Billingham celebrates 50th anniversary with limited edition bags

Billingham is celebrating its 50th anniversary, marking a journey of dedication and innovation that began in 1973. Founders Ros and Martin Billingham began making fishing and shooting bags in their home, driven by a passion that soon led to the creation of their iconic camera bags. When New York photographers adopted their fishing bags for their camera gear, it sparked the creation of the System 1 camera bag, now known as the 550. This marked the beginning of an era that led to global recognition and collaborations with renowned camera brands. Billingham's commitment to quality and community continues to resonate throughout the photographic industry.

Billingham's determination never wavered, even in the face of industry scepticism. Their resilience paid off when acclaimed photographers such as Lord Lichfield, Terence Donovan and David Bailey became involved, further cementing their legacy. Journalistic endorsements soon followed, filling their order book to the brim. Now, as they celebrate their 50th anniversary, Billingham camera bags are a global phenomenon, featured in films, embraced by film crews and associated with iconic camera brands. This milestone is not just about products, but about the relationships and integrity that have been the cornerstone of Billingham's enduring history.

Limited Edition bags

In celebration of Billingham's 50th anniversary of manufacturing in England, they will be launching a brand new strictly limited edition colour combination of their most popular bag ranges: Black Canvas/Black Leather/Red Stitching. The bags ar 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 the finest top-grain, vegetable-tanned leather, solid brass fixings, and high-density closed-cell foam padding – a testament to Billingham’s unwavering commitment to protect photographic gear with elegance and reliability.

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.

Unique features

• Each bag in this colourway will be strictly limited to 100 units worldwide.
• The bags will have a unique label sewn into the seam with "Billingham Made in England" on one side and "50 Years Limited Edition" on the other. The text on this label will be in red.
• They are supplied with a limited edition black leather shoulder pad with red stitching. A shoulder pad is not normally supplied as standard with these cases. These special shoulder pads will not be available as a separate accessory.
• Also included is a limited edition Billingham 50th branded black drawstring bag. These are not currently included with any of the other Billingham bags, nor are they available as separate accessories.
• The lining/padding will be in the traditional olive green colour.

Availability

These Billingham bags will be available in all black with red stitching as a limited edition from a few selected Billingham dealers in the Benelux, Germany, Austria, and Spain: 50 Years 72, 50 Years Hadley Digital, 50 Years Hadley Small, 50 Years Hadley Small Pro, 50 Years Hadley Pro, 50 Years Hadley Pro 2020, 50 Years Hadley One, 50 Years Mini Eventer.