445 Camera Bag - Khaki Canvas / Tan Leather Reviews

5 Rating 9 Reviews

About Billingham:

Billingham are a family owned company, manufacturing camera bags for the world’s photographers since 1973 alongside a range of leisure and laptop bags. All bags are made in the West Midlands area of England, a region famous for manufacturing. A core reason for Billingham’s longevity is the fact that from the start, the Billingham family were determined that their products would always be made to the very highest standards from the best available materials to provide high levels of protection for their valued contents.

A notable feature of Billingham camera bags is that they are made from a distincive 3-layer waterpoof canvas that never needs reproofing. They also feature genuine top grain leather and solid brass details.

Like any premium product, the quality of materials, design and craftsmanship that goes into creating a Billingham means that it represents a significant investment. It’s important that they don’t just look beautiful, but that they do their job of protecting equipment wherever they are and whatever they’re being used for – year in and year out.

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Phone:

1384412700

Email:

help@billingham.co.uk

Location:

Unit 4, City Estate, Corngreaves Road
Cradley Heath
B64 7EP

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How would you rate the build quality of the bag/product?

Did you buy the product from Billingham.co.uk? yes

“Accommodates a medium format camera and two lenses along with associated bits and bobs.”

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Posted 1 year ago

How would you rate the build quality of the bag/product?

Did you buy the product from Billingham.co.uk? yes

“parfait et assez grand pour mes 2 boitiers reflex, mes 3 optiques et mon macbook pro 15". La finition est top, les cuirs sont épais, la toile est juste superbe l'intérieur spacieux.”

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Posted 3 years ago

How would you rate the build quality of the bag/product?

Did you buy the product from Billingham.co.uk? no

“Coming from the Hadley large and needing more room, I got a 445 which seemed too big at first glance. But after weeks of work (I am pro), it fits very well and can even 'mold' a little bit around you in a comfortable way, almost like the Hadley series. It is expensive, yes... for the ones who don't know the materials or workmanship of Billingham products. Reputation is there and everything with a reputation is expensive. It's not a cheaply far-eastern product, it's a bag with a classic look which attract photographer's eyes and even women who are aware of quality. 445's charm brings you back to the golden age of photojournalism. More than just a photo bag, it's a tool to be linked with a particular spirit. Build quality is first class. Some says It's build for punishment, certainly yes but It's not my goal. I'll take care of it as far as I can. One can be bothered by the front carry handle let loose under the bag when open. Just put it in one of the front pockets or lock it with the front pockets straps and that's it. Those carry handles are designed to allow you to carry the bag even when opened and for me the benefit is above all. 445 certainly attract eyes, but zip, flaps and carry handles offer multiple combinations to work in safety ways, and when fully closed, 445 is almost impossible to open for pickpockets. Don't be too much concerned about bag appearance : if a bad guy want to kill you to grab your 445, you are probably in a place where quality or look of your bag don't count for a lot. I ordered a third padded divider to fully use the cargo capacity of the bag and doing this, it is now very heavy so you must order the SP50 pad which is a better choice that's the one (thin) included. SP 50 type pads are the best from all those I experienced during my career. To resume, the 445 is like UK : a classic, traditional beautiful product which high technology inside. Like Spitfire or Aston Martin; definitively a must.”

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Posted 3 years ago

How would you rate the build quality of the bag/product?

Did you buy the product from Billingham.co.uk? no

“I purchased my Billingham bag in August 1993 with extra inserts and with the back pack harness. It was the original to the 445 bag. Since then the only thing I had to do was replace all the insides including the inner base around nine years ago. Since then I have purchased a Black/Black 445. My original bag is still going strong and I wish I had one in the 1980s. For me there is no other bag that has been as good. The first thing I did was to balance the bag to my lower lumbar area and like that I can keep the bag against my back with just a light use of my arm. When needed I just tilt my should and it swings around ready for use in front of me. Adjustments I have also made adjustments to the inserts and have my Pentax K1 in side an insert with the centre partition removed. I have picked the joints out on another insert and removed the centre partition. I then had a flat insert. Finally I sowed up any seams/edges that needed to be sewed and left a panel out of one end that could be folded flat. What I have is what I call a quilt and it goes over the top of my level inserts so I have a gap between it and the top of the bag. This means I can place a flash or other items and it will not bump into the lenses under it. The part without a panel in is used to remove the quilt from the bag. Lastly I have made some pillows to fit in the inserts so small lenses can be stacked on top of each other. I can get two lens’s safely in one partition that way Its a shame the back pack harness is no longer available as I use mine a lot and it is showing signs of wear and it always attached by the rear three attachments. When needed I just bring the straps over and attach them. They will go for a few years longer. The only down side is my age so I will have to leave some items out as I now getting aches in some of my limbs. Great bags and mine has been with me many years, well worth the cost of the initial outlay. Back in 1993 my kit was around £134.00 so they are very cost affective. I would defiantly recommend them. The other item is they do not look so much like camera bags so they are not so obvious a target for thieves. Thanks Team. Graham Lovell”

