Billingham 206

[bill_lee2]

Just wondering if anyone has used the Billingham 206. It is supposed to be made of a new soft weave fabric. I am wondering if this bag has solved the much complained about stiffness and weight of the older Billinghams. It looks great on their web site, but I am curious about how it really performs. Check it out at www.billingham.co.uk

 

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Thanks.

[msitaraman]

I've looked at some of the soft-weave fabric Billinghams at a camera

store here-very nice. I'm not sure if this is the case with the 206,

as I did not check, but some of the Billinghams allow the inside

lining to be removed, thus making for a very soft, lighter weight

canvas bag.

 

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If you are in the US, order from www.robertwhite.co.uk-delivered

prices are much lower than buying in the US (by 50% and more), and

his reputation and service are top-notch.

[jay_.]

I have the 206, also a 335 and a Packington. The 206 is noticeably

more pliable than the others, also the size is very nice. Compared

to the 335 (and the 225 I had previously) the 206 is a much more

comfortable bag to work out of, whereas the others I find great for

travel transportation but heavy and stiff to work out of. What I

don't like about the 206 (and 335) is that the carry handle hangs

down when the bag is in use, and can get snagged on things. I've

seriously been thinking of cutting it off. Also, I wish the shoulder

straps were removable on Billingham bags, as I much prefer the OP-

Tech SOS strech straps, which make the load seem lighter and don't

dig into my shoulder as I walk. I am also thinking of taking my

Billinghams to a luggage repair shop and have brass "D"-rings sewn in

place of the strap. I second the note about Robert White in

England. Makes the US prices of Billinghams seem like robbery.

[fred_o.]

Hi,

I have a black one(the only good-looking black one of Billingham line)

and a khaki Hadley. Only Hadley has removable internal compartments

for other purposes.

The only thing bugs me is the handle of 206, I have to close it

otherwise it's hanging below the bag which is annoying. It's a better

constructed bag than Hadley, but Hadley is more user friendly. I

experience heavy rain for both bags, no problem at all.

But I got rid of the 206 later on since I didn't use it that often

compared to Hadley and for rough conditions, I use my Lowepro.

 

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Note: I observed the internal linning material is different from USA

version to UK version. USA one is better, I guess that makes price

different.

[jay_.]

The Packington also has removable internal compartment but unlike the

Hadley it also has a zip-closure top, which to me is an absolute

necessity for security while travelling. Glad someone else dislikes

the hanging handles. The linings in the more recent-production bags

are different (stronger, darker green, shinier and slipperyer) but no

difference between US and UK bags per se.

[bill_lee2]

Thanks for the advice about the handles. I think I will go with the

Packington. I feel that the zipper it has is important for travel

and it should be a good size. The Robert White web site really does

make North American prices look like highway robbery. Thanks for the

referral. I'll most likely go with them too. Your information has

been very helpful. This place is great.

[stuart d]

Bill,

 

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I just went through the dilemma of which Billingham to buy for

everyday use. I bought the 550 on my last trip to the UK, but it's

far too bulky and heavy for anything but hauling my gear from A to B

in the car. I checked out the Billingham website, and chose the

Original Hadley (medium size). It arrived in the mail this week, and

I'm delighted at its size, capacity, padding and low weight. My

Leica purchase is still pending, but it will easily accommodate 2 M

bodies, 2-3 lenses, a flash and boatloads of film. Right now my

Hadley holds my Canon New F1, 35/2, 50/1.4, 100/2.8, 200/2.8, Minolta

Flashmeter IV and 10 rolls of film. I removed the padded shoulder

strap from my 550 and added it to my Hadley, which makes it perfect

for carrying around town and on trips. At this point I don't miss

the zip on the Packington. Actually, that's one of the reasons why I

didn't get the Packington - I've always been wary of the zip on my

550 scratching up my camera bodies and my hands. It may be more

secure, but it bloody well hurts when you're grabbing for something

in the bag quickly!

 

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As a postscript, I went with Billingham because they make robust

bags, many of which don't scream "steal me". Oh - and I have to

support my home region's economy somehow. The other alternative used

to be buying a Rover, but that was never a real option, even before

BMW bought them, then dumped them. Not that I'm bashing British

cars - I'd buy a TVR in an instant if only they'd import them to the

US.

 

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Cheers,

Stuart