Breaking in a Billingham

[JayC]

I just received my Hadley Pro from Popflash. Nice bag, but I am not immediately feeling "this is perfect!" I have a Domke f-803 and on paper, the 2 bags are nearly identical dimension-wise. In actuality, the Domke wears MUCH smaller. The Billingham appears twice as big on my body.
It is the Billingham insert that is at issue. If the insert were less stiff, I think I could end my bag search. Then the Hadley would form to my hip as my Domke does.
Do the Billingham inserts 'break down"? Can they be forced to soften up by sitting in front of the TV for a few hours and kneading them like so much dough?
I don't want to replace the insert with a Domke. I already have a Domke. I spent the $$$ on the Billingham and want it to stay a "true Billingham." What say you all? Will the insert soften up?

 

[JayC]

One vote for "they don't break in" and another for "they soften." I am looking for a tie-breaker.

 

[35mmdelux]

After 18 yrs with DOMKE (F803, F5xb) never thought Id like the Billingham (Pro). I bought Andy's black-on-black, super cool (thanks). Mostly I like the extra padding. Really protects my stuff as I go thru the day. Zippered rear pocket for tickets or inside pocket for calendar, etc. The fussy little leather thingys batton down the top fast. Its a nice bag, eventually it will get some wear.

 

[robbo]

I have two Billinghams - a 225 and a 335. They do soften, but it takes time. The dividers in my 225 actually needed to be replaced because they became too soft. Look at it this way, if Billinghams were too soft, they probably wouldn't offer the protection they are renowned for.

 

[Ronald M]

My Hadley was bought used and is old but new condition. I has a quilted very soft fabic insert. It still does not conform well.

It slipped off my shoulder in my garage and hit the floor. $150 damage to a 28 Nikkor, destroyed filter, but the D200 was fine. The focus helicals were bent to the point they would not focus. I found a magician of a repairman who fixed it.

The hadley is now in a corner somewhere and will never hold a camera again.

 

[ChrisN]

I use my Hadley Pro every day, and have done for a few years now. It will soften, but the insert will not become floppy. If that's what you seek you'll need to find an insert that is made with thinner and more flexible material (= less protection, as Robbo indicates).

 

[Roger Hicks]

My wife and I have half a dozen Billinghams between us, in a large variety of sizes. The oldest was bought new around 27 years ago. They've been around the world, dropped, and even (on one occasion) dragged behind a motorcycle. We've never had a camera damaged in one, but then, I don't think they ever made a 'very soft, quilted' insert. They soften up and indeed wear out if you use them hard enough for long enough. The military fasteners are extremely convenient -- I can't help feeling that anyone who finds them 'fussy' isn't using them properly, or has never used them and is forming a visual judgement only.

Cheers,

R.

 

[gdi]

My wife and I have half a dozen Billinghams between us, in a large variety of sizes. The oldest was bought new around 27 years ago. They've been around the world, dropped, and even (on one occasion) dragged behind a motorcycle. We've never had a camera damaged in one, but then, I don't think they ever made a 'very soft, quilted' insert. They soften up and indeed wear out if you use them hard enough for long enough. The military fasteners are extremely convenient -- I can't help feeling that anyone who finds them 'fussy' isn't using them properly, or has never used them and is forming a visual judgement only.

Cheers,

R.

Your are so right about the straps, Roger. It is much easier to fasten/unfasten them than the ring and snap on a Domke.