Case - Billingham PDF
Case - Billingham PDF
Case - Billingham PDF
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
When it was introduced in 1978, the Billingham Bag set a new
standard in the photographic world. It was conceived by people
who knew about photography; it was designed to meet the
needs of professional photographers; and it was manufactured
by skilled craftsmen, using the most appropriate and highest
quality materials available. The Billingham Bag met with instant
approval from photographers around the world and rapidly
became an indispensable accessory for both professionals and
discerning amateurs.
Like all successful innovations, the Billingham Bag has its Billingham bags are different - not just for the sake of appearance,
imitators. However, although there are other bags similarly styled but as a result of the careful consideration we give to the bag's
to ours, the similarity is often just cosmetic. For example, when function and performance. For example, our bags are deeper
making a Billingham bag, we use the natural characteristics of than most. This increased depth gives more security from
canvas, together with our knowledge of how to cut and stitch it, pickpockets and prying eyes; pockets can be deeper, and
to provide the bag's stiffening and shape. personal items can be stored on top of equipment. Our
experience dictates that a bag should be designed so that it will
Our first, purpose-designed soft camera bag is still in production, hold its shape naturally over years of use.
virtually unchanged from the original design. Like all Billingham
products, it has a distinctly English character, echoing the Our products are made to withstand the rigours of traditional
craftsmanship and traditional materials that are incorporated in English weather. This means that our canvas is waterproof, the
every model in our range. Indeed, these qualities have been lining is non-absorbent, and the seams are bound with
widely recognised: Billingham bags have travelled far beyond waterproof tape. We go to great lengths to make sure that the
their traditional photographic market - and far beyond the shores way the bag is put together maintains that inherent
of Britain - used by businessmen, travellers, technicians and waterproofing. All overlapping seams are tiled, sewing needle
professionals in many fields to carry valuable and vulnerable sizes are kept as small as possible, and just to be sure that the
equipment around the globe. 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.
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. SoftWeave Black/Black
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. SoftWeave Khaki/Tan
For the lining of our bags, we chose a smooth AntiFray material - Conventional zip fasteners are not really strong enough for
we believe it is important that no tiny material fibres from the everyday use in a camera bag; so we use 8mm zips, where the
lining should find their way into cameras and lenses. The material coil teeth are woven into the supporting tape, rather than sewn in
is also specially treated to help prevent wicking (the process of the usual way. Not only is the resultant fastener stronger than a
water being sucked through the fibres, like a candle wick, to conventional zip, it is also flatter and hence less prone to
permeate the material). abrasion. The pullers too, are stronger than normal: this helps to
prevent them creeping and slipping.
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 The very first Billingham camera bag was made out of leather and
dyed by hand. Finally a light coating of wax or, in the case of was completely hand made, even down to the brass lock. It
bridle leather, fat is applied. The process used to treat our hides is included over 1,000 individual hand stitches. These were made
designed to bring out the richness of the natural grain and is in no using an awl, needles, thread and beeswax. Although we use
way intended to hide marks or healed scars which appear sewing machines for a lot of the processes these days, we still
naturally. resort to traditional hand stitching on those occasions when a
machine can't cope with the thickness of the material or the
6 Not only are there many different types of leather, each separate complexity of the construction.
part of a single hide has individual properties: some parts are
strong along the grain, others are soft and supple enough to bend Shock Absorbing Foams
round corners. We use different parts of the hide throughout
each bag, choosing the characteristics of the leather to suit the We use closed-cell foams from the world's leading manufacturers
function of each individual component. to protect your valuable equipment. These foams are
manufactured using inert chemicals, which will not affect
Brass photographic emulsion or delicate camera equipment. Each piece
of foam is precision-cut to ensure consistent quality and to
All our fittings are either cast or machined from solid brass. We provide protection against knocks, as well as insulation against
choose brass for several reasons: the first, and most obvious, is heat and cold. Because these are closed-cell foams they won't
that it will not rust. As time passes, brass may tarnish and develop soak up or retain moisture; they even have positive buoyancy - so
a patina, which acts as a protective layer, preventing deterioration - an empty Billingham bag will float!
compare this with steel which, even when heavily plated, can
develop rust spots that eat into the material. Unlike plastic fittings, Shoulder Web
brass doesn't become noticeably brittle when the temperature
drops, and it doesn't crack when you accidentally tread on it. Our To ensure maximum performance from our shoulder straps, we
brass fittings are hand-finished, so you wont find any sharp use a variety of materials in their manufacture. We have
corners or rough edges on them - and that means that they are pioneered the use of spun-polyester in our shoulder straps - this
less likely to wear their way through the leather and canvas. is a military specification material, similar to that used as
parachute webbing on the Space Shuttle (it's made by the same
According to the finish required, the fittings are lacquered, or people). Spun-polyester stays flat, wears extremely well, does
nickel plated. not absorb water as quickly as cotton and will not rot.
