed.  What follows is a sort of snap-shot of most of the members of our Doncaster Camera Club as it was at January 1992. I hope you enjoy the experience as you read through the pages that follow.

Jim Hopson - July 1992

Table of Contents

Pages
Front cover logo by Kevin McKay 1
Acknowledgments 2
Introduction by Jim Hopson 3
Table of Contents 4/5
Portrait profiles
Rae Backstrom 6/7
Peter Batten 8/9
Allan Brayne 10/11
Denis Dikschei 12/13
Fred Drakeford 14/15
Ian Game 16/17
Pat Game 18/19
Thelma Hay 20/21
Jim Hopson 22/23
John Ingrassia 24/25
Liesel Ingrassia 26/27
Anna Layton 28/29
Peter Layton 30/31
John Mack 32/33
Kay Mack 34/35
Em Martini 36/37
Kath McKay 38/39
Kevin McKay 40/41
Frank Meyer 42/43
Bruce Millikan 44/45
Ralph Petty & Family 46/47
Jane Pfeifer 48/49
Barbara Prudden 50/51
Bill Prudden 52/53
Alan Rash 54/55
Bob Rendall 56/57
Julie Rendall 58/59
Bert Round 60/61
Bob Scarcebrook 62/63
Joan Scarcebrook 64/65
Fred Schult 66/67
Nancy Schult 68/69
Houw Tan 70/71
Lesley Tan 72/73
Lois Thompson 74/75
Yvonne Webb 76/77
Joan Williams 78/79
Alan Wyer 80/81
Doncaster Camera Club summary 82
Previous officebearers 83
How was it Done? 84

Profile of Rae Backstrom

Rae is obviously a very active lady and tells us that she first took up photography as an adjunct to a number of active sports including white-water rafting, scuba diving, rock climbing, abseiling, bushwalking and a few other crazy ideas!  Well it helps, doesn't it!  Then in March 1991 Rae took another crazy step and joined us at D.C.C. and is still here a year later.  Along the way Rae has also been a crackshot smallbore shooter which probably explains why she can still handhold a camera steady at 1/15th sec.  Rae currently uses a Nikon FA with Tamron 28/135 zoom lens plus Kiron 105mm macro with ringlight which is particularly useful when taking her favourite outdoor subject, spiders!
Normally Rae uses Kodachrome 200 ASA.
After all those achievements mentioned above we weren't game to ask about any photographic awards but do know that a few merits have been achieved along the way.
Photo opposite taken by Alan Wyer


Profile of Peter Batten

Peters first introduction to photography was when as a child he was presented with a Box Brownie camera except this one was rather special because it also had a close-up lens and a sun filter!
His favourite subjects are people but he has also taken lots of animals.
Although born in England Peter has lived most of his life in central Africa where as well as photography he has enjoyed sailing, and later motor rallying.
After coming to Australia in 1978 he lived initially in Perth and then later in Adelaide before coming to Melbourne.
Today Peter's main camera is a Minolta 303.
He uses this for slides for serious work but also takes quite a few prints mainly for record purposes.


Profile of Allan Brayne

Allan's first introduction to photography started with an illegal Box Brownie on radar stations back in World War II.
Then he became more interested during the late 60's and early 70's in a standard 8 mm movie camera.
Allan's main photographic interests have been in the areas of landscape, architecture and sculpture.
In recent years with less involvement in architectural work Allan has become more interested in other areas including travel and family photographs.
Allan joined Doncaster Camera Club in 1991 and tells us that he uses a Canon AE-1 programmed camera with a standard 50mm lens and generally prefers Kodak Gold films using 100 ASA in summer and 200 ASA in winter.
Photograph opposite taken by Kay Mack


