Billingham Hadley small or Pro for m43 system

Zenjitsuman wrote:

I have several of the Billingham bags, I think the Hadley full sized is best if you have a bunch of lenses plus flash.

I just picked up another Billingham bag the 207 which has the Press Top that holds the bag open using carbon fiber stays so you have access to all your gear.

We don't know yet if the bag will hold the following M4/3 14mm, 17mm, 25mm, 45mm, 60mm and EP5. Also, an Eos M with 22mm mounted and Nikon D7100 with Tokina 11-16mm UW zoom mounted.

Not all the lenses will be carried in the bag, but must fit inside for car transport. I use a photo vest

and a cross shoulder speed strap so I can decide what to fill my vest pockets with and leave the bag in the car trunk.

link to pictures of the 207

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/696132-REG/Billingham_506134_54_207_Camera_Bag_Khaki.html

That is one big bag.

eastvillager wrote:

Billingham is way too expensive. Try the Ona Bowery bag. A fraction of the price and same type of build but better materials.

http://www.onabags.com/store/small-goods/the-bowery.html?color=field-tan#field-tan

Thank you.  I will look for you when eating pizza at Joe's on Sunday or Monday.

janeenadamsmartin wrote:

Hi Joel -

Did you make a decision after seeing the bags this weekend? My Hadley Pro arrived and it's SOOO nice. It wasn't as big as I was a afraid it might be, but I haven't taken it out yet because it seems too nice to use, lol! It is gorgeous.

I checked out the Restrospective and Domke at a camera shop this weekend, and ended up buying an inexpensive tamrac aero 45, which was on sale ($45) and has no luxury about it -- except that it was highly functional and small!

I could fit my E-M1 with 75mm plus hood in normal position, with a 45mm and 12-40mm lens with hoods in normal position on either side. My camera strap, which has a pocket for spare batteries and cards, fits in front pocket. Keys, cash/credit card in side pocket. Unbelievable small and compact. Lid unzips and opens wide -- no messenger flap. It became an easy lens-changing platform. Bag stands up by itself. And it is easy to grab the camera. Nothing fits so tight as to require two hands to get it out.

So, it is not particularly attractive -- doesn't hold an ipad or l-bracket or flash (as least not with two other lenses), or rocket blower, but it was very easy. I don't think I am returning the Hadley, I suspect it will be my car bag, or my bag+light jacket, or bag+2 cameras, or work bag. And I never dreamt I would have such a typical little black camera bag and like it.

jan

Jan, not going to NYC for a couple of weeks, the big snow scare put me off, had no desire to sit in a hotel for 2 days.  Thanks for the tip.  I have 3 other bags I use for camera and up to 2 or so other lenses.  All Domkes thst worl well, and on Amac (Artisan and Artists), but I want one for travel and maybe like you sais a car bag.  So I have to wait a bit longer.  Thanks for the info.

joel

nardoleo wrote:

The billingham pro fits my gears perfectly. I use it for 1 em5 body qith either the 12mm or 25mm attached, the 25mm and 75mm stacked in one slot, the third slot for my wallet, and the 2 front louches for spare batteries and what not. The back slot I used for keys and other stuff.

This is my most used setup and I would definitely recommend the pro. Love the bag.
--
Confessions of a Lens-o-holic.

Thanks much.

slimandy wrote:

I use the 'small'. It is big enough for my OMD EM-5 with 5 lenses (4 if I take the 75~300) and some filters, spare battery etc.. That's as much as I'd want to carry in one go. On rare occasions that I carry more than that I prefer a backpack.

Thanks, this is who I need to see them side by side with my gear........

Hello,

I think Hadley Small would be good. I went to mirrorless from dslr to avoid carrying heavy bags all day. Buying a bigger bag could defeat the purpose.

I do like the ONA Berlin as well but prefer the insert of the hadley small. Also 400 usd is a bit steep for me. I finally went for this bag and quite happy with it overall as it can be used for other purposes as well not just for my camera.

I think it really depends on how much we want to carry, I like to take with me the minimum amount of gear (always have extra batteries and memory cards though haha)

Cheers!