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.
The first, purpose-designed soft camera bag is still in production,
virtually unchanged from the original design. Like all Billingham
products, it has a distinctly "English" character,
echoing the craftsmanship and traditional materials that are incorporated
in every model in our range, Indeed, these qualities have been widely
recognized, Billingham Bags have traveled far beyond their traditional
photographic market - and far beyond the shores of Britain-used
by businessmen, travelers, technicians and professionals in many
fields to carry valuable and vulnerable equipment around the globe.
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, Billingham 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. Billingham's experience dictates that
a bag should designed so that it will hold its shape naturally over
years of use.
Billingham bags are made to withstand the rigors of traditional
English weather. This means that the canvas is waterproof, the lining
is non-absorbent, and the seams are bound with waterproof tape.
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, thread that contains cotton is used:this swells
when it gets wet, effectively sealing the hole. Billingham uses
every possible measure to protect your equipment and keep it dry.
The deep, soft construction of Billingham bags mold to the body,
taking the pain out of toting heavy equipment. Flexible internal
dividers provide a kind of suspension system, while allowing the
user to customize the interior to suit individual taste. This soft
bag construction of Billingham utilizes a special "Superflex" partitioning
system, manufactured of closed cell foam,which means that cameras
and lenses simply move out of the way when pushed, preventing internal
collisions. The unique double-grab handle system makes it easy to
pick up the camera bag whether open or closed. In addition, the
famous "QRC" Quick Release Closure system is constructed of solid
brass clog bolts and allows for quick opening and closing of the
interiors compartments. Additional compartments, give ample room
to hold film, meters, flash and other accessories. Loop fixings
allow for fastening our unique pocket accessories to the bags. Thick,
padded shoulder straps are available for all models.
On the one hand, Billingham's approach is traditional - using only
materials whose qualities they understand, and whose performance
they can predict and rely upon. On the other hand, they are committed
to developing and improving Billingham products. Where there is
a clear benefit to be gained, they will use new materials, refine
their designs and Billingham has been known to consult with their
users to anticipate and meet new demands.
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.
