Photos

Guest speakers, members workshops and movie making technical discussions are regular meeting events

Viewfinders Club History

In the late 1990s Shelby Reyes of De Anza College and Bill Mannion, both members of the "Better Part" organization that produces programs for Cupertino's community TV channel, were tasked with raising funds for operational expenses. They hit upon conducting a series of classes at the college titled "The ABCs of Camcorders” which brought in $1800. On completion, the graduates asked "Where do we go from here?" Dianne Snow, then head of the Cupertino Senior Center, suggested they start a camcorder club at the center. From this, the Viewfinders Camcorder Club came in to being in early 1997.

This loosely organized group, headed by Ray Strong, soon grew to 30 members. Early meetings featured the viewing of members' videos in a small room on a 21-inch monitor.

Later, the Club moved to a larger facility at the Quinlan Community Center in Cupertino, our current meeting site. Fred Pfost, our current Club Secretary, joined the Club at the urging of fellow Ampex Corporation employee Roald Didriksen. Fred sought and found a large Sony projector on E-bay which made it possible to fill the large 12' x 15' screen at the new location.

Each month, the Club meets to view members' videos, conduct workshops, listen to guest speakers and compete in Club video contests. The Club also produces a yearly video designed to compete in regional, national and international movie festivals.

Our monthly multi-page color newsletter keeps members informed about upcoming programs and events.