Profile of Denis Dikschei

Denis joined D.C.C. in 1991 and tells us that he has always had an interest in photography and that up until 1980 it was mainly in the area of record photography.
Then in 1980 he bought his first SLR Konica camera.
About that same time Denis attended an introduction to photography course at the Melbourne Camera Club and subsequently joined them and was a member there until 1985.
Denis is a slide worker with his main interest being in landscapes and portraits.
Denis has two Konica bodies and depending on the subject will use from the following range of lenses:
Konica 50mm and 35-70mm
Vivitar 28mm
Ozeck 80-205mm
Films used are:
Kodacolor gold 100 & 200
Ektachrome 200 & 400
Kodachrome 64
Photo opposite taken by Allan Brayne

Profile of Fred Drakeford

Fred first started photography in 1933 with a Kodak Box Brownie but didn't become seriously involved in photography until joining the Doncaster Camera Club in 1955 as a foundation member.
Fred has been our President on several occasions having served in this capacity for a total of eleven years. He started the Black & White group (now called the Print Group) some years ago, together with the Newsletter which he wrote, printed and distributed from 1971-1976 and for 12 months from May 1985.
In 1989 Fred was awarded a life membership in recognition of his services to D.C.C.
His main interest has generally been in portraits, landscapes and close-ups as a black & white worker, although Fred tells us that since losing his darkroom on moving house a few years ago, he is now turning to slides.
Fred has drifted through many cameras but his current love is a Nikon F801S with a 35-135mm zoom lens and an AF Micro Nikkor 105mm f2.8 lens.
Film used is mainly Kodachrome 64 rated up to 100 ASA.
Over the years Fred has had some acceptances in a few national exhibitions. He has also won the D.C.C. Print of the Year a few times. Despite this Fred isn't a mad keen competition entrant, preferring to practise photography for fun rather than fame.
Photo opposite taken by Bob Scarcebrook

Profile of Ian Game

Ian joined the D.C.C. in 1990, after an accidental meeting with Thelma Hay at Sugarloaf Reservoir whilst she was seeking a place for one of the club's social outings.
The conversation then moved on to the general activities of our club and Ian was invited along as a visitor and joined us soon after.
Ian has always been interested in photography but has only taken it seriously in recent years when wanting to improve his skills in capturing the landscapes and scenery of some of the places he has visited.
Photography fits in nicely with Ian's other activities of bushwalking and mountain climbing.
The film Ian usually uses is Kodacolor Gold 100 and Fujicolor
100.
His cameras are an Olympus OM-1 and OM-10 with a 28mm and 50mm lens plus a zoom 85-210mm.
One of Ian's early achievements was to win a merit with a silhouette on black & white film.
Photo opposite taken by Barbara Prudden

Profile of Pat Game

Pat joined D.C.C. in 1990 and tells us that her main interest is in photographing trees.
Pat's introduction to photography was when as a teenager she had a Box Brownie and just took photographs for the fun of it.
Since those early days Pat has learnt to appreciate the joy of capturing those memories.
Pat finds her photographic hobby fits in nicely with her other love of bushwalking up in the mountains and capturing the scenery.
"I just love being there in the country".
Pat has a Pentax Pino 35 J camera and prefers to use Kodak Gold 100 ASA and Fuji colour 100 ASA.
Pat was particularly delighted to receive a couple of merits recently for her two snowgum trees.
Photo opposite taken by Bob Rendall


Profile of Thelma Hay

Thelma joined D.C.C. in about 1978 (but is not too sure about the date) looking for a retirement hobby and somewhere that she could meet people and enjoy their company. Thelma found both in the D.C.C.
Over recent years Thelma has been a very active Social Secretary on our committee, finding us somewhere interesting to visit on the first Sunday each month for more years than we care to remember.
Thelma tells us that she has a Pentax camera and usually takes slides, especially when on the outings.
A few successes have been achieved over the years in the monthly slide competitions.
Although a little reluctant to mention it, Thelma has also been our mainstay for many years as 'tea-lady', looking after the suppers on monthly club nights.
Thank you Thelma.
Photo opposite taken by Joan Scarcebrook

