Hi guys, I was just wondering which coloured Billingham Hadley Pro bag you guys consider to be the most NON attention getting for transporting my M6 and Bessa plus a couple of lenses. Is is Khaki/Tan, Black/Tan or Black/Black? I will be using it daily to bring my gear to work as well as when travelling overseas for work/holidays. Any other pros or cons with any of the colours? Thanks.

-- sunil (yatsunil@hotmail.com), March 24, 2002

Answers

I have a black/tan one, pretty inconspicuous (as much as a Billingham can be), but likes to show lint and dirt on it. The lint- trap canvas doesn't help. But, black/black would have to be the least attention getting I would think. Probably depends on what color clothing you wear and how it looks against it...think camoflauge! *grin* Khaki/tan probably would be not very attention getting if you wear lighter clothes. OK I'm rambling and it's late at night, so I'll let some others opine.

-- James (snodoggydogg@hotmail.com), March 25, 2002.

I have the black one with brown leather trimmings. Agree with previous post, shows dust and dirt. Black is also a bad idea because it tends to be hotter than a light colour. But the padded insert including padded top flap, helps keep interior cool even in tropical sunlight.

I suppose the NON attentiveness depends on what colour clothes you use. In a desert camo outfit khaki bag would be better than black. A ninja at night would probably prefer black... :)

I have two Billinghams, both black. But I also have four other bags and they are all lighter in colour, two light brown (Tenba and Domke) and two grey (Tamrac and Karrimor). My next Billingham bag will be light brown as well, mainly because of the sunlight.

Ilkka

-- Ilkka Kuusisto (ikuu65@hotmail.com), March 25, 2002.

Sorry, was supposed to say more about the clothes. If you are a corporate warrior and wear a dark business suit then by all means black is best. Or late in the evening or at night. Or maybe with blue jeans. But otherwise, light brown is probably closer to what we wear when out and about on the streets.

For some strange reason people seem to prefer black camera bags (I have two myself!). Domke (and Tenba and Billingham) were originally not even available in black. Until much later when they realised that making them in black significantly improves their sales.

My advice? Get light brown. Ilkka

-- Ilkka Kuusisto (ikuu65@hotmail.com), March 25, 2002.

Unfortunately my standard daily attire IS the dark corporate suit :( as my office is in the Central Business District. How I envy you guys who can wear jeans and casual slacks to work.

I guess I'll be getting the black canvas with black trim to blend in with the other 'pen-pushers' around here! I'm also considering the black canvas with brown trim but will have to see the 2 models side- by-side to make a final decision. My sincere thanks to everyone who contributed their opinions.

-- sunil (yatsunil@hotmail.com), March 26, 2002.

I have the black ones with brown trim. I think they look nice, but solid black would certainly be more unobtrusive.

Whatever you choose, it is a great bag!

Ilkka

-- Ilkka Kuusisto (ikuu65@hotmail.com), March 27, 2002.