Domke or Billingham

[dpattinson]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Neither

 

For my M8 and two-three lenses, I use the Billingham Stowaway Airport bag: M Billingham and Co Stowaways

 

It zips up (preventing pickpockets) and holds the camera with lens mounted, and up to two normal sized lenses in the bottom in pouches. I can alternatively fit the SF-58 in 'bent' configuration and the camera with one lens mounted. The strap can be detached and hooked through a piece of furniture to prevent it being grabbed when you are sitting down for lunch

 

I use this because no-one can believe there is a full-sized camera in there, and I can easily take my camera anywhere as it is so compact.

[robofc]

The Domke FXB is too tall for a Leica system. I tried it at B&H a week ago and was disappointed. The version in waxed cotton is particularly nice and doesn't look like a camera bag. But the bag is barely padded and the small pockets are open, so SD cards and batteries can fall out. So why buy a bag which is too tall for a Leica and doesn't have pockets which close?

 

The Billingam is designed to accommodate a Leica system and the dimensions fit perfectly. But the similarly designed Fog bags are much higher quality. I have owned both.

Fogg Specialist Bags

 

I do use a Billingham bag, but it is the Pola, which is designed for a Leica M with lens attached and perhaps one extra lens. It has a zippered wallet pocket, a small zippered pocket on the flap which is perfect for SD cards, batteries and micro fibre and has two additional pockets under the flap and on the back.

Billingham | Stowaway Pola Shoulder Bag | 500733 | B&H Photo

[michali]

I've probably got more camera bags than Imelda Marcos had shoes.... Just bought a Safrotto, I agree postage cost is rather steep, but IMO was worth it. So far I'm pleased with it.

 

I have 3 Billingham Hadleys, a small, medium and large. My problem with them is the brushed fabric used on the dividers. It gives me the creeps, it always catches / snags on a piece of skin on a finger or chipped fingernail. I'm also not overly enamored with the way the top flap opens on the larger bags, I find myself fiddling around inside the bag without being able to get a good look inside the bag. They are my least used bags.

 

Overall IMO the Billinghams are well made but over-rated and not the most practical to use.

[ashwinrao1]

I gotta throw my support behind the BIllingham. Well built and ideally suited to carry about a fair bit of gear quietly without much notice. I have a Domke bag, which is nice and understated as well, but to me, BIllingham's quality is up a few notches over Domke....though BIllingham bags are a bit more ornamental.

 

 

Also it's worth considering an Artisan & Artist bag if you are looking for another option. Oskar's Day bag is nice, as is the Image Smith (For a large kit or for medium size SLR set up)....

[scc]

The A&A Oskar's Day Bag (ACAM-7100) is definitely the best camera bag I have owned. It is the perfect size for what you want and is well padded, comfortable, and looks great. Totally recommend it.

 

I've even had mine out in pretty heavy rain for 30 minutes or so, not by choice I might add, and it kept my gear perfectly dry.

[Guest ccmsosse]

The A&A Oskar's Day Bag (ACAM-7100) is definitely the best camera bag I have owned. It is the perfect size for what you want and is well padded, comfortable, and looks great. Totally recommend it.

 

I've even had mine out in pretty heavy rain for 30 minutes or so, not by choice I might add, and it kept my gear perfectly dry.

 

I am always looking for a "better" bag - thank you for your review on the ACAM-7100. When pulling it up on Google it appears very similar to the Leica-Billingham combination bag Leica Camera AG - Photography - "Billingham" Combination Case

 

Does anyone know of a case/bag that could easily up- and downsize?

I travel a lot in the US and to Europe and ideally would like a bag that could carry all my gear (M9, GF1, multiple lenses) across to the desired destination but then "shrink" for daily use (assuming I can leave some stuff at a hotel, in the car etc).

 

I have the National Geographic Explorer Medium Backpack - but that doesn't "shrink" once I have reached my destination. Earth Explorer Backpack - National Geographic Store

 

Any suggestions?

[adli]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I have tried both the ACAM-7100 and the Leica-Billingham. I ended up with the ACAM-7100. It is of similiar size, but it's more comfortable to carry around as the Billingham builds more "out" from the body. The ACAM-7100 feels more ergonomic, more tight to the body when you carry it. It also fits more stuff if you stack lenses.

[rondeb]

I've always love my tiny Domke for the M and 2-3 lenses, BUT.... The canvas which rubs against your body wears down quickly. I've had to duct tape my 2 year old bag in that spot due to holes. My 1st FX had similar wear and also - even worse - had the strap loop fail. Not the metal, but the cloth loop the metal clamp hooks to. It broke and my bag fell. I luckily caught it before smashing to the ground. Domke was great in sending me a replacement quickly at no cost.