Profile of Jim Hopson

Jim joined the Doncaster Camera Club in 1974 soon after arriving from England where he was a member of the Orpington Photographic Society in Kent
His main interest is in black and white photography which Jim first learnt about at evening classes in England in 1962 and he now has his own darkroom in the cellar of his home.
Portraiture is Jim"s main interest, usually with floodlighting. In the 1979/1982 period he joined Ed Conway, a former member, in teaching this subject at the local Manningham Road school during the evenings to help raise funds for our club.
The camera used is a 1972 Fuji SLR 35mm camera with a Tamron zoom lens 35/135mm range.
Film used is Ilford FP 4.
Jim has been a steady worker in the Club over the years and has won the yearly aggregate competition a couple of times in the print section and so far has had two terms as President: from 1978 to 1980 and again from 1983 to 1985.
Currently he is coordinator for the Print Group which meets regularly on the fourth Friday of each month, usually in a member's home, to discuss and/or practise some photographic skills.
Photo opposite taken by Kath McKay

Profile of John Ingrassia

John joined us at D.C.C in 1991 and tells us that his main interest is in landscapes.
John's first experiences of photography and of the photographic process were in his teenage years when attending (alas, not often enough) the photographic studios of his aunt.
Nevertheless he did manage to pick up some of the necessary skills and to understand the basic principles.
He feels that this disease of photography has been with him since those early days, but only in recent times has he had the time available to develop and cultivate this interest among talented people. He appreciates the helpful friendliness of our club membership.
Today John uses a Minolta and a Leica camera and finds that the most suitable film for him is Agfa colour 100/200/400 ASA.
Photo opposite taken by Rae Backstrom


Profile of Liesel Ingrassia

Liesel tells us that she was first introduced to photography by her father during her teenage years.
Due to various circumstances she was unable to develop photography as a hobby until many years later although she has always remained a keen observer.
Currently Liesel's photos are professionally processed but she hopes and expects more time to become available in future years so that she can develop her interest in experimental photography.
Today Liesel enjoys photographing people and landscapes and is using a Minolta 7000 camera and finds that Kodak Gold 100 is her preferred choice.
Photo opposite taken by Frank Meyer

Profile of Anna Layton

Anna first started being interested in photography when she dabbled with her father's Canon camera on family photos.
Then during a family trip around Europe in 1983 Anna found that scenery photographs were of more interest but she was still borrowing her father's Canon camera.
After that, Anna decided to invest in her own camera and asked Dad to bring one back from overseas. This turned out to be a compact automatic camera which made it difficult to do any experimenting and consequently photography became less interesting for a while.
The situation changed when Peter (now her husband) came on the scene and it was possible to dabble a little with his Nikkormat camera.
Anna joined us at Doncaster in September 1991 so that she could gain more confidence about taking photographs and to learn more information on the basics. She hopes to submit more entries as her skill improves.
The film used normally is Kodak or Fuji in 100 ASA and 400 ASA.
Photo opposite taken by Leslie Tan


Profile of Peter Layton

Peter joined us at D.C.C. in September 1991 in order to gain a broader appreciation of photography.
Prior to this, Peter had been busy taking wedding photographs for over ten years and tells us that at the age of 17 he took his first wedding and was being taught how to make good saleable photographs.
Today Peter's philosophy has changed. He now feels that a portrait is a method of preserving a particular memory in a special way at a given point in time.
With this view Peter finds that the D.C.C. has helped him through its visual and spoken comments on the characterisation of people via photographs.
Peter works mostly with Hasselblad and Nikon equipment using Kodak VPS or VPH film which gives the greatest latitude for these subjects.
Photo opposite taken by Peter Layton


Profile of John Mack

John joined the Doncaster Camera Club in 1976 and although for a while a keen colour slide and print worker he now feels he has neither time, resources nor commitment to produce work to a standard that would satisfy himself.
His preferred genre of news and photo-documentary work is very demanding and he would like to be able to emulate (amongst others) Lange, Hine, Eugene Smith, Cartier-Bresson, Vishniac and Capa in depicting social justice issues.
John believes photography is a most versatile and flexible recording tool, ideally suited for documenting the human situation and environment
Photo opposite taken by Yvonne Webb



