How does it compare to the hadley (small), Hadley and L2?

-- Kristian (leicashot@hotmail.com), March 24, 2002

Answers

The Series 3 is much nicer than either of the others. It is the only one with a zippered main compartment which I consider essential for security and dust exclusion. The Series 3 is nearly identical to the Domke F5XB in dimensions. However it lacks the removable shoulder strap and waist belt tunnel, costs 2-3x more, and with its elegant contrasting leather fittings (except if they make an all-black one nowadays)looks a lot like a ladies' handbag. If you've just *got* to have a Billingham for your M outfit, there's none better than the Series 3 IMO. But feature-for-feature the Domke F5XB far surpasses it.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), March 24, 2002.

Kristian: The Billingham Series 3 bag has stiff side walls, is compact, and was designed to carry an "M" camera, 3 lenses and accessories. It's very secure because the bag zips closed and then has a flap that goes over the top and buckles in the front. If you are planning to do a lot of travelling with the bag, it doesn't carry much film or additional camera bodies. The Hadley is bigger and may be better for a lot of travelling. The small size of the Series 3 compliments the "M" camera format. You can walk around all day with this bag, and never get a pain in your shoulder. (Buy the accessory shoulder pad, get the right width to fit the strap)

-- Frank Ricatto (luttmann@nerc.com), March 24, 2002.

Jay, I know you recommend the F-5XB very highly and I like it too, BUT: 1. Being black collects so much dust and hair it's annoying. 2. No padded walls and zipper means I must keep my APO in the Leica case for protection form the Zip. 3. Padding on the bottom, like most Domke's is not sufficient enough. If I was to drop it, the padding would only stop it from being scratched. 4. The velcro front cover is noisy, especially in a church for example.

I bascially want a bag that is a combination of the F-803 and F-5XB with extra padding.

-- Kristian (leicashot@hotmail.com), March 24, 2002.