When it comes to using the main camera, collection of lenses, filters, and other lighting accessories, I’m a bit of a backpacker. But what about those cases where you’ve got your hands full but still want a camera that’s portable and don’t want to carry around a production-ready camera bag? As a father of two young children, this situation happens to me more and more and I believe I have found the perfect solution.
Even if you don’t have kids, there are certainly times when it’s simply impractical to carry around a professional setup full of image creation tools. On the other hand, using just one camera on a cell phone can leave one wanting more. Higher image quality, better ergonomics, or the desire to simply enjoy the physical side of making photos. With that in mind, perhaps a standard-sized shoulder bag is the remedy, as it forces users to be more discriminating in choosing what items to include.
While it’s true that shoulder bags in general make accessing camera gear quick and convenient, I personally find that they hurt my back after a few hours, not to mention prolonged use of the bag. Could you say, massage therapist? True, the pain inflicted on my aging body is directly correlated with the amount of gear I’m willing to slip into my shoulder bag, so it would be fair to say it’s my fault. Despite that, there is another alternative that is said to be the ideal camera bag as a parent’s daily carry or when simply wanting to enjoy a trip (ice cream, grilled skewers). bbq, drink beer, you’ll get the idea) while also having a masterful photo maker on hand. This is where Billingham 72 become relevant.
The Billingham 72 is a compact shoulder bag designed for compact mirrorless cameras, rangefinders and fixed focal lengths. Thinking along the lines of Fujifilm X100V, Leica Q2or Leica M body with a small lens attached such as Summicron-M 35mm f/2, Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPHor Summicron-M 75mm f/2. Comfortable bag that suits me Fujifilm X100Vand I was able to insert an extra battery, USB-C charging cable, and microfiber cloth on the other side of the removable padded divider. Also, the front pocket perfectly holds my passport and that’s exactly where I keep mine. It is worth noting that the aforementioned slot can easily store a mobile phone in place of a passport. It was all the essentials I needed and encouraged me to prioritize the act of taking photos over the device itself. While I find this mandatory minimalist setup quite liberal, I freely admit that it won’t work for all cases.
Terms Billingham 72In terms of design, the bag is made from premium materials including canvas/FibreNyte, leather and metal. Everything is great and gives the impression that it is capable of withstanding decades of tough use like a champ. Billingham is famous for its long-lasting handcrafted products and I know many passionate photographers who collect them. A year on, my personal copy remains unharmed. Even when I retire X100V, I will continue to use the bag for my next compact camera. As such, I consider it a great investment, and not one tied to a particular camera model.
Looks not all, but I really love looking at this bag. It is not in your face attractive, but in elegance. And because of that, Billingham 72 discreet in that no one seems to notice it. I should point out that I have a black/black FiberNyte leather version with olive interior lining, so that will more than likely enhance its stealthy silhouette. Not only does it go unnoticed when I’m traveling, but the best part is that it’s not a burden to carry. In fact, the bag was so light that I could barely feel it.
So, how to handle this particular shoulder bag in use? Well, I’ve had moderate rain several times and my bag keeps my stuff completely dry. I mentioned earlier my desire for a bag that I could use even when my hands were full, and thankfully Billingham 72 quite easy to open with one hand (a plus for parents). The shoulder strap is also easy to adjust on the go. Other than that, the material inside is the nicest I’ve seen in a camera bag. Therefore, I don’t need to use the top lens cap Fujifilm X100V, which saves time when pulling out the camera to take a shot. It is clear to me that everything that goes into the design of this bag has been intelligently thought out and considered. Finally, the bag is even small enough that I can stash it in a larger camera backpack with my computer while traveling through airports.
What I like
- Beautiful minimalist design does not attract attention
- Extremely light
- Small footprint for a camera bag
- High level of craftsmanship
- Keep your camera safe from the elements
What I don’t like
- More cleverly placed pockets could be used
- The price is a bit higher for the number of devices it can carry
Summary
In short, I find that Billingham 72 is a great choice at times when you want a camera with you but don’t want to carry a camera kit. These days, a bag allows you to have full hands like I usually do, and still carry a compact camera while riding. This bag is great for those times when a trip is a priority rather than a panoramic photo session. What’s more, it’s a great choice for fashion-conscious minimalism as well as overburdened parents looking for a practical way to ease their burden. I was impressed that I would probably buy more Billingham bags in the long run because of the exceptional quality. The Billingham 72 easily live up to the hype.