Profile of Kay Mack

Kay joined us at D.C.C. in 1976 and tells us that her main interest is in making monochrome prints of all types.
Kay tells us: "My father (Jack Hyett) gave me my first camera when I was 13 and another when I was 18. These were used for family and travel photos and the occasional photo of the children I taught at school."
Today Kay uses an Olympus OM-1 camera with Olympus lenses, mainly 28mm and 135mm, and sometimes the standard 50mm lens. Film most often used is Kodak T-Max 400.
During Kay's time at D.C.C. she was our president from 1981-1983 and has been our Newsletter Editor since May, 1986.
Kay is prominent in many activities associated with photography and is currently Junior Vice-President of the Australian Photographic Society and a member of the New Zealand Photographic Society and of Ivanhoe Photographic Society.
In addition to all this Kay still manages to find time to do judging for camera clubs, and national and international competitions.
Kay participates in several APS folio circles and in 1991 was awarded an APS Associateship honour.
Besides all this Kay likes to read books on photography, attend art and photographic exhibitions, teach an introductory course on photography at school, and 'fiddling in the darkroom'!
Photo opposite taken by Alan Rash

Profile of Ern Martini

Em started his photography in the early 60's with a Minolta camera and over the years has gradually developed a keener interest to improve his skills in this area. His main interests are in landscapes, macro and portraits.
Today Em uses a Nikon 401S SLR with auto focus for general use, and for more serious photography he uses the 55mm micro and the zoom 35mm to 135mm lens.
Em has been with us at D.C.C. since 1986 during which time he has entered work in both the prints and slides sections.
Photo opposite taken by Fred Drakeford


Profile of Kath McKay

Kath tells us that she first started photography in the early 1950's with a bellows-type camera.
Then she progressed, via a Braun Paxette range-finder, to SLRs, which provide her with the degrees of sophistication needed to capture those tree and landscape shots for which she has become famous.
Currently Kath uses a Minolta X700 camera with a 35-200 mm zoom lens, and the film is usually Kodachrome 64.
Kath is a member of the Australian Photographic Society, and was awarded its honour, Associateship, in 1990. She has had many acceptances, and some trophies, in national and international photographic exhibitions.
In addition to all this Kath has devotedly served the club in the difficult job of competition steward for many years.
Photo opposite taken by Houw Tan

Profile of Kevin McKay

Kevin started his photography in 1935 with a borrowed Box Brownie, and then a Kodak Autographic.
Since then he has upgraded to SLRs, but claims that better equipment hasn't improved his work much, because he always wants the films and cameras to do the impossible.
Those of us who know and admire his work might disagree.
He currently uses a Minolta 101, plus a variety of zoom lenses, to capture his main interest in landscapes. He has been a member of DCC since April 1973.
Kevin is also a member of APS and received the Society's Associateship honour in 1991.
Kevin's graphic skills are put to good use each year in the preparation of our merit, honour and end-of-year certificates.
Photo opposite taken by Kay Mack


Profile of Frank Meyer

Frank commenced photography in 1938 using a Kodak Autographic A116 camera and Kodak KSD powders for developing films. B/W contact prints were the order of the day using Velox paper.
In the late 1940's Frank managed to purchase a secondhand quarter plate RB Graphex camera with a film pack adapter. After a couple of years other interests took over and photography lapsed until the early 1970's. At this stage he progressed to the 35mm scene with the purchase of a Pentax SV1 camera and introduction to colour photography.
Since Frank had quite a deal of laboratory equipment he began preparing all his own solutions which he still does to this day.
Currently Frank uses a Nikon FE2 and very occasionally a Kowa Super 66. Darkroom equipment includes a Fujimoto enlarger and a Jobo tank.
The laundry gets pressed into service as a darkroom with the attendant difficulties in setting up and disassembly each time a darkroom session is contemplated.
Frank joined us at Doncaster around 1980 and joined the APS a year or so later.
Photo opposite taken by Frank Meyer

