As a self-confessed Billingham shoulder bag connoisseur and owner, I’ve often espoused my belief that every photographer should aspire to own at least one Billingham shoulder bag. My first one was an original Billingham 550, which I purchased in 1987. The qualities that fed my desire were the fine craftsmanship, tactile feel of canvas and leather, beautiful, solid brass fittings, and versatile storage options. Needless to say, that bag has aged gracefully and is still going strong more than a quarter of a century later—that’s Billingham. Today I own three Billingham bags and recommend others own more than one so they can have a range of sizes to accommodate different amounts and types of camera gear.
Were it 1987 again, I might be sorely tempted by the Billingham Photo Eventer Bag. Considered by many to be the pinnacle of the Billingham line, the Photo Eventer features an abundant use of top grain leather, a main compartment with a removable padded insert, and four matching dividers that are useful for storing a full multi-body DSLR kit with numerous lenses and accessories, as well as a small laptop or tablet. Photographers will appreciate the two front pockets, rear zippered pocket, top carry handle, and wide, adjustable shoulder strap with separate leather SP50 shoulder pad. The underside of the pad has a neoprene gripper bottom to prevent slippage. Best of all, the clog-bolt fastening system and solid brass fittings make accessing gear fast, easy, and pleasurable.
As variety is the spice of life, the Photo Eventer is available in black canvas/tan leather, burgundy canvas/chocolate leather, and sage FibreNyte/chocolate leather versions. Both the canvas and FibreNyte bags provide three-layer waterproof fabric protection that includes a 3-mil layer of polypropylene sandwiched in the middle, which in combination with a large rain flap, provides for confident use in inclement weather that’s backed by Billingham’s limited 5-year, across-the-board warranty. Having weathered many a moderate downpour with my trusty Billingham bags, I can attest to their worthiness.
Complementing the Photo Eventer is a line of smaller shoulder bags comprising the Billingham S2, S3, and S4 models that are available in black canvas/tan leather, burgundy canvas/chocolate leather, khaki canvas/tan leather, and sage FibreNyte/chocolate leather models. The great thing about this lineup, and why I advocate owning more than one Billingham bag, is that with a variety of bags, one can match the size of the bag to the gear they plan on carrying. For instance, the S2 holds a mirrorless camera and up to 2 smaller lenses, the S3 a DSLR or mirrorless and up to 3 smaller lenses and, the largest in the line, the S4 stores 2 compact DSLR or mirrorless camera bodies and up to 3 small lenses.
What the S2, S3, and S4 bags share in common are a zippered main compartment, 2 removable padded dividers, a full-length accessory/dump pocket, rear exterior pocket, clog-bolt fasteners, solid brass fittings, three-layer waterproof fabric, a wide, comfortable, adjustable shoulder strap, and a removable fabric covered foam base for added impact protection. Made in England, Billingham bags share the pursuit of quality exemplified by other icons of British craftsmanship such as Jaguar automobiles, Brompton bicycles, and other fine products. For these reasons, and well, because they’re so cool, every photographer should aspire to own at least one Billingham.
19 Comments
I have in my possession and envy of billingham lovers all over the world
a first edition of the 225 button studs down side pockets billingham bag in absolute fantastic condition. Even billingham haven’t got one in there collection and we’re totally amazed I had one they stopped making this model in 1975 I haven’t seen one ever since so what a treasure
Wish I could afford one, I'll just have to keep my genetic wal-mart baggie made in china.
The most important part of the Billingham bag is it's weatherproof. I have been in downpours in the jungle and everything in the bag stays dry. No covers necessary, it's all built into the bag. Of course they are not cheap, but then neither are my cameras.....paying $15 grand for a Hasselblad or the new Phase one at $49k, Canon 1dx at $6k, what's a few hundred to protect them. If you can't afford, or just don't want to spend the money, look at used Billinghams, you can get some real deals if you look around.
I have five Billingham bags, each designed to hold a camera system, depending on the job. I have other bags, like the Domke, but the ones I really use are the Billinghams......Take care, and enjoy photography regardless of what bag you use!
Where do you carry your tripod, in your pocket?
