Alternative to the Billingham L2

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Spluff

Saras
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Hello,

Can anyone recommend an alternative to the Billingham L2 as I believe this bag is now discontinued.

I am looking for a compact bag to hold a Leica IIIb and a Leica T with, say four lenses, a light meter and film. Some of my other Billinghams (Hadley Small Pro) are just a little too "roomy" and I really wanted something that was compartmentalised and held the cameras and lenses more snuggly. Would be grateful for any recommendations.

Thanks!
 
At the risk of sounding like I’m trying to talk you out of buying another bag, would adding extra padded dividers solve the problem?
It’s also not entirely impossible that Billingham would have the bits left to build you an L2 if you ask nicely, or that you might find one at a stockist.
 
raydm6 said:
Some US sites still carry the L2 (indicating in stock) if you still want that particular item. Nice bag by the way.
  1. https://www.amazon.com/Billingham-L2-Black-Leather-Trim/dp/B0014E5PYC
  2. https://www.amazon.com/Billingham-Bag-Khaki-Leather-Trim/dp/B00078X6OW
  3. https://www.camerawest.com/new/billingham-l2
Click to expand...

Unfortunately, post-Brexit (I'm in the UK) everything imported in has shot up in prices with handling fees and sales tax etc., but thanks for flagging to me, I'll certainly consider it.
 
AndyC said:
At the risk of sounding like I’m trying to talk you out of buying another bag, would adding extra padded dividers solve the problem?
It’s also not entirely impossible that Billingham would have the bits left to build you an L2 if you ask nicely, or that you might find one at a stockist.
Click to expand...

That's a thought - never actually occurred to me - thanks!
 
How sad that they've discontinued the L2! It's one of my most useful bags ... I use it most every day, and have been since the early 2000s. It's an extraordinarily useful shape and size.

On hearing this, I almost want to order another one just in case. I'd hunt for on available as NOS immediately.

G
 
There’s a link to the customised orders page at the bottom of the Billingham site, at least the mobile version of it.
It says they’re not currently able to produce custom orders due to reduced staffing for social distancing, but towards the bottom of the page lists some recently retired bags they can still make.
The L2 is listed at £200 + VAT as a special order. If you want one, probably worth an email now just to get an idea of when they might be taking custom orders again - they might put the bits aside for it and let you know when they can get in to it.
I’ve got two Billinghams, and I suspect that’s not going to be the end of it!
 
The L2 is such a beloved bag I cannot believe it would be discontinued. The Billingham site sometimes is out of certain models so maybe the bag is just not available right now.
 
AndyC said:
There’s a link to the customised orders page at the bottom of the Billingham site, at least the mobile version of it.
It says they’re not currently able to produce custom orders due to reduced staffing for social distancing, but towards the bottom of the page lists some recently retired bags they can still make.
The L2 is listed at £200 + VAT as a special order. If you want one, probably worth an email now just to get an idea of when they might be taking custom orders again - they might put the bits aside for it and let you know when they can get in to it.
I’ve got two Billinghams, and I suspect that’s not going to be the end of it!
Click to expand...

Thank you for the suggestion! I did phone them and indeed they said they could do me a custom order - but due to Covid restrictions they have put custom orders on hold, which is fair enough. They've also put repairs on hold - like you, nobody ever stops at one Billingham 🙂

The very helpful lady also talked me through the S3 and she had an L2 on hand to compare the two; think I still prefer the L2 - ever slightly more elegant!
 
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