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I got a Fogg (I think it was a b-laika or b-minor) in LN- condition from KEH a few years ago and sent it back within their 2-wk trial period. I was shocked and disappointed to see that it was made of virtually identical material and construction quality as Billingham's costing half as much.

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I was shocked and disappointed to see that it was made of virtually identical material and construction quality as Billingham's costing half as much.

 

I've owned both, and the materials and construction have differed, although both high quality. Materials have evolved over the years at both companies. The Billingham Hadley Pro (that I recently got in order to include a laptop) is available, for instance, in both canvas as well as synthetic material. My old (couple of decades) Fogg b-laika, all black, doesn't exist in the same form today, as fabric suppliers, interior materials, dimensions, etc. have changed….and the price has about tripled.

 

Jeff

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For the purposes of discussion, let's look at three bags that are more or less equal in terms of dimensions -

Fogg Forte: $869 USD

Oberwerth Freiberg: $620 USD

Billingham Hadley Pro: $259 USD

 

If we can proceed under the belief that all three are pretty much on equal footing in terms of design, materials and workmanship - the Billingham seems to make an awfully strong case for itself.

 

Or perhaps I'm just being a cheap bastard...

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Out of those three options, I would choose the Billingham every time. In black ;)

 

I have one those and it works fine for me.

I hate bags that have fiddly buckles you have to under to get into the bag.

The way the Hadley works is great.

 

 

I guess that finishes the thread

What's more to discuss?

:D

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These are the prices over here in Germany for three comparable Leica bags in the size the TO asked for.

 

Fogg b-laika = 450 EUR

Operwerth Freiburg = 379 EUR

Billingham Leica = 230 EUR

 

I do really liked my Hadley Pro, too, but for a M + 3 lenses far too big for me.

But you can't do anything wrong with a Billingham, great bags.

 

All three bags are different from materials to design. Personally I am willing to pay the extra money for the Fogg simply because of the way these bags are build by two people and I like supporting this way of craftsmanship.

 

The Oberwerth is handmade in Germany, so I like supporting the guy next corner.

 

If Fogg&Oberwerth would produce the same amount of bags worldwide the way Billingham is doing it, prices would drop, too.

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Surprised Thorsten Overgaard hasn't weighed in as he is no shrinking violet and DOES make a fashion statement with his bags and dress. I think he favors a Louie Vuitton.

 

I don't use a bag anymore (for a Leica*) - if I need an extra lens (rarely) I just drop it into a jacket pocket. When I travel I carry a Gura Gear Chobe and drop in my Leica covered with an Optech neoprene cover. And I like the little soft leather lenses bags.

 

For my DSLR and heavy Zeiss lenses for field work I use an F stop Loka.

 

*back when I did carry multiple lenses I used an Artist & Artisan Oskar day bag.

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Getting a camera bag with some style was my goal when I bought the Leica camera. I tried different camera bags but they are all more functional bags. The camera bag that I'm the most happy with is my backpack from ONA.

 

But I think the best way is, to buy a normal bag that you like and put a special insert for cameras inside.

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I have used a Billingham since 1982 and wouldn't consider anything else.

 

They are well made, last forever and hold a decent resale value.

 

I currently have a Hadley Pro with pockets, which I can put on the Billingham Leica Combination bag.

 

I also have a 20 year old compact bag which is ideal for carrying an X1 when travelling light.

 

John

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Here's another option in leather, at a garage sale price: PU Leather Brown Shoulder Bag Camera Case Pouch for DSLR SLR Canon Nikon Sony | eBay

 

Definitely cheap, but not leather......

 

"PU (Poly) Synthetic Leather is a man made material that will represent the look and feel of Genuine Leather but in fact is NOT. This PU material is far less durable, considerably cheaper in cost, and may not last long if used often"

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So when did this expensive fancy leather and brass camera bag phenomenon come into vogue? I can't quite picture any of the old guard Leica users like Friedlander or the others out in public with one... :)

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