Like many other photographers we have multiple camera bags in different sizes and styles. I have a couple backpack style bags but normally prefer the shoulder style for normal use. I decided to upgrade my old Tamrac bag for a slightly larger one. I investigated several manufactures and really wanted a Billingham Hadley Pro bag but was reluctant to spend the money so I purchased another brand. Just wasn’t satisfied with my purchase and this past Sunday afternoon I bought the bullet and ordered the Hadley Pro direct from England along with a shoulder pad. Was not able to purchase the color I wanted here in the states plus I actually purchased these items for less money by buying direct. This afternoon (Wednesday) The items were delivered here in Southern Indiana which I thought was amazing service. From first impression I believe this bag was a wise choice and my only regret is not buying it earlier and saving a couple hundred dollars.
SnappyHappy
Loc: Chapin, SC “The Capitol of Lake Murray”
wet3843 wrote:
Like many other photographers we have multiple camera bags in different sizes and styles. I have a couple backpack style bags but normally prefer the shoulder style for normal use. I decided to upgrade my old Tamrac bag for a slightly larger one. I investigated several manufactures and really wanted a Billingham Hadley Pro bag but was reluctant to spend the money so I purchased another brand. Just wasn’t satisfied with my purchase and this past Sunday afternoon I bought the bullet and ordered the Hadley Pro direct from England along with a shoulder pad. Was not able to purchase the color I wanted here in the states plus I actually purchased these items for less money by buying direct. This afternoon (Wednesday) The items were delivered here in Southern Indiana which I thought was amazing service. From first impression I believe this bag was a wise choice and my only regret is not buying it earlier and saving a couple hundred dollars.
Like many other photographers we have multiple cam... (
show quote)
Congrats wet3843 on finding a bag you really like and meets your needs...that is all that really matters. I happened on a brand and style years ago that I’ve tried to improve on many times but in the end my go to is a newer version of the original Domke. I admit the leather work on your Bellingham is classy and a better lookin’ bag but I’m in a 40 year rut. Enjoy
wet3843 wrote:
Like many other photographers we have multiple camera bags in different sizes and styles. I have a couple backpack style bags but normally prefer the shoulder style for normal use. I decided to upgrade my old Tamrac bag for a slightly larger one. I investigated several manufactures and really wanted a Billingham Hadley Pro bag but was reluctant to spend the money so I purchased another brand. Just wasn’t satisfied with my purchase and this past Sunday afternoon I bought the bullet and ordered the Hadley Pro direct from England along with a shoulder pad. Was not able to purchase the color I wanted here in the states plus I actually purchased these items for less money by buying direct. This afternoon (Wednesday) The items were delivered here in Southern Indiana which I thought was amazing service. From first impression I believe this bag was a wise choice and my only regret is not buying it earlier and saving a couple hundred dollars.
Like many other photographers we have multiple cam... (
show quote)
What part of Southern Indiana are you from. I grew up in Evansville.
AndyH
Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire
We use Billinghams as our primary DSLR bags. Spectacular quality and capacity. The four point anchors and excellent neoprene shoulder pads make it easy to carry a lot of gear. We were able to buy used on eBay for about half the cost of new, and the bags are so well made they show virtually no signs of wear. We will be able to pass them on to our children, looking the same as the day we acquired them.
You made a great choice!
Andy
wet3843 wrote:
Like many other photographers we have multiple camera bags in different sizes and styles. I have a couple backpack style bags but normally prefer the shoulder style for normal use. I decided to upgrade my old Tamrac bag for a slightly larger one. I investigated several manufactures and really wanted a Billingham Hadley Pro bag but was reluctant to spend the money so I purchased another brand. Just wasn’t satisfied with my purchase and this past Sunday afternoon I bought the bullet and ordered the Hadley Pro direct from England along with a shoulder pad. Was not able to purchase the color I wanted here in the states plus I actually purchased these items for less money by buying direct. This afternoon (Wednesday) The items were delivered here in Southern Indiana which I thought was amazing service. From first impression I believe this bag was a wise choice and my only regret is not buying it earlier and saving a couple hundred dollars.
Like many other photographers we have multiple cam... (
show quote)
There is no perfect bag but some are far farther from perfect than others. I went through a slew of bags before I settled on one that I’m keeping.
FYI. Resale value of a used camera bag is about 20 cents on the dollar. So why buy new bags? Because nobody sells the bag they like.
wet3843 wrote:
Like many other photographers we have multiple camera bags in different sizes and styles. I have a couple backpack style bags but normally prefer the shoulder style for normal use. I decided to upgrade my old Tamrac bag for a slightly larger one. I investigated several manufactures and really wanted a Billingham Hadley Pro bag but was reluctant to spend the money so I purchased another brand. Just wasn’t satisfied with my purchase and this past Sunday afternoon I bought the bullet and ordered the Hadley Pro direct from England along with a shoulder pad. Was not able to purchase the color I wanted here in the states plus I actually purchased these items for less money by buying direct. This afternoon (Wednesday) The items were delivered here in Southern Indiana which I thought was amazing service. From first impression I believe this bag was a wise choice and my only regret is not buying it earlier and saving a couple hundred dollars.