On the other hand, I received the Billingham Leica combi case for xmas this year. Though slightly larger, this bag is far superior in construction and protection, though it is a bit more stiff. It is also quieter since it does not use velcro like the Domke. I LOVE the Billingham and can carry 1 body, nocti, 90apo, 35 'cron and a zeiss 25 if needed. Normally just 3 lenses - 1 on body. Could also do 2 bodies, 3 lenses easily.

 

My 2 cents! They are both great bags as I'm sure the A&A is also.

 

Best,

Ron

[2Bébèrt]

BILLINGHAM is the way to go...

 

 

I cary a Billinbham 'Hadley Small Camera Bag' around for the past 3 years and it's just

what I need. Not to big, not to heavy, not to "obvious' a camera bag, solid and almost weather prove.

 

On vacation trips I carry an M body around my shoulder an the Billingham around the other shoulder with a second M body and lens, a tele 135, a angle finder, a 50mm under the second body, 3 wide angles in the third inner pocket bottom, a fat 1.2 / 35mm on top of these, cleaning cloths, liquid and a blower in the right front pocket and a few extra viewfinders int the left front pocket. Even a small Table tripod between the inner lining and the bag.

 

what else is there to expect from a "small" camera bag..

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

[piero]

I have a Artisan&Artist Image Smith.

I find it fantastic!

I fit M8+M9

WATE/frankenfinder/

24 Elmar

50 Wetzlar

35 'Cron Asph

75 Apo Asph

2 spare batteries

battery charger

spare CF cards (4)

papers, moleskin, pencil, pen, passport...

 

does not look like a camera bag, it cost me one 3rd of the Billigham (which I wanted so badly, but after trying it and reading Sean Reid considerations on the A&A... I chose different)

zips are easy to open and close.

Holds London rain very well but forget about a storm.

There no such thing as the perfect bag for every situation, my stockroom has a collection of temba, tamrac, portabrace, pelicase...

for my trip to the US I chose the A&A

[pascal_meheut]

I also got the A&A Image Smith (Black Label version) after 20 years of Domke and a few with a Billingham.

They are all fine bags and there are many reasons to prefer one over another depending on the use, the context...

 

But the A&A is really fine with the M as the construction, padding and space for accessories are all top-notch.

I also ordered their Elliot's Everyday bag to replace the very small Lowepro I had. Another excellent choice.

[enboe]

From a confessed bag junkie, in order of preference:

 

Fogg (Lyre or B-Laika)

Billingham

Barbour

Domke

 

Enjoy.

[Leicaiste]

I doubt between the Domke F-5XB case:

 

or the Billingham Hadley Small:

 

for my M9 and 2-3 lenses (1 lens on camera, 2 others in the case).

 

Any thoughts about the pros and cons?

 

Here a picture of the Hadley Small including the camera with Luigi half-case with 75/2 Asph attached + 50/1,4 and 35/2 back to back + SF24D.

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

[swamiji]

I have a couple of the current Domke... They are (IMHO) under-padded. And has increased the brassing on my M8 significantly. In fact I have had to add padding and dividers to keep my lenses from doing damage to each other. On the other hand My Leica (Billingham) bag, protects perfectly my M9.... I am looking at Billingham 07 series to replace the last of My Domke bags....

[thrid]

Depends. I have both.

 

Unless you are willing to beat up the Billingham, take the Domke.

 

A clean Billingham looks like an expensive bag, filled with expensive goodies. In this case your very expensive M9 and lenses.

 

The Domke draws a lot less attention and a well worn Domke draws even less.

 

If you do decide to get the Billingham, take a black one, because it's less noticeable, even when new.

[pascal_meheut]

Also, a Domke contains a lot more than an Billingham of the same size. But I agree that padding could be better.

[swamiji]

Also, a Domke contains a lot more than an Billingham of the same size. But I agree that padding could be better.

 

The search for the perfect bag continues. What we want is a bag big enough to hold what we want to use at that moment, enough protection but not too much that gets in our way, and an appearance that goes unnoticed in any situation. Hmmm, the TARDIS of camera bags... The search goes on.

[Ed_K]

Just got my olive Domke F5XB and will be using it with the M9 when she finally arrives; have to agree with Thrid .... Billingham are very nice bags with great workmanship but to me, seems to attract more attention (because how nice they look even on the outside) than a Domke.

[Jose_Salcedo]

These bags are expensive but they are of the best quality:

Fogg Specialist Bags - photographic bags and camera cases

[Advertisement]

Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[Eoin]

A Billingham Hadley Pro in Black is what I've used for the past number of years. Without a doubt made for a lifetime of service and use. Fully functional and plenty of storage for everything you need when out or on vacation.

 

I prefer the look of the kaki, but they do get dirty looking very quickly from past experience.