Billingham Hadley Digital: Great Choice For a Leica M Kit
Hey everyone. So, as some of you know, the Leica SL2 is my main camera. It’s what I use for my work, and the L mount system, in general, is what I use most of the time along with Fuji X mount too. With that said, since the release of the Leica M11, I have been using it a lot as well. I wouldn’t say I’m switching back to the M system as I am definitely dedicated to L mount. However, I am using it enough that I guess a few of you noticed, and have sent me messages asking me what bag I’m using with it. There are tons of great bags out there, and I don’t dispute that at all but I feel the Billingham Hadley Digital really fits me best. So, I thought I’d write something up about it along with an explanation of why I chose this bag in particular, and why I feel it’s just right for my Leica M gear. