I Didn't Even Know These Bags Existed: The Billingham Stowaway

[@stuartdorman7125]

Back in the late 90s Billingham made a small run of padded bags inspired by the Stowaway designed to carry the Xpan on its side. The Panexia was also great for an M body and two lenses. Should never have sold that bag (or the TX-1 for that matter)

[@bigheadtaco]

very cool, thanks for the info!

[@boshooda]

I've had my eye on these for years, but never found much in the way of reviews, thanks for the overview! Have you ever had a chance to look at the Billingham Thomas Briefcase? This video really gives a great idea as to their size. I thought they were much smaller

[@bigheadtaco]

Glad to help. I haven’t tried the briefcase yet. Maybe I’ll do that one next, thanks!

[@kenhosie4533]

I've been using a Polar for many years, just occasionally as a camera bag but mainly as my 'man bag'. I love it , but then I am a Billingham fanboy - I've only got six! My first I bought in 1980 and it's still in use.

[@bigheadtaco]

Awesome. Ya I really like the Pola when I’m running some errands and force myself to carry less.

[@kevinjoefields]

FYI, I've read on reviews that Billingham said that's a waterproof zipper. The Airline Stowaway is my main bag and can hold a crazy amount of stuff. I can put a 35mm Summilux in a soft pouch, a FlashQ Q20II flash with remote transmitter turned on its side, and the Leica Visoflex TYP 020 in its leather case all in the base of the main compartment. I then have a Billingham padded divider from another bag that I just lay on top of those (in the same green color that makes it look like there is nothing below). I can then put a M10 Mono on top with a 50mm APO attached w/ leather half case and Gordy strap on it. . . I've even squeezed in my Nikon Zf with 40mm lens instead of the Mono on occasion. Front zipper body pocket holds a filter case with filters and a zippered pouch with flash filters, an extra camera battery, SD cards, some extra AA batteries for the flash, and the charger cable for the flash. Front zip pocket on the flap holds some lens wipes, a lens pen, an apple AirTag, and a microfiber cloth. Left pocket at strap holds a mini blower. Right pocket at strop holds a pencil w/sharpener cap. Back pocket holds a field notes small notebook. Still has a drop pocket I don't use plus some additional space in the pockets I described. Favorite bag ever made.

[@bigheadtaco]

Awesome, thanks for your input, and thanks for sharing how you divide up the main compartment. I'll try using extra dividers and see how it works out for my carry style. I'll double check with Billingham about the zippers too, but it's nice to know if it's WR or not. Thanks again!

[@Wordsanall]

It’s funny, I have been looking at these bags all week, to see how man M lenses I can fit in to them and there was no videos on people stuffing gear into the bags. Thanks!

[@bigheadtaco]

Glad I could help! I would recommend having smaller pouches to organize, but you could put a few lenses and/or a body, depending on which lens.

[@msamiullah001]

whats the watch on right hand ? looks really nice !!!

[@bigheadtaco]

It’s the Casio G-Shock GMW-B5000TVB-1. I call it the “Gundam” or “Rusty Armour”. Here’s the link: www.casio.com/intl/watches/gshock/product.GMW-B5000TVB-1/

[@polygoncoco]

Do I see a Leica watch on your left wrist? 👀

[@bigheadtaco]

Yes, good eye!

[@peetje28021970]

When did you decide to wear 2 watches and why?

[@bigheadtaco]

Both a short and long store. I just like wearing two. Maybe 20 years ago? I don’t always wear two, but for KZbin, it make sense 😅

[@hervet6958]

What is your wallet please?

[@bigheadtaco]

Plotter Mini 5 plotterusa.com/collection-by-mini-5/#mini-5-leather-binder