Jamestown Probus

At our May meeting, Clive Palmer was our guest speaker, and he brought a marvellous display of cameras that he has collected, including cameras from the early 1900s to the present day, bringing back memories for some of our members. 40 years ago Clive took over the WL Palmer business in Jamestown, from his parents, with his main interests being School Photography involving about 16,000 students throughout South Australia, Framing and Wedding Photography. His grandfather was a Wayback Missionary, who travelled from Parachilna to Blinman by bike, and a photographer who did his own developing in 1906. He also inspired Clive to take up photography. Clive brought an interesting array of cameras through the ages, commencing with the Bellows and Box Cameras (1920s) and many more up to the Kodak Instamatic – much easier to use but not a very good picture, and Polaroid Instant Cameras – good, instant photos. In 1978-79 Clive started photography seriously, using a Hasselblad camera for wedding photos and portraits. Current digital cameras, having very fast speed and being very good under very low light, have made his job much easier. Recently, 21 of our members attended the Probus Gathering at Laura, with other Northern Area Clubs, and enjoyed a day of fun, friendship and fellowship. Our meetings are held at 10.00am on the 1st Tuesday of each month, at the Commercial Hotel, when any visitors or prospective members are always welcome.