billhart Posted April 26, 2010 Share #1 Posted April 26, 2010 Advertisement (gone after registration) I know there are numerous threads regarding various bags for Leicas, but I have a specific question, please humor me. I have 2 M digital bodies along with WATE with finder, 24 elmarit, 35,75 & 90 Summicron and 50 summilux, along with charger, etc. I have a Billingham Hadley Pro which I really like, but it is not quite large enough to accomodate all my gear. I'm getting ready to take a two week trip and want to take all my gear. Have looked (on line, pictures, etc. since no dealers with 200 miles) at Billingham 225 and Think Tank UD 40. Does anyone have experience with either of these bags and a similar amount of equipment and, if so, are either of them sufficient and are you happy with them? Thanks, Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted April 26, 2010 Posted April 26, 2010 Hi billhart, Take a look here Billingham or Think Tank. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
250swb Posted April 26, 2010 Share #2 Posted April 26, 2010 I've got the UD40 , and its a terrific bag and it should carry what you want, plus space for loads of other things. Its a far better design than the Billingham 225 in my opinion, especially for travel with loads of zipped pockets and the main can be padlocked. Its very comfy to carry was well. It doesn't scream 'camera bag' so much as the others either. Steve Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skip Heitzig Posted April 26, 2010 Share #3 Posted April 26, 2010 Bill, I am traveling right now in the Middle East using a Billingham 225. I love it. I still have and use the Hadley as you do, but when I need to "bring it all" I take the 225. It's geometry is different but still very easy to get around and easy to access my gear. Skip Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
billhart Posted April 28, 2010 Author Share #4 Posted April 28, 2010 Thank you both for your response. It seems either bag will work with my equipment, now I need to decide which appeals to me more. I wish I could see the bags, but will have to rely on pictures/reviews I find on the net. Thanks again for taking time to respond. Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
viramati Posted April 28, 2010 Share #5 Posted April 28, 2010 You could always get a couple of these to go on the end of the hadley pro http://www.billingham.co.uk/acatalog/AVEAs.html#aAVEA_2005 They add quite a lot of space and the beauty is that you can take them off when you are there if you want a smaller bag during the day (I have the avea 5) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest AgXlove Posted April 28, 2010 Share #6 Posted April 28, 2010 I can't comment on the Billingham 225, but I have used the Billingham 335 for some time now and am very pleased with it. I have looked at the Think Tank bags too (a local dealer has them) and they look like good bags, but IMHO the Billinghams are a cut above the Think Tanks. I would say get either the Billingham 225 or 335, depending on the amount of gear you wish to carry. Keep in mind that you will likely make additions to your Leica kit, so maybe the 335 is the way to go (JMHO). I would also advocate getting your Billingham in tan - it's a much better color for hot weather/climates. The tan color seems to be fairly dirt & stain resistant and is easily wiped clean - under normal use. Just don't dump a shot of espresso on it or let your bag come into contact with a grime encrusted locomotive or diesel engine and it should do well in terms of resisting stains. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BishT Posted April 28, 2010 Share #7 Posted April 28, 2010 Advertisement (gone after registration) The Think Tank bags all come with a seam-sealed rain cover, so if your travels take you to rainy climates...... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
india Posted April 28, 2010 Share #8 Posted April 28, 2010 Fogg Fogg Specialist Bags - photographic bags and camera cases warm regards david Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norwin Posted May 1, 2010 Share #9 Posted May 1, 2010 If you care to hear another voiced opinion, I would overwhelmingly recommend neither a Billingham nor a Think Tank. I had been in your same shoes with the same problem and a Leica gentleman in another parish, had recommended a previously unknown, Naneu bag (to me.) I searched the company on Google, phoned the company to find out where their product was sold and instead of catching just an uninterested secretary answering their telephone, I got their president on the line.... We spoke for about an hour on all of the subtle requirements that Leica owners had, which were not common to DSLR owners...and, after much advice and various narrowing questions, he recommended one of his bags...which I am thrilled to have purchased and now own. It is superior to my Billingham bag. It is superior to my Lowepro, too. And, it cost less. Imagine, that. It really did cost less and it is far superior, I found to either of the two above titled. If I were again looking for a new bag for my new M9, and all new lens, et.all..I'd only want to secure them in a Naneu bag. And, if you're uncertain then Google their web site, telephone their company and speak to their company president...I promise you shall not be disppointed. WIth my respects, Norwin Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hacker Posted May 1, 2010 Share #10 Posted May 1, 2010 I use the Billingham, Fogg and Think Tank bags. The Think Tank is used for my DSLR equipment as I find the design not meant for the RF cameras and smaller RF lenss. The one I reach out the most is actually the Artist and Artisan range of bags. Well made and the equipment fits well. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dickgrafixstop Posted May 2, 2010 Share #11 Posted May 2, 2010 If you care to hear another voiced opinion, I would overwhelmingly recommend neither a Billingham nor a Think Tank. I had been in your same shoes with the same problem and a Leica gentleman in another parish, had recommended a previously unknown, Naneu bag (to me.) Naneu pro bags are terrific. The military option line is particularly suited to your collection, and the Sierra or Tango are similar to the Think Tank in size with an additional functional messenger strap. Choice for me was which one held the bigger laptop (al la UD40-vrs UD50). The styling doesn't scream camera bag, is rock solid material in choice of colors (I like the military green) and the padding is excellent. Either bag can hold more Leica equipment than you're likely able to afford and is easy to transport and access. They also make a smaller bag - the Lima - which I find perfect for a weekend with a M9, two or three lens and assorted stuff (chargers, card wallets, ipod etc.) Customer service is great and the prices are very reasonable. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angora Posted May 4, 2010 Share #12 Posted May 4, 2010 Think Tank bags are nice, they associate good quality and excellent modularity I especially like the possibility to pick up the camera through the zipped central opening, it's quick and secure. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
symmetron Posted May 11, 2010 Share #13 Posted May 11, 2010 Get a Domke F-6. All your stuff will fit and it will cost under $100. Personally, I don't care for any of the 5 series Billinghams having owned a couple. IMO, they're well made but overpriced and have an awkward strap arrangement. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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