Like many other photographers we have multiple cam... (
show quote)
I have a Hadley Pro bag plus a Hadley Pola bag for smaller cameras like my Fuji X100F. Expensive, but - for protection, durability and value - worth every penny.
I don’t know if they are still in business but the Fogg bags are even one step up from Billingham
Congratulations! I've always believed you should get what you want, rather than regretting your purchase for the rest of your life.
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
wet3843 wrote:
Like many other photographers we have multiple camera bags in different sizes and styles. I have a couple backpack style bags but normally prefer the shoulder style for normal use. I decided to upgrade my old Tamrac bag for a slightly larger one. I investigated several manufactures and really wanted a Billingham Hadley Pro bag but was reluctant to spend the money so I purchased another brand. Just wasn’t satisfied with my purchase and this past Sunday afternoon I bought the bullet and ordered the Hadley Pro direct from England along with a shoulder pad. Was not able to purchase the color I wanted here in the states plus I actually purchased these items for less money by buying direct. This afternoon (Wednesday) The items were delivered here in Southern Indiana which I thought was amazing service. From first impression I believe this bag was a wise choice and my only regret is not buying it earlier and saving a couple hundred dollars.
Like many other photographers we have multiple cam... (
show quote)
I certainly respect your decision on the bag. I am sure you will like it. For me though a camera bag is just that, a bag to put my camera in, provided it offers padding, and easy access to my equipment. That is why I will stick with my old orange Tenba bags, Oh, I also have Tamrac bags also. When I need another bag, I go to ebay where a find many old Tenba bags begging to be used once again.
I have had my Hadley pro for 4 years and it still looks great!
Bazbo
Loc: Lisboa, Portugal
wet3843 wrote:
Like many other photographers we have multiple camera bags in different sizes and styles. I have a couple backpack style bags but normally prefer the shoulder style for normal use. I decided to upgrade my old Tamrac bag for a slightly larger one. I investigated several manufactures and really wanted a Billingham Hadley Pro bag but was reluctant to spend the money so I purchased another brand. Just wasn’t satisfied with my purchase and this past Sunday afternoon I bought the bullet and ordered the Hadley Pro direct from England along with a shoulder pad. Was not able to purchase the color I wanted here in the states plus I actually purchased these items for less money by buying direct. This afternoon (Wednesday) The items were delivered here in Southern Indiana which I thought was amazing service. From first impression I believe this bag was a wise choice and my only regret is not buying it earlier and saving a couple hundred dollars.
Like many other photographers we have multiple cam... (
show quote)
I have been using these bags for years and it is the only shoulder bag I use. High quality and classic design.
My only advice--put some padding in the bottom of the bag.
AndyH
Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire
Archiefamous wrote:
I don’t know if they are still in business but the Fogg bags are even one step up from Billingham
Yes, they are. But they are handmade and, AT 500 Euros and up, are even a bit rich for my blood, as a dyed in the wool luggage guy. The Brits do leather and luggage better than anywhere on earth.
http://www.foggspecialistbags.com/My favorite UK leather comes from Tusting. I have their large holdall, Clipper briefcase/all purpose bag, and an iPhone folio only available in the US through Levenger. I'd love to see their take on a photo bag!
https://www.tusting.co.uk/Andy
SnappyHappy wrote:
Congrats wet3843 on finding a bag you really like and meets your needs...that is all that really matters. I happened on a brand and style years ago that I’ve tried to improve on many times but in the end my go to is a newer version of the original Domke. I admit the leather work on your Bellingham is classy and a better lookin’ bag but I’m in a 40 year rut. Enjoy
My 30 year old Domke F2 still looks good
I like my second hand CASE LOGIC and CANON REBEL bags! They can carry my Rebel cameras and 3 or 4 lenses plus a big bunch of other things such as tripods, batteries and chargers, filters, etc. They are made of nylon which are practically indestructable - any other material such as leather is subject to deteriorate and cost more! These bags are water resistant and have well made bottoms to rest on all sorts of grounds! I have seen others such as LOW PROS that are also superior made camera bags. AND they don't cost much!!! My Case Logic bag has a "swing atachment" with velcro adjustment to hang my camera with lens pointing down while my Canon Rebel bag has a spot in the center of the bag where it is laid (front to back) across the bag with lens and strap attached. And I didn't mention the numerous pockets located on inside and outside the bag in sizes ranging from small to very wide. These bag makers spent a lot of time in planning how to make these bags--I guarantee!
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