Jeff and Colleen Relyea set up a portion of their collection every year, with cameras from the 1800s and the 20th century
Paul Valencia
ClarkCountyToday.com
Those who appreciate photographs can come to the Clark County Fair to see some of the best pictures of the year, taken by professionals and amateurs from our region.
While there, they can also take a look at a collection of cameras from over the years. Some, in fact, have been around for well more than 100 years.
Jeff and Colleen Relyea have been hunting antique or otherwise unusual cameras for years now. Garage sales. Estate sales. Searching online.
“We started out collecting whatever we could, anything we could get our hands on,” Jeff said. “We don’t buy expensive, expensive stuff.”
Well, there could be a bit of a disagreement there.
“Your expensive and my expensive are different,” Colleen says with a grin.
Every year at the Clark County Fair, Jeff and Colleen set up a portion of their collection. Cameras from the 1800s are on display, and then many from throughout the 20th century. They bring out about 100 items every year, about a quarter of their personal collection.
About 15 years ago, they only had a few items. They brought them to the fair, and they turned into quite the conversation starter.
“A light went off,” Jeff said. “Why don’t we get more cameras?”
A passion was born.
“I don’t take photographs,” Jeff acknowledged. “I’m not really a photographer. I just love the old cameras and being able to talk to people about cameras.”
“It’s a blast,” Colleen said.
During the interview, an older woman took a look at the collection. She said she had the same type of camera as one that was on display, a camera that was at least 50 years old.
Colleen loves the stories that go along with the exhibition.
“I’ve heard about uncles who have shot professional photos for National Geographic,” she said. “I hear lots of history.”
Jeff’s sister, Becky Conerly and her husband Darren, are the superintendents of the fair’s photo department. It truly is a family project.
The antique and unusual camera exhibit — for display purposes only, not for sales — is right in the middle of the photographs that are on display, highlighting the year’s best from Clark County photographers. It is located in the Exhibition Hall of the Clark County Event Center at the Fairgrounds.
While there, fairgoers can also see the best in home and fine arts, crafts, hobbies, and floral displays.
Also read:
- Signatures filed for initiatives on parental rights, blocking trans athletes from girls’ sports
Supporters of two initiatives on parental rights and transgender participation in girls’ sports filed signatures Friday, moving the measures closer to consideration by Washington lawmakers. - Vancouver Police investigate shooting
Vancouver Police are investigating a fatal shooting reported early Jan. 3 outside the Off-Ramp Sports Bar on Northeast 112th Avenue. - Vancouver Police release critical incident video from Dec. 28 officer-involved shooting
Vancouver Police Department released a Critical Incident Video related to a December 28 officer-involved shooting while the Office of Independent Investigations continues its review. - Opinion: Transit agencies need accountability not increased state subsidy
Charles Prestrud argues that Washington transit agencies face rising costs and declining ridership due to governance structures that lack public accountability. - Letter: ‘For years, American foreign policy too often felt like a blank check’
Vancouver resident Peter Bracchi argues that the 2025 National Security Strategy marks a long-overdue shift toward clearer priorities, shared responsibility, and interest-based American leadership. - POLL: Are you better off than you were a year ago?
This week’s poll asks readers to reflect on their personal financial situation and whether they feel better off than they were a year ago as economic conditions continue to shift. - Opinion: Does tailgating cause speeding?
Target Zero Manager Doug Dahl examines whether tailgating contributes to speeding and explains why following too closely increases crash risk with little benefit.
