Billingham introduced new Hadley Pro 2020 camera bags (see pricing and availability at Adorama and B&H):
Billingham has unveiled the Hadley Pro 2020: a new model in its iconic Hadley camera bag range, offering outstanding protection, comfort and flexibility. The new bag builds upon the popularity of the Hadley Pro – Billingham’s biggest-selling model – with the addition of several new features requested by Billingham owners and photographers worldwide. The enhancements have been designed to increase the bag’s versatility and portability, while retaining the popular dimensions, capacity, ergonomics and classic format of the original Hadley Pro.
The Hadley Pro 2020 will be available from 7 August 2019 at a suggested retail price of £240 including VAT.
With full-frame mirrorless cameras becoming more prevalent in the market, there is once again a growing demand for bags that can accommodate slightly larger bodies and lenses. Manufactured in England from robust, three-layer, waterproof Billingham Canvas or FibreNyte material, the Hadley Pro 2020 ensures high quality, long-lasting protection for a variety of equipment – easily accommodating most DSLRs or almost any mirrorless camera with three small to medium sized lenses and accessories.
New features include:
• A high-strength handle with leather underside for extra comfort and grip, reinforced with fibreglass to minimise stress, particularly when carrying heavy equipment
• A completely removable, adjustable shoulder sling made from rugged shuttle woven spun polyester, delivering further flexibility and convenience
• A durable luggage trolley retainer strap, making life easier for frequent travellers
• A useful weather-proof zipped pocket on the back to stow and protect important documents
The bag is also furnished with a special Billingham ‘HP 2020’ embroidered label to easily distinguish the new model from the Hadley Pro, Hadley Small Pro and other bags with similar features.
As with all Billingham products, the Canvas or FibreNyte fabric is complemented by sturdy, full-grain leather trims, as well as solid brass fasteners and buckles for maximum longevity.
The Hadley Pro 2020 will be available from launch in the following six colour combinations:
• Black Canvas / Tan Leather
• Black FibreNyte / Black Leather
• Burgundy Canvas / Chocolate Leather
• Khaki Canvas / Tan Leather
• Khaki FibreNyte / Chocolate Leather
• Sage FibreNyte / Chocolate Leather
Safeguarding valuable equipment from the elements, the main top flap of the Hadley Pro 2020 is sculpted around the opening to prevent rain, snow or unwanted fingers getting into the bag, making it the perfect accessory for street photography.
Further protection is afforded by Billingham’s purpose-built Canvas or FibreNyte fabric, which includes a core of butyl rubber that is impermeable to water. FibreNyte offers all the benefits and weather-resistance of Billingham Canvas, with the extra advantage of colour fastness and even greater durability. Extremely tough, yet light in weight, neither material ever requires reproofing, both maintaining their waterproof properties throughout the life of the bag.
For ease of access, the Hadley Pro 2020 incorporates Billingham’s proprietary Quick Release System, allowing the bag to be opened and closed quickly and securely when required. In addition to this system, Billingham has fitted high quality, solid brass buckles, enabling the user to adjust and expand the two front pockets to suit their individual needs.
Completely adaptable to each photographer’s needs, the Hadley Pro 2020 comes with a removable padded insert with a lid made from fabric-covered foam that protects the contents within from all sides. By removing this insert, the Hadley Pro 2020 can be transformed into a casual messenger bag or stylish travel holdall.
Inside the padded insert, Billingham has supplied four removable, repositionable foam dividers to keep equipment and accessories fully organised – these comprise two vertical dividers and two small hinged dividers, perfect for stacking lenses.
Expandable when required, the capacity of the Hadley Pro 2020 can be increased and customised with the addition of optional Billingham AVEA 7 or 8 pockets, which fasten securely to the leather side panels to protect crucial accessories.
Furthermore, on the back of the bag users will find a discreet, weather-proof zipped compartment, handy for storing and accessing airline tickets, passports or other vital documents when travelling – and keeping all contents dry in severe weather conditions.
Integrating one of the most popular features of recently-launched Billingham bags, the company has included a robust luggage trolley strap, enabling the user to retain the bag over the handle of a trolley suitcase, while still permitting easy access to the rear zipped pocket when mounted on a case.
Harry Billingham, director, commented, “The Hadley Pro is a tried and trusted formula appreciated by photographers around the world for the last 20 years. With its clean, elegant lines and premium finish, it’s easy to see why this has become our most popular photographic bag. As always, we listened intently to our customers’ feedback and suggestions, and have built the Hadley Pro 2020 to meet those expectations. While adding extra versatility and resilience to the bag, we have been careful to preserve the classic functionality and essential protection and design features that our Hadley Pro owners have come to value and trust, for a lifetime of reliable performance.”
Made with precision at Billingham’s factory in the West Midlands, all materials and textiles meet strict criteria, ensuring every bag is crafted from verified, durable components. Each Hadley Pro 2020 is subject to extensive quality tests, and once passed, the bag is furnished with a laser-engraved label and individual serial number enabling the product to be registered and tracked through its lifecycle.
A comprehensive range of matching accessories is available for all Billingham bags, including top-grain leather shoulder pads for added comfort when travelling and leather luggage tallies in various colour options.
The Hadley Pro 2020 is made in England and backed by the Billingham 5 year guarantee.
Billingham Hadley Pro 2020 technical specifications:
| External dimensions (W x D x H) | W430 x D140 x H280mm (Height excluding handle: 240mm) |
| Internal dimensions (W x D x H)
(inside removable padded insert) |
W340 x D80 x H210mm
Padded insert is flexible so ‘D’ measurement can expand to 100mm at the bottom of the bag and (up to) 160mm at the top. |
| Capacity | 6 liters |
| Weight | 1.2kg (including removable shoulder sling) |
| Pockets | 3 |
| Front dump pockets x 2 (W x D x H) | 130-170mm x 40-60mm x 200mm, 1-1.25 litres capacity |
| Rear zipped pocket (W x H) | 320mm x 180mm |
| Detachable, adjustable shoulder sling | Length – can be adjusted between 94cm and 164cm approx. Width – 38mm; Weight – 0.16kg |
Additional information can be found at billingham.co.uk