Profile of Bruce Millikan

Bruce Millikan, our President, is the person who thought of the idea of a portrait competition among our members in January 1992 which in turn has become the book you are now reading.
Bruce tells us that the first camera he had was a Baida 35mm ("No meter, just guess the exposures") which he bought during his National Service days in the Navy.
This camera broke down after a couple of years and then followed a 30-year period without a camera.
Then a few years ago he bought a second-hand Nikkormat plus a few other gadgets with it including extension tubes, bellows & some lenses. From these early beginnings Bruce graduated to a Nikon FE2 and F801S with 24mm, 50mm, and a zoom lens 80-200mm.
His film preferences are:
Slides: Fuji RDP
Prints: Kodak Extar 25,125 or Fuji Reala depending on the subjects
B & W : Ilford XP2
His preferred photographic subjects are:
Industrial
People, portrait and candid Architectural
Bruce joined us at DCC in about 1985.
Photo opposite taken by Liesel Ingrassia



Profile of Ralph Petty and Family (Ralph, Peggy, Craig and Brendan)

Ralph joined the D.C.C. in 1955 as a founder member and today is also an Honorary Life Member.
He was our Treasurer from 1955-66 and from 1967-71. Ralph also occupied the Presidential chair from 1987-1990.
Ralph modestly admits that he has won a few things over the years with his main interest being in children, places and things.
Over the years Ralph has also gradually enrolled the members of his Family into the D.C.C..
Starting with Peggy... who joined us in 1973 and who has achieved a number of photographic awards in her own right including an A.P.R. medal from the Australian Photographic Society in recognition of work done for it
She is currently Chairperson of the APS Honours Exhibition System.
Peggy also acted as our Secretary,1981-85.
Next comes Craig, who joined us in 1980 followed by Brendan in 1986.
Photo opposite taken by Ralph Petty

Profile of Jane Pfeifer

Jane has always enjoyed photography and in 1985 bought her first camera before going on an overseas holiday.
In 1988 she joined the Box Hill Camera Club with the objective of learning more about photography and in 1990 joined us at D.C.C.
Jane's main interest is to take good candid portrait photographs, especially of her family.
She currently uses a Pentax K1000 with one of her two zoom lenses, either 28-80mm or 70-210mm.
Jane also mentions that, with two young active children and a husband who participates in motor sport, perhaps a camera with autoexposure and predictive auto-focus would be more suitable to her needs, although it may stretch the budget a little.
The film used is either Fuji or Kodak 100 ASA.
Achievements have included winning the Print of the Year at Box HillC.C.
(thanks to visiting judge Jim Hopson).
Photo opposite taken by Dot McLeish


Profile of Barbara Prudden

Barbara tells us that after using an instamatic camera for years she decided there must be a better way to capture and express her love of outback Australia where she spends 80% of her holiday time.
Barbara joined the Doncaster Camera Club back in about 1981 and left the selection of a new camera to a qualified relation. On his advice she purchased a Canon AE1 which she uses today along with a collection of lenses that includes a standard lens, a wide angle lens and a zoom lens.
Kodachrome 64 is the normal film used.
Still striving for better results, Barbara is thoroughly enjoying her association with other club members.
Barbara's main photographic interests are landscapes, aircraft, ships and nature photography, and when not busy with photography she enjoys her family, gardening, reading and bushwalking.
Barbara served as Secretary from 1985 to 1987.
Photo opposite taken by Joan Williams


Profile of Bill Prudden

Bill joined our club in about 1981 and tells us that his main photographic interests lie in landscapes, people, aircraft and nature photography.
Bill has always enjoyed photography but gradually his wife Barbara got tired of him borrowing her camera and he decided a few years ago that it was time to get one of his own: a Canon AV1 with standard lens.
Bill says that he prefers to have people or aircraft in his landscapes rather than just taking the basic landscape.
Bill also has a lot of other interests including target and sport shooting, plus a few outdoor sports such as canoeing, skiing & bushwalking.
Photo opposite taken by Bob Rendall


