Professional Documents
Culture Documents
M Billingham & Co Ltd Little Cottage Street Brierley Hill West Midlands DY5 1RG
tel +44 (0)1384 482828 fax +44 (0)1384 482399
www.billingham.co.uk
CAMERA BAGS
Martin Billingham
MANAGING DIRECTOR, HEAD DESIGNER
Billingham bags are different - not just for the sake of appearance,
but as a result of the careful consideration we give to the bag's
function and performance. For example, our bags are deeper
than most. This increased depth gives more security from
pickpockets and prying eyes; pockets can be deeper, and
personal items can be stored on top of equipment. Our
experience dictates that a bag should be designed so that it will
hold its shape naturally over years of use.
Our products are made to withstand the rigours of traditional
English weather. This means that our canvas is waterproof, the
lining is non-absorbent, and the seams are bound with
waterproof tape. We go to great lengths to make sure that the
way the bag is put together maintains that inherent
waterproofing. All overlapping seams are tiled, sewing needle
sizes are kept as small as possible, and just to be sure that the
holes they make won't let water in, we use thread that contains
cotton: this swells when it gets wet, effectively sealing the hole.
We use every possible measure to protect your equipment
and to keep it dry.
On the one hand, our approach is traditional - we only use
materials whose qualities we understand, and whose
performance we can predict and rely upon. On the other hand,
we are committed to developing and improving our products - for
example, we use computer-aided design to bring speed and
accuracy to our development work. Where there is a clear benefit
to be gained, we will use new materials, we will refine our
designs, and we will consult with our users to anticipate and meet
new demands. Recently, we have redesigned our Quick Release
System - we modified the profile of the brass stud and adjusted
the shape of the hole, so that they slip together more easily and
stay firmly fixed, reducing wear and ensuring a long working life.
Billingham is a company that has led the market by creating
innovative products of outstanding quality and will continue to do
so in the future.
Billingham
Design and production by Zappia & Zappia Design. Portrait photography by Snowdon. Product photography by Stephen Vernon-Clarke. Printed in the UK.
CAMERA BAGS
25 Rucksack ......................17
Packington ........................ 22
Further details are available on our
web site at:www.billingham.co.uk
Every care has been taken to ensure
that the descriptions and
specifications were correct at the time
of going to press. Whilst we make
every effort to reproduce the colours
of the products correctly, slight
variations may occur due to the
limitations of the printing process.
S3 .................................... 23
L2 .................................... 25
Accessories ....................... 31
Materials
All Billingham products are based on the same unvarying
philosophy: start with a straightforward, practical design, based
on a sound knowledge and understanding of the user's needs.
We choose the very best materials and use them in a way that
takes maximum advantage of their natural properties, then
manufacture the product to precise quality standards. That's why
Billingham bags have solid brass fittings, top-grain, top quality
leather and the best quality canvas, thread and linings in
abundance. Incidentally, it's also why you will rarely find a
second-hand Billingham bag for sale - they don't wear out easily,
and their owners are loath to part with them.
Most of the materials we use are exclusive to us in some way or
other: it may be simply their colour, or because of the special
manufacturing process they go through and the finishes we
apply. When we can't find the exact material we need, we have
it made specially. As well as working closely with our suppliers
to improve each aspect of a materials performance, we also
co-operate with them to ensure that every delivery of materials
into our workshop meets our exacting quality specifications.
The protection provided by a soft bag comes about through the
careful use of closed-cell foams and the inherent pliability of the
soft canvas. Our SuperFlex inserts keep cameras and lenses
protected and separated from each other. We have designed
them in such a way that they simply move out of the way when
pushed, allowing the bag to mould itself to the wearer's shape.
Stiffening and shape are given to the bag by the way we cut and
stitch the material - we don't use stiffeners or inserts that may
cause problems in the long term. We cut the panels of our bags
in a particular way so that the grain of the material can cope
naturally with the stresses inflicted on it by the weight of cameras
and the passage of time. Not only are our bags strong and
durable, they are also genuinely soft and will mould snugly to
your body.
5
Black/Tan
Black/Black
Khaki/Tan
Olive/Tan
Canvas
The Billingham Canvas used in our camera bags has traditionally
been waterproofed, just like the original Macintoshes, with
natural rubber. More recently however, we have replaced this
with StormBlock, which incorporates a new type of waterproof
layer developed by us, sandwiched between two layers of
canvas. This resulting material, while being equally waterproof, is
thinner and lighter than our traditional canvas - reducing the
weight of the bags, without sacrificing performance. It also has
better resistance to sunlight and ozone.