Depending upon which Billingham bag you own, you may choose to carry your tripod with the Billingham TSL Leather Tripod Straps (Black or Tan - Set of 2) B&H # BITST.
I have dozens of bags, I do have an original 550 with the side pockets. I had a Photo Eventer in 2004 when I was using Nikon Fm2 bodies. I sold it when I went to F3 bodies. I still regret that sale, especially since my second cameras these days are fuji. I just can't bring myself to pay the price of a new one when there are a number of suitable albeit no where as nice alternatives....
i bought my Billingham bag in 1977 as a student. I took a deep breath and parted with money before I went traveling. It has since travelled the world, including treks in Nepal and trips to lesser known bits of India and Belize (months on a coral cay). It has been washed every few years and is still going strong. Worth ever penny and more. If you want a bag that is practical and that will last forever, get one.
1977 -- I think your Billingham Bag wins the longevity award :) My Hadley has been to Rome, NYC, Pittsburgh and Chicago -- so far.
Nice bags but more costly than I care to pay. Domke's have worked well for me, but I've had and still use Lowe Pro, Tamrac, and mostly Tenba for when I just carry one bag for a lot of gear. Mostly I try to get down to 2-3 lenses and get it all into a smaller Domke, if only to keep the weight down. About the only bag I've "worn out" is the original Domke I bought in 1981; it still works, but it is looking ratty.
I do not want to count the number of bags or tripods that I have collected over the years; I even use about 1/2 of them.
All the best.
Guido,
I still carry my first SLR camera in the Lowepro Magnum 35 bag that I bought in 1981.
I have to agree, I own two Billingham bags and some additional pockets.
I've had my Lowepro backpack for well over 10-15 years, it's been everywhere, and nowhere near as pricey as the Billingham. It's been to more rugby matches in rain, snow, and muck, and is still surviving nicely. It also fits my Canon 100-400 lens, 2 bodies, and an additional lens or 2 quite nicely, not to mention other necessities (even has a built-in rain tarp too). Billingham seems a bit flashy and I prefer zip openings as opposed to a buckle system. More practical in my opinion.
I disagree completely that photographers should aspire to own a Billingham bag. While I believe the bags are well made and look nice, I feel (as someone who has actually used the bags) that the are completely impractical and not conducive to easy use in the field. The closure system itself is way too fiddly, preventing easy, quick access to the contents of the bag. In my view, Billingham bags are for show or are for those who feel their precious Leica gear needs pampering. Billlingham bags are not about usability.
... the clog-ball on my Hadley Pro is probably the fastest opening and closing system I've ever used. It really depends upon what you need to carry and what works for you. I've shot lots of corporate assignments with the 550 -- comfortable bag, holds a lot of gear, looks nice.
WHY??? So I can Instagram everyone a picture of my new bag along side the secret Starbucks pink........OOO Look at me.......I'll take my Domke any time..........for that money I could buy another wide-angle full frame lens or kick in 200 more and get a drone. $650 for a bag, do you live in a weed legal state???
Hi Mark,
LOL! My Hadley Pro was under $300. I use it as my daily bag and love it. I also own 2 Domke bags and a lot of other brands. Whatever works.
When I win the lottery, I'll buy a Billingham; That bag looks functional and classic. I'm looking for a bag for my Canon A-1 and New F-1. A Lowepro Magnum 35 is my bag for the A-1.
Hi Ralph -- I hope you win the lottery! Today I'm using my Billingham Hadley Pro to carry my Rolleiflex, Eric Ripert's book 32 Yolks and a bunch of other stuff. What's interesting to me is the common thread of appreciation for quality shared by Ripert's culinary skills, Rolleiflex cameras, Billingham bags and the desire we have as photographers to reach for the unattainable. And I agree with you that the best bag is the bag that works for whatever you're doing. I own a lot of bag -- and not just Billinghams. I probably own at least one bag from most manufacturers. I'd confess to how many I own, but my wife would only use the information as a justification for buying more shoes -- and then I'd be the one who'd need to win the lottery. But seriously, based on their value, how long they last, and what they protect, I find Billinghams to be quite reasonable. Cheers! Dan
Spot on dan