Profile of Alan Rash

Alan’s introduction to photography started with a small Polaroid which kindled an interest in home processing.
After working with black and white printing Alan gradually moved on to Cibachrome and today enjoys making prints from colour negatives.
In recent years Alan has had some success photographing and printing weddings of young people attending his Church.
Alan joined Doncaster Camera Club in 1991 and tells us that his main interest is in nature photography.
The camera he uses is an Olympus OM40 and the film is Fuji.
In 1984 Alan was proud to have been awarded 2nd prize in the SEC Social Club's photographic competition.
Photo opposite taken by Bruce Millikan


Profile of Bob Rendall

Bob's photographic interest was initiated by his father Cliff when Bob was about 12 years old. Cliff was also a member of Doncaster Camera Club.
Over the intervening years Bob has explored many facets of picture-taking and picture-making including slides, prints, B & W processing and colour processing etc.
Bob's photographic interest covers all aspects and he uses a Nikon F801S camera.
Films used are FP4, Kodachrome 64, Fuji Reala.
Over the years Bob has held a number of positions on our executive including:
President 1985-1987,
Competition steward 1980 to 1983.
His achievements include several acceptances at national exhibitions, and in Doncaster Camera Club the Ron Johnson trophy in 1981 and 1989, Print of the Year in 1979, and highest aggregate in 1979/80 for prints.
Bob also has another talent related to photography and that is as a commentator for the annual slide presentation at the RASV/VAPS exhibition at the Melbourne Showgrounds in September each year.
Photo opposite taken by Fred Schult

Profile of Julie Rendall

It has been suggested that initially Julie's interest in photography was sparked by that young chap at the Camera Club, Bob Rendall, who now is her husband.
Julie's photographic interests are mainly in nature and people.
Now-a-days with the addition of two young children (Clare and Anthony) Julie's photographic contributions have lapsed slightly but before that she frequently achieved merits for her commercial prints.
The camera used is a Nikon FE and film used is Fuji.
Photo opposite taken by Thelma Hay



Profile of Bert Round

Bert is a relative newcomer, having joined us at D.C.C. in 1990 with the intention of improving his photography and wanting to do something "different and spectacular!".
Bert tells us that his photographic interests first started in 1953 whilst on an overseas holiday to Singapore when he bought a Minolta camera.
Since that time, he recalls taking one very special photo in London of the ship "Discovery" anchored on the Thames embankment on a cold misty wintry morning.
It had - - atmosphere!
Bert today uses a Canon R5 camera with a zoom lens of 30-70mm and also one of those compact cameras which thinks for you, a smallish Minolta which is very useful when in a hurry.
Agfa 200 negative film is his preference but recently Bert has been trying slide film too.
Photo opposite taken by Jane Pfeifer


Profile of Bob Scarcebrook

Bob and his wife Joan first started photography when they acquired an Agfa camera in 1967 and soon after decided to enroll at a C.A.E. course to improve their holiday snapshots.
Then in about 1971 when C.R.Kennedy founded the Pentax club they became inaugural members and coincidentally gradually progressed through a collection of Pentax cameras including a Pentax Spotmatic. Today they use a Pentax SFXn.
In about 1969 they decided to join the Melbourne Camera Club and with a lot of help from the people there became 'A' grade members in 1973.
In 1985 Bob and Joan moved into the Doncaster district and joined us at D.C.C. in 1989 and have enjoyed their time here ever since.
Bob is a keen experimenter and has often 'modified' or made his own darkroom or photographic equipment/gadget to achieve a desired result
Bob and Joan have tried a variety of films, starting first with slides, then moving on to black and white prints.
After that came Cibachrome and today they are exploring the colour negative film with the Kodak RA Supra and Ultra colour printing papers.
Photo opposite taken by Em Martini


Profile of Joan Scarcebrook

Joan's story is  included with her husband Bob's profile on the previous page.
Photo opposite taken by John Mack