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Posted 3 years ago

How would you rate the build quality of the bag/product?

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Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

Did you buy the product from Billingham.co.uk?

“My Billingham 445 is an amazing camera bag. The whole experience with Billingham was wonderful! First, a bit about the order and shipment. I ordered it online directly from Billingham on a Tuesday evening and immediately received a confirming email. By the way, their site and ordering app is just excellent. On Wednesday I recieved a shipping confirmation from Billingham and within several minutes an email from UPS with a tracking number and a promised delivery for that Friday! UPS almost drove me crazy with status emails on the shipping, lol. Sure enough by Friday at 2:30 PM I had received the bag in perfect condition in Billingham's well protected shipping box. UPS is excellent and I was astonished at the quick turnaround for a delivery from the UK to Winnipeg, Canada (middle of Canada and North America)! Now, for the 445 Sage Fibrenyte bag itself. It is a large bag, but this size is exactly what I want. It holds my Nikon D500 DSLR with the extra battery/vertical grip attached, a 16-80mm Nikon lens (attached), a 70-210mm Tamron lens, a SB-800 flash unit, a pack of 3 B+W filters, lens hoods, large blower brush, and numerous small accessory bags/pouches. I ordered the additional V-Bridge insert that supports the attached lens on the D500 with grip. No way would my previous bag accommodate that combination so easily and so safely. The 2 Super-Flex inserts provided are just perfect for lenses and expensive accessories needing the added protection. I do not have a laptop for photography yet but it is great to know that I am able to fit one so easily as well as other camera accessories in the future. On a trip last year to Europe, I struggled to fit my iPad in my old bag. This will not be a problem anymore, plus I have lots of room for growth with the 445! The quality is stunning - from the padding and protection for the central camera area, to the overall quality of the material, leatherwork, heavy duty straps, and above all ... to the superb quality workmanship. The upgraded shoulder pad that is included is very worthwhile. While my bag is fairly heavy with all that equipment, I wear it cross-shoulder/cross-chest and it is quite comfortable (I believe this would be referred to as messenger style carry). While not inexpensive, I agree with others that your costly camera gear deserves this level of quality and protection. You can tell that you will receive many, many years of life from this bag. Even when cameras become outdated by technology, I am more than certain this will not happen to my bag. My son is also into photography and I can foresee leaving this bag to him. Bottom line? The Billingham 445 surely deserves a full 5-stars! I highly recommend it. If you are on the fence, just get off it ... and buy a Billingham! You will not regret the quality of the bag, nor the service from them. Thank you Billingham! Best regards, Peter”

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Posted 4 years ago

Did you buy the product from Billingham.co.uk?

“I have just purchased the 445 in sage. The bag looks great and the quality is excellent. I have had a 225 for over 30 years and it is still in good condition, that is why I purchased a new bag for new and additional equipment. The 445 is much bigger than my older bag but the additional pockets and extra space makes this a perfect choice. I am so please with it overall and hope it will give me the service my 225 has given me. Purchase from Wex Camera who also gave excellent advice.”

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Posted 4 years ago

“Had 445 canvas for the best part of 30 yrs, still looks good for it’s age, got a few marks and stains on it from when it’s rolled down a hillside in the Lake District (fastened up) contents all intact and undamaged thanks to the great padding, and it’s outlasted several film and digital cameras, don’t use it as much now when I’m carrying my full kit as it doesn’t all fit, but it’s great for carrying a cut down kit. I’ve had to replace the inserts 5 years ago (sponge in them had gone to dust) so it’s good to go for another 30yrs, I’ll be handing it down to my grandkids (not that I’ve got any yet)”

1 Helpful Report

Posted 5 years ago