Billingham is synonymous with photographic bags, and it’s no surprise to find the company in England’s Black Country has been in business for half a century. In celebration, the company is producing a limited edition of the most popular bags in the range. All feature distinctive red stitching. Now, why didn’t they think of that before, you may ask.
There is no doubt that the new bags will be in demand because they look so gorgeous. And Leica owners will be first in the queue thanks to the serendipitous association of red with the brand.
The line-up
The line-up includes some of the most popular bags — the 72, the Hadley Digital, Hadley Small, Hadley Small Pro, Hadley Pro, Hadley Pro 2020, Hadley One and Mini Eventer. Each range will be limited to just 100 examples worldwide. Every bag in the series will feature a unique “Billingham Made in England — 50 Years Limited Edition” label with text in red to echo the stitching.
Above: My personal favourite, the Hadley Small Pro, which is just the job for an M or Q and a few lenses or accessories.
In addition, all these bags will include a special black-leather shoulder had with red stitching and a “Billingham 50th” branded black drawstring bag. The accessories will not be available separately.
Handcrafted from premium three-layer waterproof fabric with a core ‘StormBlock’ butyl rubber layer, these bags promise a lifetime of water resistance without reproofing. The attention to durability extends to high-quality top-grain, vegetable-tanned leather, solid brass fixings, and high-density closed-cell foam padding.
Harry Billingham’s view
Director Harry Billingham reflects, “As we celebrate our 50th anniversary with this exclusive collection, we are grateful to the photographers who have been part of our journey. These bags are crafted with the promise that we will continue to serve our community with the same commitment and quality that have been our hallmark since 1973”.
Billingham is a small, family run business that has manufactured camera bags in Cradley Heath, England since 1973, providing a high level of protection for the equipment of those in the photographic industry for decades.
In common with all Billingham bags, these limited edition models are constructed to meet the demands of professionals and enthusiasts alike. Each bag will have undergone rigorous inspection before leaving Billingham’s factory, earning a unique serial number and a five-year manufacturer’s guarantee.
Availability and pricing
The limited edition collection is available for purchase on the company’s website. US customers should visit their special site. The range is also available through selected retailers worldwide.
Suggested prices
| Model | UK ex VAT | UK inc VAT | EU ex VAT | US$ ex tax |
| 72 | £150.00 | £180.00 | €173.00 | $203.00 |
| Hadley Digital | £183.33 | £220.00 | €210.00 | $248.00 |
| Hadley Small | £220.83 | £265.00 | €254.00 | $298.00 |
| Hadley Small Pro | £245.83 | £295.00 | €283.00 | $332.00 |
| Hadley Pro | £258.33 | £310.00 | €297.00 | $349.00 |
| Hadley Pro 2020 | £287.50 | £345.00 | €330.00 | $388.00 |
| Hadley One | £308.33 | £370.00 | €335.00 | $440.00 |
| Mini Eventer | £362.50 | £435.00 | €417.00 | $489.00 |
Reviews and information on Billingham bags
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I wish they issued this for pola bags too.. I find their small size and pockets perfect for me.
Thanks for the feature Mike!
A pleasure! Your bags deserve the publicity and I hope more readers are encouraged to delve into the Billingham world. Just a word of warning. One bag isn’t enough…
I think someone needs to write an Imelda Marcos style bag-collectors review of the joys of bags and why there’s never a Goldilocks version. Mine hang up like pheasants in the cold room in an English country house but so far have not attracted attention from the powers that be. Except for that one bag eaten by the mice in England…
I still use my Hadley every day and have for over 40 years, had to get a new insert 5years ago, should outlast me.
I use a big Lowepro on the back-seat on long roadtrips, but when I go walking the Hadley it is every time.
I generally use the Hadley Small Pro because I like the carrying handle and the quick-change straps. My gear is downsized to fit. These days, heavier equipment is reserved for events and mostly when travelling by car. The Hadley Pro small is an ideal day bag for holidays and city walking.
Thanks Mike,
This is a wonderful achievement for a small company to survive this long, but significantly with an almost unchallenged reputation for excellence. I’m tempted every time I return “home” to add another Billingham bag to the collection at Cheffings Towers” and even get quiet encouragement for doing so from Her Ladyship.
I have owned three Billingham bags in my lifetime:
One I lent to a friend never to see again. One I gave to my father, which after a number of years of neglect in his attic was eventually destroyed by mice that had munched their way through it, much like teenagers going through a jumbo bag of Doritos. And one which I bought recently; a lovely Hadley Small Pro in Sage and Chocolate which I imagine will survive for many more years to come, and quite possibly beyond my lifetime. It’s the perfect synergy between being beautiful, well crafted, robust and very practical.
Now do I need another color alternative?
This sounds like bag case of GAS. You should write an article. And don’t forget about the mice.