Profile of Fred Schult

Fred joined the Doncaster Camera Club in 1967 which makes him one of the longer-serving members.
Fred tells us that he started off with a Praktika SLR camera and initially took slide photographs but gradually his interest turned towards black & white photography with landscapes being his favourite subject
Today Fred uses a Mamiya TLR 2-1/4” format and a few lenses that include a 65mm wide angle and 180mm.
Although Fred has used Ilford FP4 film he prefers the Kodak Tri-X today.
Fred says he remembers with affection the joy and elation he felt when he developed his first black & white film back in the early 70's.
Fred has achieved several successes over the years including some merit and honour certificates, and the highest aggregate in the prints section.
Fred served many years on the committee with more than ten years as our treasurer.
This was acknowledged a couple of years ago when he was presented with an Honorary Life Membership of D.C.C.
Photo opposite taken by Ian Game


Profile of Nancy Schult

Nancy first became involved in photography shortly after joining the Doncaster Camera Club with husband Fred back in 1967.
Her first recollection is of using a box camera sometime in the 50's but after joining the D.C.C. she was treated to a Retinette which was bought from a pawnshop for about $12 and which served Nancy well for a number of years.
Nancy is a slide worker and her main interests are landscapes and old houses with perhaps an occasional candid shot of people.
Today Nancy uses a Minolta 101 Camera with her favourite film being Agfa.
Over the years Nancy has received a number of merit certificates but the major highlight was when she won the 'Slide of the Year' AND the 'Ron Johnson trophy' all in the same evening!.
Photo opposite taken by Fred Schult


Profile of Houw Tan

Houw started taking photographs seriously in 1990 and hopes to continue to do so now that he has a very good photographic model in his dog 'Jessie'.
Houw has an interest in photographing whatever appeals to his eye (haven't we all!).
The camera used is a Voigtlander VSL-1 with 50mm lens.
Houw prefers colour prints but confesses that he is still struggling with the manual controls.
Photo opposite taken by Jim Hopson




Profile of Lesley Tan

Lesley tells us that she has only recently started to take photography seriously and that her main interest is in landscapes.
The camera used is a twin lens reflex.
Photo opposite taken by Peter Layton








Profile of Lois Thompson

Lois joined the Doncaster Camera Club one year after its formation in 1955, and prior to that she was with the Camberwell Camera Club.
Lois tells us that for all those years her cameras have been a Contaflex and a Pentax as well as her husband Denis' Nikon. She uses Kodak film for taking slides and now the occasional commercial colour print.
Lois tells us that her enjoyment in taking photographs has always been in discovering and capturing that illusive moment and recreating it on film; the spin-off has been the lasting friendships made over many years through her interest in photography.
For a time, entering exhibitions and judging kept her busy. In 1967 she received the A.F.I.A.P. - Artiste of the International Federation of Photographic Art award.
The picture opposite is of Lois and her husband Denis taken a couple of years before his death.
Denis was also a long time member of D.C.C. and served as our President during 1963/1967,1975/1977, and in 1990 until his death in September that year.
Photo opposite taken by Lois Thompson

Profile of Yvonne Webb

Yvonne began attending D.C.C. in June 1987 and tells us that she became interested in club photography when she found herself having difficulties in loading a film into a camera.
Yvonne took courses in photography with Ivanhoe Photographic Society and in Cibachrome printing at Monash University.
Today Yvonne uses an SLR Minolta 700 camera with a couple of zoom lenses, 28-80mm and 70-210mm, and tells us that she enjoys most types of photography.
The film mostly used is Kodachrome 64.
Over the years Yvonne has had acceptances at a number of art and photographic exhibitions resulting in an occasional win.
Photo opposite taken by John Ingrassia



Profile of Joan Williams

Joan joined Doncaster Camera Club in the early 60's and tells us that she first started in photography many years ago with a Box Brownie (and still has it!) and graduated to a Contaflex 35mm in 1956 (and still has that!).
Today Joan uses a Canon EF 50 mm (purchased in 1974) with NO extra lenses or filters or flash or tripod or lights! Just nutt'n extra!
Film normally used is Kodak Gold 100 and Kodachrome 64 (which she rates up to 100 ASA).
Joan has no particular preference for subject matter - - just so long as it is simple.
Photographic achievements - - pleasure derived from picturemaking.
Our club records show that as early as 1967 Joan was an active member of our club as secretary.
Joan also does a lot of judging around the camera clubs of Melbourne and country districts.
Joan has an excellent ability to see a simple setting and to create something interesting from what is often an everyday situation around the home.
Photo opposite taken by Kevin McKay


