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

Thanks.

-- Bill Lee (Bill_Lee@telus.net), May 17, 2001

Answers

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.

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.

-- Mani Sitaraman (bindumani@pacific.net.sg), May 17, 2001.

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.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), May 17, 2001.

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.

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.

-- Fred O. (yo5454@yahoo.com), May 17, 2001.

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.

-- JAy (infinitydt@aol.com), May 17, 2001.

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.

-- Bill (Bill_Lee@telus.net), May 19, 2001.

Bill,

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!

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.

Cheers, Stuart

-- Stuart Dorman (mountainjunkie@qwest.net), May 20, 2001.