what's my bag?

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BigSteveG

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I'm looking for sage advice on Billingham bags.
1. Are they worth the price?
2. does anyone use the L2/Alice w/ a G2 system? How much gear will fit comfortably in it?
3. I currently have the 28,45,90 lenses (soon to have the 21mm) Although I don't plan on carrying all 4, You never know!!! (at least I don't plan on anymore G Lens purchases). I do plan on adding either a CV or Leica w/ 1-2 lenses. Will this bag be sufficient?
4. Is it convenient for use as a hiking/trail bag? A street/journalism bag? is the equipment accessible quickly?
5. Does anyone have the new S2 bag? it's significantly more expensive, but completely waterproof from what I understand. If so, pros and cons?
6. Are these bags easily cleaned?

Any of your thoughts, opinions and witticisms are appreciated as always!!!
 
Every time I look at the Billingham bags I realize that a second mortage might be needed. Have you considered a Domke? (I have three different models.) Some say the newer Domkes aren't as good as the older ones but overall I think they're a great bag for the money. And their camera straps are excellent too.
 
thanks...

thanks...

you know Burke...I currently have a Loewpro and I'm wondering if the Domke is all that different in build/quality. I bought the Low.. in a fanny pack model. I came to realize that it was difficult/bulky to slide it around every time I want to pull the camera out. What really bugs me is the crappy zippers on the thing. They contiually get stuck. The accessory pocket zipper is so badly stuck I can't use the pocket for fear of losing equipment. So I want something that's protective, light and offers ease of use.
 
I have two Domkes and like them. I can't compare to the earlier ones, as I never had them. And mine are so new they're not really worn in yet. I think the Billingham and Fogg might be "better" in terms of materials, quality of hardware, etc. But my Domkes work for me and are lots cheaper.

That said, I will probably never buy another purpose-made camera bag again. I'll buy inexpensive but well-made canvas bags and have dividers sewn in as suits my whim. I'd do the sewing myself but am useless at that.

Earl
 
For the Price you are going to pay for the Billingham you could buy the Contax G leather system bag. It is made for the camera and the lenses. It is made of very high end leather and the inside is a suede like material. It comes with a key so it can lock, it opens from the top and side. The top is where you keep the camera body etc and the side pocket pops open so you can slide in lenses. Inside the top there is a place that can hold some film and filters etc. Also I store more film in the top compartment where the camera is stored. I hope this all makes sense. You can find these on ebay for about 80 bucks....they were $500.00 when they came out. Oh, and you can store 4 lenses in the bag + the viewfinder for 21mm. I also like the way the bag fits close to the body and everything is easily accessible...

Hope this helps!
 
I love my black Domke F6-B. It holds the M6, four lenses, film etc. It is very light and does not scream "camera bag". It also has enough space for accessories and a neat pouch at the back which is great for guide books etc. It is pretty light and it works well for quick draw shots. I have had the bag about 2 years now and it still looks great despite getting a lot of use in cities, deserts etc. No zippers to worry about, the clips are a great simple idea. I recommend the shoulder pad - very comfortable. No experience with the Billinghams.
Good luck
 
Like Nick, I have the F6-B plus the F5-XB. The latter can carry my two OLY SPs and an RC. It could easily be configured for an M w/ one lens mounted and another lens plus some filters, film, etc.

Earl
 
sage advice indeed...

sage advice indeed...

You all have m elooking at the Domkes now. Do you consider them good for "quick draw" shooting?
 
steve garza said:
You all have m elooking at the Domkes now. Do you consider them good for "quick draw" shooting?
Click to expand...

I guess that depends on how much gear you try to cram into them.

The F5XB is fine for body w/lens, plus an additional lens, a couple filters
and some film.
More lenses may fit, but it will become harder to extract any given item.

Be aware the F5XB has a zipper that some may find objectionable.
It can be left open (unzipped); the oversize top flap has velcro, too.

"Excelsior, you fathead!"
-Chris-
 
i have almost as many bags as i do cameras...a couple domke's..some crumplers..lowepro's and a billingham...

if i were to use one bag as my street shooting bag it would be hands down the billingham Alice....i got mine in olive and it's a nice unobtrusive color...the leather tab closures are quick and quiet...it holds tons of stuff....

currently in mine is an m2 w/50, m4 with 35, xpan w/45, light meter, sharpie and about 20 rolls of film...if you need to carry more, get a backpack 🙂

i usually use it with 2 M bodies w/lenses mounted, third pocket for spare lenses and the front and back lenghtwise areas for film

get the alice and you won't regret it...it's expenive up front, but it is worth every penny...materials are great, closure works well and it holds more than my f5xb
 
I just looked at the Billingham Alice and I have to admit it's a nice looking bag. Does the Billingham series have inserts like the Domkes? I've had great luck with the inserts with my Domkes. I know this thread is about bags but again I really like the Domke camera straps. Anyone else use them?
 
i have a billingham s3 bag.
i bought it used which made it very affordable.
it's hard to beat the materials, they are all waterproof i believe, and mine certainly is.
mine is an older, discontinued model, it can hold 2 cameras with lenses attached (small lenses like 35/50) a meter and film easily. the outer dimensions are very compact. i let it rest on my lower back behind me when i'm shooting.
i usually just carry 1 camera, lens attached and maybe another lens (2 more at most).

it would be hard to beat a billingham for quality and durability.

that being said, my favourite bag, especially for street shooting, is the mclassic, hands down.

joe
 
Hey joe, would you mind posting some pictures of both the S3 and thr Mclassic with some gear in it ? I've always been interested in these 2 bags but I have difficulty imagining the size and none of my local retailers carry these ...

Don't worry if this is too much trouble 🙂

Fred
 
I'm now seriously looking at the M Classic. It looks well made and holds 2 RF's +. I like the idea of the "speed pocket". At about the same price as an "Alice" it's larger and seems to have different features.
 
I use an old Billingham for SLR. It's ten or so years old and showing no signs of wear.

But, of course, RF cameras don't need so much space so I buy cheap no-name small bags and don't even think twice before going at them with scissors to rid them of straps and flaps that I don't want.
 
The F5-XB is definitely smaller. With two dividers in place, my 35SPs barely fit with hoods on the lenses. The centre compartment can hold an RC easily. So ingress/egress is easier with only one divider/two compartments. The F6-B is more comparable to the MClassic and Billingham. I think the MClassic is only available in black as a stock item; I will never, ever buy a black camera bag. Why attract heat build up? That said, if budget weren't a problem and the MClassic were available in tan or an olive green, I'd go for one. (If budget were unlimited, I'd look at Fogg.)

Earl
 
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