Profile of Alan Wyer

Alan joined Doncaster Camera Club in June 1984 and after many years of taking holiday snaps, he decided (whilst planning a holiday trip) to purchase a 35mm camera in Hong Kong and to take a serious interest in photography.
Since retiring in 1985 he has been able to enjoy his new hobby and now-a-days the photos taken on overseas trips are much more acceptable.
Alan's camera is a Nikon 40IS with zoom lenses of 24-50mm and 70-210mm,and the preferred film is Fuji ASA 200.
Photo opposite taken by Ralph Petty






A few notes about the Doncaster Camera Club Inc.

The club was formed on 11th November 1955 at the Athenaeum hall in Doncaster and was originally called The Doncaster & District Camera Club with an annual subscription of 10 shillings ($1).
From May 1958 until December 1979 the club met at the Lutheran Church hall in Victoria Street and moved to the current venue, at the Doncaster Church of Christ, in January 1980.
We meet on the third Friday evening each month for general club night with an extra meeting on the fourth Friday of each month for our Print Group, usually in a member's home.
We have a new members' kit which lists the general activities of the club including details on outings, competitions (and how they work), judging panel, library, newsletters, subscriptions etc.
At this time (July 1992) we still have in our club two of the original founder members:
Ralph Petty and Fred Drakeford.

Some Previous Office bearers
(from our current membership)
President. Fred Drakeford 1959-63,1968-75
Jim Hopson 1977-79, 1983-85
Kay Mack 1981-83
Bob Rendall 1985-87
Ralph Petty 1987-90
Bruce Millikan 1990-
Joan Williams 1967-72, 1978-81,1987-1992
Peggy Petty 1981-85
Barbara Prudden 1985-87 Treasurer
Ralph Petty 1955-66, 1967-71
Fred Schult 1971-75, 1986-92
Kay Mack 1977-80
John Mack 1980-84
Dot McLeish 1984-86
We hope you have enjoyed the experience of sharing with us this


PORTRAIT PROFILE of DONCASTER CAMERA CLUB in 1992
Jim Hopson July 1992.

How was it Done?

Possibly several of our readers will be interested to know a few of the technical details of how this book was produced.
After the initial thoughts and inspiration described on page 3 we prepared a questionnaire for all members of DCC seeking information about their equipment and initial introduction to the camera club scene and when they first joined DCC.
This information was then edited, rewritten, expanded and generally messed around with until it emerged as you see it today.
The keystrokes were captured onto an IBM computer model XT 8088 with 2 x 20 megabyte hard disks.
The software used is a Q & A word-processing package which I have found easy to use. One attractive feature of this package is that additional information can easily be inserted at any time anywhere.
The next stage is to get the recorded information transferred onto a disk and then converted into the typeset pages you now see (using Word for Windows II).
This was then printed onto hard copy using a laser printer.
With this manuscript I was able to get the pages reproduced on an Oce-high speed photocopier.
Reproduction of the photos was achieved by having all the photos screened and sized in an Autokon 1000 DE scanner at a friendly trade house. With an 85 DPI (dots per inch) screen it provides an ideal master for reproduction on the Oce copier.
Finally the pages were photocopied and collated at Oce, then guillotined from A4 to A5 size at another friendly trade house and then "perfect bound" into the book you now see.
If you would like additional information to enable you to do something similar, please feel fiee to give me a call and I will be happy to advise.

PRINTED FOR THE DONCASTER CAMERA CLUB BY THE
COLOUR COPY CENTRE 571 BRIDGE ROAD RICHMOND VIC 3121 PH: 429 4677

Source:  Portrait Profile of Doncaster Camera Club in 1992 Jim Hopson July 1992 (See Original Scan)

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