noah b
Established
Hi all, just wondering if anyone has this particular bag? I'm thinking about getting it for my Leica IIIc w/Industar, and perhaps a 90mm Elmar in the future. How much gear can you really put in it?
dave lackey
Veteran
Hmmm...I don't have the Pola but have thought a lot about it. The Hadley Pro is a wonderful thing in itself, so I am sure the quality in the Pola is similalr.
A quick search gets you a lot of reading:
https://www.google.com/search?q=Bil...F-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7ADFA_enUS484
From what I have seen, the Pola is a great one camera bag with a lot of room leftover for what you need on a one-day carry.
I tried it once but it felt too small and man-baggish to me. I was self-conscious when I tried to use it. Returned it.
peterm1
Veteran
I have one and like it. But mine is a tight squeeze for an M body and non collapsible lens, however an LTM body with a collapsible should be perfectly fine. (The problem being the depth of the of the body with lens as much as anything and getting it in and out without coming in too harsh contact with the zipper is the issue). I think they are now made in different sizes so the larger one should be even better if you want to carry a small spare lens like the 90mm Elmar. Like all Billingham gear they are extremely well made, nice looking and long wearing.
The way I prefer to use mine is the Leica M around my neck and a couple of M lenses, cleaning tissue, spare memory card ( if shooting digital) etc in the bag.
Or if I travel overseas its ideal to carry my passport, wallet and tissues while on the plane and my camera etc is on a large Billingham. Hell it IS a man bag!!!!
The way I prefer to use mine is the Leica M around my neck and a couple of M lenses, cleaning tissue, spare memory card ( if shooting digital) etc in the bag.
Or if I travel overseas its ideal to carry my passport, wallet and tissues while on the plane and my camera etc is on a large Billingham. Hell it IS a man bag!!!!
noah b
Established
Yeah I was thinking it'd be somewhat of a good fit, I've got a collapsible 50mm Industar on it right now, I've been keeping it in my jacket pocket. I was also looking at the domke f5xa bag, looks around the same size as the pola.
dave lackey
Veteran
In my recent experience, having a Billingham and a Domke Rugged Wear Bag (5xb), I can tell you that you can't go wrong with a Rugged Wear bag as it is more casual and will be taken and used in places I would not want to take the Billingham. Thke 5xa is cheap enough to buy for now...and when you want to get a bit more formal later on....get the Billingham.
Out to Lunch
Ventor
I've used a friend's 'pola' for a month: too small for my needs. The Hadley Pro and Large Hadley are the best bags for me, also since I can combine photography with business travel using either bag. As an alternative to the 'pola' model you may wish to have a look at the small Hadley. Good luck!
back alley
IMAGES
i have been looking for a 5xa sized bag but made of leather...big enough for a camera with lens attached plus a second lens...but in a nice leather...have not been able to find on locally or online so far.