Billingham bags

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So, Birthday soon and I've been looking at Billigham bags. I'd really like to see some in the flesh, get a feel for them before I ask anyone to part with that kind of cash for what is, essentially, just a bag.

Anyone any idea of retailers who actually carry stock in West / Central Scotland?
 
Jessops did stock them in the big Glasgow store downstairs... but they are gone now. Trust me though, the quality of the material, leather and buckles is fantastic. I sold mine and got a Domke instead and while the Domke bags are bulletproof, they don't look as refined as the Billinghams.
 
I have a 335 & a Hadley Pro & they without doubt the best bag(s) I've ever used.

The attention to detail is superb & come highly recommended from me.
 
videonastie said:
I have a 335 & a Hadley Pro & they without doubt the best bag(s) I've ever used.

The attention to detail is superb & come highly recommended from me.
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Agreed. The only thing I find is the 335 is quite a heavy bag to lug around even before you put anything in it. :lol:
 
wibbly said:
Agreed. The only thing I find is the 335 is quite a heavy bag to lug around even before you put anything in it. :lol:
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It can be heavy, but I'm quite a big guy & I don't tend to fill it.

The quality is superb.

Billingham are only down the road from where I live too, I should really go & have a wander down there.
 
videonastie said:
The quality is superb.

Billingham are only down the road from where I live too, I should really go & have a wander down there.
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Unquestionably, the quality is fantastic!

I never knew they were made in the West Midlands. For all the trundling around I've done around the Black Country, I've never ever come across that factory! :cuckoo: :thinking:
 
KayJay said:
Jessops did stock them in the big Glasgow store downstairs... but they are gone now.
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Balls, did they? I wandered in there with the OH just before Xmas, doing some research on my 'wish list'. I had all but settled on the D5100 by that point and OH's credit card was at the ready to make the purchase, but I just wanted someone in the know to confirm I hadn't overlooked anything obvious. The sales listened to everything I had to say and then promptly tried to sell me a Samsung Galaxy camera with WiFi so I could "upload to social media sites" It took 10mins of that before I could make my escape. I never saw any Billinghams during my visit and I wasn't for making the mistake of asking about them either :)

I'm absolutely sold on the asthetics and reported quality of the bags, my only concern is size and practicalities of them in use. Having owned a DSLR for less than one full month I doubt if I could even currently be termed a 'novice' user. I'm currently eyeing up the Hadley small, I just need to make sure it's not more bag than I really need (if that makes sense).

So a trip to Merchant City Cameras is on the cards next time I'm up that end. Anyone know if they're any good?
 
I would buy something used and low cost for now if I were you. It's a given that as you are starting out your kit will outgrow whatever small bag you buy now. You will get most of your money back on a used bag, or even keep it for days when you take minimal kit out. Trust me , I've been there.......
 
But I really, really want this bag. :)

Nah seriously, I have a huge issue with bags of a utility appearance. Currently I've got a D5100, 18-55mm kit and 35mm lenses, I really can't imagine my collection will grow much more than that for the forseeable future. My intention is to buy a bag slightly bigger than I need right now with a Billingham label on it.
 
Go for a Hadley Large, i can fit stacks in mine (5D and 28-70L doesnt even fill it half full) and use it as a day to day bag for uni. Build quality and attention to detail is fantastic, not a misplaced stitch anywhere, the waterproofing is a nice touch as well :thumbs:
 
Just to dredge this topic up from the dead.


I had a play with both the small and the pro in Merchant City Cameras (who incidentally were a breath of fresh air to deal with) and decided to go with the small. Chose to go for it in black, even though I'd originally intended to go with tan. Upon seeing the tan it looked a lot more 'on safari' than the retro military bag I had expected. Although the pro provided plenty of (kit) growing room it was just far too big, my kit looked lost in it. I also reckoned the small looked much better without the top carry handle. Truth be told if there was an inbetween size I'd have gone for that one, but as it is the small fits my needs perfectly right now. Finally I can just pickup my bag and get out with my camera rather than looking out the window and wondering what the weather's going to do.

And hey, if my collection of kit grows and I feel the need to carry more around with me I've got the perfect excuse to go buy the pro!
 
I've got a very old Billingham 335 which carries my camera and tools and paperwork for my job. it sits in the back of the van. It is a tough bag.
 
They look beautiful but the big ones are heavy even before you load them and they are uncomfortable to carry for any length of time.
 
i have 2, a 445 which is almost too heavy when loaded with 2 bodies & lenses plus a smaller Hadley Photo (think early Hadley Pro without rear zip pocket or top handle) which is much better to use as a lens caddy once you decant from the larger bag ;)

i think they're stylish, well made, hard wearing & probably the best bags out there.

the mrs used to absolutely detest them, she used to say they were hideous & pretentious! However she soon changed her tune once i bought her one :rolleyes: loves it now :rolleyes:
 
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My first Billingham was a 225 or whatever in 1980 used it all through college and at work until it was too small for all the equipment.
I am back to using it again now, amazing quality, the 445 that replaced it in the 90's has not worn out either and that got some serious abuse.
I would have a play with one first as they can be heavy and the balance of the earlier ones was odd tho I believe thay have sorted it now.
 
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