For most camera bags, our StormBlock canvas provides all the
protection that's needed. Where the bag will be subjected to
heavy wear, however, we would recommend our Nytex material.
This is an incredibly hard-wearing, 1000 denier texturised
nylon, waterproofed with polyurethane - it's tough, robust,
and is designed to keep your equipment safe under the worst
conditions.Whether you choose canvas or nylon, the waterproof
layer is built-in and will not need re-proofing.
Left Camera Bag assembly in the Billingham
workshop. Above right Rolls of canvas,
tubed for protection, awaiting cutting.
Nytex Black/Black
Nytex Stone/Tan
SoftWeave Black/Black
SoftWeave Khaki/Tan
Zips
For the lining of our bags, we chose a smooth AntiFray material we believe it is important that no tiny material fibres from the
lining should find their way into cameras and lenses. The material
is also specially treated to help prevent wicking (the process of
water being sucked through the fibres, like a candle wick, to
permeate the material).
Leather
Hand Stitching
We use only the best, top-grain leather in our bags. This is the
top most part of the hide and it is vegetable tanned and aniline
dyed by hand. Finally a light coating of wax or, in the case of
bridle leather, fat is applied. The process used to treat our hides is
designed to bring out the richness of the natural grain and is in no
way intended to hide marks or healed scars which appear
naturally.
Not only are there many different types of leather, each separate
part of a single hide has individual properties: some parts are
strong along the grain, others are soft and supple enough to bend
round corners. We use different parts of the hide throughout
each bag, choosing the characteristics of the leather to suit the
function of each individual component.
Brass
All our fittings are either cast or machined from solid brass. We
choose brass for several reasons: the first, and most obvious, is
that it will not rust. As time passes, brass may tarnish and develop
a patina, which acts as a protective layer, preventing deterioration compare this with steel which, even when heavily plated, can
develop rust spots that eat into the material. Unlike plastic fittings,
brass doesn't become noticeably brittle when the temperature
drops, and it doesn't crack when you accidentally tread on it. Our
brass fittings are hand-finished, so you wont find any sharp
corners or rough edges on them - and that means that they are
less likely to wear their way through the leather and canvas.
According to the finish required, the fittings are lacquered, or
nickel plated.
The very first Billingham camera bag was made out of leather and
was completely hand made, even down to the brass lock. It
included over 1,000 individual hand stitches. These were made
using an awl, needles, thread and beeswax. Although we use
sewing machines for a lot of the processes these days, we still
resort to traditional hand stitching on those occasions when a
machine can't cope with the thickness of the material or the
complexity of the construction.
Shock Absorbing Foams
We use closed-cell foams from the world's leading manufacturers
to protect your valuable equipment. These foams are
manufactured using inert chemicals, which will not affect
photographic emulsion or delicate camera equipment. Each piece
of foam is precision-cut to ensure consistent quality and to
provide protection against knocks, as well as insulation against
heat and cold. Because these are closed-cell foams they won't
soak up or retain moisture; they even have positive buoyancy - so
an empty Billingham bag will float!
Shoulder Web
To ensure maximum performance from our shoulder straps, we
use a variety of materials in their manufacture. We have
pioneered the use of spun-polyester in our shoulder straps - this
is a military specification material, similar to that used as
parachute webbing on the Space Shuttle (it's made by the same
people). Spun-polyester stays flat, wears extremely well, does
not absorb water as quickly as cotton and will not rot.
Opposite
1 Hides of leather awaiting cutting.
2 Hand finished brass buckles before
final inspection and incorporation into
Billingham bags. 3 Computer generated
cardboard patterns.
7
3
550 in Khaki/Tan
The 550 is a versatile bag with more
than enough room to cope with the
most demanding of assignments.
550
10
Optional Accessories
Features
550
External Dimensions
W460 x D280 x H300 mm
W18 x D11 x H113/4 ins
Internal Dimensions
W450 x D150 x H260 mm
W17 1/2 x D6 x H101/4 ins
Weight 2.6kgs.
The 550 comes complete with
8 -15, 9-15, 9-18 SuperFlex plus Flap.
550
External Dimensions with end
pockets attached
W600 x D280 x H300 mm
W231/2 x D11 x H113/4 ins
11
1
12
445 in Black/Black
The leather bound rain flap
protects the main compartments
and front panels from the
elements.
225 in Olive/Tan
The leather shoulder pad helps
to distribute the weight, whilst
the Neoprene backing offers an
non-slip grip.
