Decision ? ONA Camera Satchel or Billingham ?

[Torontoamateur]

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For my wife, do I get her the ONA Camera Satchel in Cognac or the Billingham equivalent ? I need a quick decision?

 

 

[Ouroboros]

Why don't you ask her?

 

[wda]

A hint or two over intended contents migh help.

[jdlaing]

Billingham

[Torontoamateur]

11 minutes ago, jdlaing said:

Billingham

Yes the Billinham has better fasteners and is lighter.  Still in a quandry.

[jdlaing]

1 minute ago, Torontoamateur said:

Yes the Billinham has better fasteners and is lighter.  Still in a quandry.

Billingham stands up a little better, in my opinion, and has the benefit of water resistance. Lighter is better for sure.

[Herr Barnack]

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Go with a Billingham - from what I have seen, they are much more well made than Ona bags. 

[LocalHero1953]

Ona leather goods look attractive but from my experience of the Brixton, they are too heavy, the strap attachments are insecure (too little overlap/stitching) and the leather isn't as thick as it is made to look/feel: form over function. The Billingham is a better quality bag all round. I prefer Foggs, which add a bit more style, but Billingham and Fogg both prioritise function over form. 

But, as asked early in this thread, what the owner wants, and what the bag is to be used for are the two key questions - can you enlighten us?

Edited January 3, 2021 by LocalHero1953

[earleygallery]

Billingham every time.

[Herr Barnack]

On 1/3/2021 at 11:44 AM, earleygallery said:

Billingham every time.

Agreed - Ona bags are just not that great, based on what I have seen. 

If leather is your thing, Oberwerth has several all leather bags that are reasonable in weight and look to be very high quality; the Boulevard, Harry & Sally, the Q Bag and the William come to mind.

And then there's the Fogg Satchmo...

Edited January 7, 2021 by Herr Barnack

[Herr Barnack]

Here's another option for leather that I just discovered:  https://www.theleathershop.com/bag/heirloom-messenger2-tan-15.html

- and a review of this bag: 

 

Edited January 7, 2021 by Herr Barnack

[Mute-on]

Billingham in my case. If it was my wife I would be showing her pictures of the choices at the least (this tactic works well if you are giving hints for a gift you would like to receive as well  )

Good luck!

[jdlaing]

2 hours ago, Herr Barnack said:

Here's another option for leather that I just discovered:  https://www.theleathershop.com/bag/heirloom-messenger2-tan-15.html

- and a review of this bag: 

 

That’s a purse.

[Jeff S]

On 1/3/2021 at 11:40 AM, LocalHero1953 said:

Ona leather goods look attractive but from my experience of the Brixton, they are too heavy, the strap attachments are insecure (too little overlap/stitching) and the leather isn't as thick as it is made to look/feel: form over function. The Billingham is a better quality bag all round. I prefer Foggs, which add a bit more style, but Billingham and Fogg both prioritise function over form. 

But, as asked early in this thread, what the owner wants, and what the bag is to be used for are the two key questions - can you enlighten us?

Agreed.  This old thread covers strap issues. And customer service issues.

ONA bags also typically have gaps at the top corners that are not ideal for rain and snow.  Billingham bags, as you write, are functionally superior.  Fogg, too.

Jeff

[logan2z]

Billingham for sure.  I have the Hadley Pro for my Leica gear and love it, and I'm about to buy a second Billingham for my medium format kit.  I have an Ona bag as well and honestly can't stand it.