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3
" When photographers
discover my name,
theyre always keen to
tell me how pleased
they are with our bags
and how well they
perform.
Harry Billingham
SALES & MARKETING
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550 in Khaki/Tan
The 550 is a versatile bag with more
than enough room to cope with the
most demanding of assignments.
550 The 550 was the first soft camera bag
manufactured in Britain. Its continuing success,
both as a spacious camera bag, and as a general
travel bag have meant that, apart from a few
very minor improvements, it remains much the
same as when it was first introduced. With its
many pockets, you have the option of stowing
items for easy access or maximum protection -
a truly versatile bag.
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225 in Olive/Tan
The leather shoulder pad helps
to distribute the weight, whilst
the Neoprene backing offers an
non-slip grip.
225, 335, 445 & 555 We believe that photographers often find a bag
with the ideal combination of features, but it's
either too small or too large for their needs.
That's why we've introduced this range. The 225,
335, 445 and 555 all share the same features, the
only difference being their size. Now both
professionals and amateurs can easily find a
model that matches the size of their outfit,
without having to compromise - from the
compact 225 to the roomy 445 and 555 - bags
that can take a hammerhead flashgun standing
upright.
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" It's very satisfying to
work with materials
that you know are the
best. It means that you
can take a pride in
your work, and you
know that no-one else
can make a better
bag."
Wayne Shaw
MATERIALS PURCHASING AND PROCESSING
25 Rucksack Whether you're tackling rough terrain, an
arduous journey, or just carrying a lot of
equipment, the new Billingham 25 Rucksack
makes the job easier. Leaving both arms free, it
gives you maximum freedom of movement, as
well as keeping you well balanced, and
providing the ultimate protection to your gear.
25 Rucksack In the 25 and similar compact sized rucksacks,
External Dimensions the correct ergonomic carrying position is across
W340 x D240 x H400 mm
W131/4 x D91/4 x H153/4 ins the shoulders, hence the absence of a waistbelt.
Internal Dimensions
W290 x D130 x H340 mm
W111/2 x D5 x H131/4 ins
Weight 1.7kgs.
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AVEA Pockets, Small Dividers, 1 25mm closed-cell foam provides opening flap has an inside pocket 3 Shoulder straps and back panel
Large Dividers, Luggage Tally, a protective envelope to the for papers and a roomy, zippered have high-loft mesh lining.
Tripod Straps, Simplies rucksack's contents, while the fully outer pocket for waterproofs and 4 Attachment points are provided
adjustable interior with Velcro similar items. 2 There are double for extra pockets to be added.
fastenings can be adapted to suit cord pullers and elasticated flap Accepts AVEA pockets.
any outfit. The full size, front- covers on all zip pockets for
additional bad weather protection.
106, 206 & 306 These are the first of a new generation of
Billingham bags, and rapidly proving to be some
of our most popular models. Constructed from
Billingham SoftWeave canvas, they are
lightweight, and hard-wearing. Less deep, front
to back, they can be carried closer to the body
and because of the unique Billingham PressTop
design, which uses specially shaped panels and
lightweight carbon fibre, they are extremely
functional and ideal for any serious photographer.
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Hadley The Photo Hadley is an immensely popular bag.
One day, it can be a roomy, well-equipped
camera bag; the next it can double as a business
case. The Original and Large Hadleys are big
enough to take A4 files or a laptop computer.
The range now includes Small and Large
versions, as well as the Hadley Original bag.
The latest addition to this range is the Hadley
Pro - the same size as the Hadley Original, but
featuring a zippered back pocket with protective
rain flap, carrying handle and the facility to
accept the AVEA range of pockets.
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Packington First conceived in the late 70's, the Packington's
design has stood the test of time, and it's still one
of our most popular models. Not only is it the
stylish and comfortable way to carry cameras,
laptops or video cameras, it also doubles as a
roomy travel bag - the ideal companion to
accompany you on a voyage around the world in
Packington
eighty days, or journeying from pole to pole.
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.
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.
