Opening and closing Billingham bags

[epines]

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I've had a Billingham 307 for a while now, and I like the way the straps pull down from the top flap to slide over the "clogballs" attached to the bag below. I can fasten and unfasten them one-handed. But I'm looking at a smaller bag -- probably the Hadley Large, whose straps get pulled up to fasten (the straps are attached to the bag, and you pull them up to place them on the clogballs attached to the top flap). I just tried one out in a store, and it seemed quite a bit more cumbersome to fasten and unfasten, not a one-handed, quick procedure.

My question, for those who have a Billingham bag that fastens upwards like this, is: Does it get far easier over time? Are you able to fasten and unfasten one-handed with ease?

 

[GFW2-SCUSA]

I would suggest that it is as easy to latch the bag upward and it is as easy to zip your trousers up as it is to zip them down. This may be the ultimate First World problem of the year.  Now, to be less snarky, yes I have no problem with upward closing. The leather softens in short order. 

[Chuck Albertson]

I use both bags, and it's not a bother. Usually, I only have one tab closed.

[rogxwhit]

6 hours ago, Chuck Albertson said:

I use both bags, and it's not a bother. Usually, I only have one tab closed.

This.  Also, if a bag's new, I knead the strap leather to soften it - wear it in, if you like.  The great thing about these bags is their rainproofness, and its durability.  All those nimby nylon bags with pull-out raincovers seem too much of a faff, to me.  :-)

[davidmknoble]

As an aside, I also have the Billingham briefcase which I’ve used for years.  It is not hard to open the outside pockets, which I do every day. It’s the same system as the bags.  

Don’t expect miracles.  It is not as easy as a snap.  However, that also makes it harder to open for others when you are in a crowd.  And the bags are practically indestructible. 

I have had the fibernyte and the canvas and prefer the canvas as it seems softer and less abrasive against my clothing.  But both are tough.  The Oberwerth bags have another great clasp which is easy to use and they now have a non-leather (recycled plastic) bag that looks great.

I’ve not found a bag that is as weather sealed as the Billingham except a backpack.

You will ultimately have to try it (and try it for 6 months every day to get muscle memory).

[Mute-on]

Yes, it get far easier as both the leather softens and conforms to the clog ball, and your dexterity adapts to the action required. If I were to analyse my technique, I think I pinch the leather tab just above the clog ball and push down on the clog ball with the side of my index finger to release.

I would also suggest you consider the Hadley Pro, or even the Hadley One over the Large. The Hadley Large is very deep for its width, which seems like wasted dimension. The proportions of the Pro (and the One, which is wider, front to back) are far more balanced. 

Edited September 28, 2024 by Mute-on

[250swb]

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I've had to go and look at my Hadley Pro to see what the problem is because it's never occurred to me there might be one. The key feature of any camera bag shouldn't be closing it but how fast you can open it.

[epines]

Thanks, all. Hah, yeah, it's definitely a first-world problem. I wouldn't even call it a problem; just seemed a bit cumbersome in the store. I figured it gets much easier over time, since so many of their bags fasten this way.

And good suggestion about trying the Hadley Pro and Hadley One.