13
14
Optional Accessories
Features
225, 335
SP15, Delta End Pockets,
SuperFlex, Waist Strap
Attachment, Back Pack Harness,
Luggage Tally, Tripod Straps,
Simplies
445, 555
SP20, Delta End Pockets,
SuperFlex,Waist Strap
Attachment, Back Pack Harness,
Luggage Tally, Tripod Straps,
Simplies
225
External Dimensions
W320 x D220 x H230mm
W121/2 x D8 5/8 x H9 ins
Internal Dimensions
W305 x D150 x H190mm
W12 x D6 x H7 1/2 ins
Weight 1.6kgs.
The 225 comes complete with an
8-15 SuperFlex plus Flap.
335
External Dimensions
W370 x D220 x H265 mm
W14 1/2 x D8 5/8 x H101/2 ins
Internal Dimensions
W355 x D150 x H220 mm
W14 x D6 x H8 1/2 ins
Weight 1.9kgs.
The 335 comes complete with
8-15, 9-18 SuperFlex plus Flap.
445
External Dimensions
W420 x D220 x H315 mm
W161/2 x D85/8 x H121/4 ins
Internal Dimensions
W405 x D150 x H275 mm
W16 x D6 x H10 3/4 ins
Weight 2.2kgs.
The 445 comes complete with
9-15, 9-18 SuperFlex plus Flap.
555
External Dimensions
W470 x D220 x H315 mm
W18 1/2 x D8 5/8 x H121/4 ins
Internal Dimensions
W455 x D150 x H275 mm
W18 x D6 x H10 3/4 ins
Weight 2.5kgs.
The 555 comes complete with
8 -15, 9-15, 9-18 SuperFlex plus Flap.
15
1
25 Rucksack
25 Rucksack
External Dimensions
W340 x D240 x H400 mm
W131/4 x D91/4 x H153/4 ins
Internal Dimensions
W290 x D130 x H340 mm
W111/2 x D5 x H131/4 ins
Weight 1.7kgs.
17
1
Optional Accessories
Features
18
Optional Accessories
Features
106
External Dimensions
W280 x D180 x H230 mm
W11 x D7 x H9 ins
Internal Dimensions
W255 x D150 x H215 mm
W10 x D6 x H81/2 ins
Weight 1.2kgs.
206
External Dimensions
W320 x D180 x H230 mm
W12 1/2 x D7 x H9 ins
Internal Dimensions
W300 x D150 x H215 mm
W12 x D6 x H81/2 ins
Weight 1.6kgs.
306
External Dimensions
W370 x D180 x H230 mm
W14 1/2 x D7 x H9 ins
Internal Dimensions
W355 x D150 x H215 mm
W14 x D6 x H81/2 ins
Weight 2.0kgs.
19
1
Hadley
20
Optional Accessories
Features
Hadley Series
SP15, Replacement Straps,
Additional Removable Insert,
Small Dividers, Large Dividers,
Waist Strap Attachment,
Luggage Tally, Simplies
Hadley Pro
SP15, AVEA Pockets,
Replacement Straps, Additional
Removable Insert, Small Dividers,
Large Dividers, Waist Strap
Attachment, Luggage Tally,
Simplies
Hadley Small
External Dimensions
W290 x D120 x H210 mm
W111/2 x D4 3/4 x H8 1/4 ins
Internal Dimensions
W260 x D70 x H185 mm
W10 1/4 x D2 3/4 x H71/4 ins
Weight 0.7kgs.
Hadley Original
External Dimensions
W350 x D120 x H250 mm
W13 3/4 x D4 3/4 x H9 3/4 ins
Internal Dimensions
W320 x D70 x H225 mm
W121/2 x D23/4 x H8 3/4 ins
Weight 0.85kgs.
Hadley Large
External Dimensions
W380 x D120 x H300 mm
W15 x D4 3/4 x H113/4 ins
Internal Dimensions
W360 x D70 x H255 mm
W141/4 x D2 3/4 x H10 ins
Weight 1.45kgs.
Hadley Pro
External Dimensions
W350 x D120 x H250 mm
W13 3/4 x D4 3/4 x H9 3/4 ins
Internal Dimensions
W320 x D70 x H225 mm
W121/2 x D23/4 x H8 3/4 ins
Weight 0.85kgs.
21
1
Packington
Packington
External Dimensions
W425 x D160 x H315 mm
W16 3/8 x D61/4 x H121/4 ins
Internal Dimensions of Photo insert
W340 x D120 x H240 mm
W131/4 x D4 3/4 x H91/4 ins
Weight 1.7kgs.
