Billingham Vest Sizes

[Tenebrous]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Good day all,

 

For those who OWN a Billingham vest I have several questions.

 

First, I wear a size 42" sports coat. In correspondence with Billingham they have stated and reiterated that a small will fit me. From their brochure the "A" dimension of a small is 22". That does indeed make the vest 44" in circumference across the chest.

 

But it strikes me as strange that I would wear a small. By their measurements a medium will fit a 47" chest and a large a 49" chest. Quite different from what I am used to in a S/M/L sizing.

 

So, if I do purchase a small, will I have freedom of movement and be able to accommodate a moderate amount of gear (3 lenses, 1 body, and paraphenalia)? My tendency is toward ordering a medium.

 

Second, is the shoulder/neck padding significant? The whole idea is to not carry a bag for short jaunts or when flying. So the padding will only come into play when I am using the camera, not to support a bag.

 

Lastly, is the fabric too warm for 80 degree weather?

 

Please, for those reading this who do NOT own a vest let's not devolve ad nauseam into a fashionista discussion of: A) nerds, wannabes, C) supposed professional demeanor, etc. That's been pretty much played out to no avail except to demonstrate a lack of tolerance for decisions of comfort and utility which transcend any personal opinion to the contrary based on preconceived notions.

 

Thank you,

 

Alex

 

p.s. I have owned a Domke for over 10 years but rarely use it because it falls too low. Gear is always bumping my thighs, car doors, etc. The Billingham spec is much shorter.

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[jaapv]

Wouldn't it be more practical to drop Billingham a mail with these questions?

 

 

admin<at>billingham.co.uk

[gib_robinson]

Wouldn't it be more practical to drop Billingham a mail with these questions?

admin<at>billingham.co.uk

 

Or call them or order a vest to try out and return if necessary. I have found Billingham to be very easy to deal with. They sent me a brand new vest when a zipper broke on one I had worn for three years.

 

As for size, it will depend on what you plan to wear under it. I wear a 44 jacket and use an XL Billingham vest because I wear it in all seasons over various layers.

 

I have never even noticed the neck padding. The vest, for me is very comfortable.

 

The material is heavy but the surface color tends to reflect sunlight so I do not find it warm to wear. However I live in San Francisco where heat is rarely an issue.

 

I almost never travel without my Billingham vest. It's an ideal place to store all kinds of metal objects going through security, and yes, that includes M lenses. The pockets are very secure.

 

--Gib

[Jeff S]

It appears you live in NY and, if you're close to the city, places like B&H carry them. In the meantime, you can read some customer reviews here, which appear to address some of your questions.

 

I once wore vests when I owned large format cameras to carry holders, etc, but stopped that years ago. I found that fishing gear stores carry vests that are often lighter weight for summer use, sized appropriately for photo needs (stay above the water line) and have many pockets). Ones at high end stores like Orvis are likely on a par with Billingham in terms of style and cost if that matters to you.

 

Jeff

[Tenebrous]

Yes, as I think I indicated I have communicated with Billingham via 3 emails in both directions. Their email turn around is 3 days which was a little disconcerting. They advised me to get the small - that's what generated this query.

 

I have ordered a medium from BHphoto. I will have it tomorrow and exchange it for a size up or down as necessary.

 

Thanks all.