SP15, AVEA Pockets, Luggage Protected from the elements by a equipment if you need to. 3 Rear
Tally, Simplies combination of coatings on the loop enables pouch to be attached
outer canvas, together with an to a belt 4 A simple, but effective
impervious, waterproof StormBlock loop system allows additional AVEA
layer and a non-wicking liner. side pockets to be attached to both
Special binding tape on the inside sides of Beta pouches. These self-
prevents rain water ingress through contained pouches are in turn easily
the seams. 1 The zip is carried on mounted onto a belt if needed and
a partial cone-section skirt, which can provide extra room to carry
places the zip below and away from lenses, light meter, films etc. A fully
the top flexible internal divider. adjustable and detachable 40mm
2 A divider is provided to allow wide shoulder sling is provided.
your Beta pouch to stack items of
Beta 03 Beta 06 Beta 09 Beta 12 Beta 15
Internal Dimensions Internal Dimensions Internal Dimensions Internal Dimensions Internal Dimensions
W135 x D95 x H165 mm W110 x D120 x H165 mm W175 x D120 x H260 mm W150 x D125 x H175 mm W150 x D145 x H255 mm
W5 3/8x D3 3/4 x H6 1/2 ins W4 3/8 x D4 3/4 x H61/2 ins W63/4 x D4 3/4 x H101/4 ins W6 x D4 7/8 x H63/4 ins W6 x D5 3/4 x H10 ins
Weight 0.58kgs Weight 0.66kgs Weight 0.77kgs Weight 0.68kgs Weight 0.76kgs.
Typical load Pentax MZ-10 with Typical load Minolta Dynax 9 with Typical load Canon EOS 5 with Typical load Nikon F5 with f3.5- Typical load Nikon F5 with f4.5-
f5.6, 28-200 or Canon EOS 300 f3.5-5.6, 28-80.(lens forward). motor drive f3.5-5.6, 28 -105 plus 5.6, 80-200. (lens forward). 5.6 135-400 Sigma (lens down).
with f3.5-5.6, 28-80 (lens down). Sigma f4-5.6, 75-300.
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Pouches & Pockets
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AVEA Pockets are a range of Delta pockets are an ideal way to behind the flap and close the
padded pockets featuring a expand your Billingham 225, 335, studs without pressing on the
drawstring neck and twin leather 445 or 555 camera bag - you pouches contents. You can also
fixing straps that enable them to simply snap them in place behind attach them to your belt to carry a
be attached to a number of the Delta sling. They are padded, snapshot camera, battery pack or
Billingham bags. They can also be have a drawcord neck and an film etc.
fixed to a belt if preferred. ingenious fastening system which
allows you to slip your fingers
Compact Airline Pola
External Dimensions External Dimensions External Dimensions
W155 x D65 x H210 mm W155 x D65 x H245 mm W180 x D80 x H210 mm
W61/8 x D21/2 x H81/4 ins W61/8 x D21/2 x H9 1/2 ins W7 x D3 x H81/4 ins
Weight 0.3kgs. Weight 0.5kgs. Weight 0.3kgs.
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The perfect companion on any fittings, these bags feature our
journey. Lots of securely zipped Quick Release System front flap
pockets to store passports, keys and come complete with shoulder
and credit cards with a padded sling and belt loops. Choose the
main compartment for small Compact for small binoculars, the
cameras. Made from waterproof Airline to take your holiday tickets
canvas and trimmed with top- and the Pola for bulkier books and
grain leather and solid brass cameras.
Simplies These simple little pouches are
ideal to put your lenses, sunglasses,
films or pens in and are excellent
for keeping dust or sand at bay.
They are available in seven sizes,
the first number relates to the base
diameter, the second to the height.
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SuperFlex At the heart of the Billingham's
defence system against bumps and
SuperFlex is constructed using a
smooth, non-abrasive AntiFray
compartments, one square to take
a lens and the remaining space,
knocks is our SuperFlex partition material which covers non- depending on its size, might hold
system. When the bag moves, the absorbent closed-cell foam. another lens or perhaps a flashgun
SuperFlex inserts will adjust with The compartments separate and or other accessory. Choosing the
that movement, making it more protect your camera equipment correct size is easy. All you need
comfortable to work with. They will while inside the bag. Additional or are two dimensions, the physical
also let your equipment move out replacement SuperFlex containers diameter and height of your lens
of the way before any damage is can be ordered to match your in centimetres.Should you need
caused, making SuperFlex a basic particular equipment configurations. them, additional bases and flaps
but effective first stage protector. SuperFlex is divided into two are also available.
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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.
Tripod Straps
A pair of thick, strong tan leather
Back Pack Harness straps, cut and finished by hand,
Designed to attach to the five loops on 225, 335, 445, 555, 206 and with large, solid brass buckles, to
Packington, it enables these bags to be carried in an upright position secure a tripod to a Billingham Bag.
on the back. Tan/Khaki/Brass or Black/Black/Nickel. Tan/Brass or Black/Nickel.