22
Optional Accessories
Features
S3
S3
External Dimensions
W280 x D125 x H190 mm
W11 x D4 7/8 x H7 1/2 ins
Internal Dimensions
W250 x D100 x H155 mm
W9 3/4 x D3 7/8 x H61/8 ins
Weight 1.4kgs.
Optional Accessories
Features
23
fastenings, includes three vertical
dividers and a horizontal flap.
The TukTop zip close feature
provides a combination of easy
access with excellent protection
for equipment. Open front and
zip back pocket, additional zip
pocket in the main flap to
accommodate small documents.
Fully adjustable shoulder sling.
L2
L2
External Dimensions
W275 x D150 x H195 mm
W103/4 x D6 x H7 3/4 ins
Internal Dimensions
W250 x D110 x H150 mm
W9 3/4 x D43/8 x H6 ins
Weight 0.7kgs.
Optional Accessories
Features
25
and gusseted front pocket
completely covered by rain flap.
Fully adjustable, Velcro-tabbed
partitions. Accepts AVEA pockets.
Beta
26
Optional Accessories
Features
Beta 03
Internal Dimensions
W135 x D95 x H165 mm
W5 3/8x D3 3/4 x H6 1/2 ins
Weight 0.58kgs
Beta 06
Internal Dimensions
W110 x D120 x H165 mm
W4 3/8 x D4 3/4 x H61/2 ins
Weight 0.66kgs
Beta 09
Internal Dimensions
W175 x D120 x H260 mm
W63/4 x D4 3/4 x H101/4 ins
Weight 0.77kgs
Beta 12
Internal Dimensions
W150 x D125 x H175 mm
W6 x D4 7/8 x H63/4 ins
Weight 0.68kgs
Beta 15
Internal Dimensions
W150 x D145 x H255 mm
W6 x D5 3/4 x H10 ins
Weight 0.76kgs.
27
4
AVEA 3
External Dimensions
W80 x D40 x H150 mm
W3 x D11/2 x H6ins
Weight 0.1kgs.
AVEA 5
External Dimensions
W125 x D65 x H180mm
W47/8x D21/2 x H7 ins
Weight 0.2kgs.
AVEA 6
External Dimensions
W125 x D65 x H180 mm
W47/8 x D21/2 x H7 ins
Weight 0.2kgs.
Delta Pocket
External Dimensions
W135 x D60 x H205mm
W53/8 x D23/8 x H8 ins
Weight 0.2kgs.
28
Compact
External Dimensions
W155 x D65 x H210 mm
W61/8 x D21/2 x H81/4 ins
Weight 0.3kgs.
Airline
External Dimensions
W155 x D65 x H245 mm
W61/8 x D21/2 x H9 1/2 ins
Weight 0.5kgs.
Pola
External Dimensions
W180 x D80 x H210 mm
W7 x D3 x H81/4 ins
Weight 0.3kgs.
29
The perfect companion on any
journey. Lots of securely zipped
pockets to store passports, keys
and credit cards with a padded
main compartment for small
cameras. Made from waterproof
canvas and trimmed with topgrain leather and solid brass
Simplies
Diameter
cms
7
8
9
10
13
(inches)
(2 3/4)
(3 1/8)
(3 1/2)
(3 7/8)
(5)
16 (6 1/4)
100/160
100/220 100/270
130/170
30
SuperFlex
Diameter
cms
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
(inches)
(2 3/8)
(2 3/4)
(3 1/8)
(3 1/2)
(3 7/8)
(4 1/4)
(4 5/8)
15 (5 3/4)
7-15
8-15
9-15
10-15
11-15
18 (6 7/8)
8-18
9-18
10-18
11-18
21 (8)
9-21
10-21
11-21
12-21
Accessories
Luggage Tally
Crafted in the same top-grain
leather as the bags.
Tan/Brass or Black/Nickel.
Hadley Straps
Pair of replacement main flap
straps. Fits all Hadley models.
Tan or Black.
31
Waist Strap Attachment
Wraps around the waist and attaches to opposite sides of the bag to give
extra security and comfort. Tan/Khaki/Brass or Black/Black/Nickel.
Shoulder Pads
For bags that dont include them or replacements for those that do, the
leather and neoprene shoulder pads fix to the web shoulder strap for
comfort and grip. Tan/Brass or Black/Nickel.
Hadley Removable Insert
Removable insert for Hadley bags,
available for all models. Please
state size when ordering.
Tripod Straps
A pair of thick, strong tan leather
straps, cut and finished by hand,
with large, solid brass buckles, to
secure a tripod to a Billingham Bag.
Tan/Brass or Black/Nickel.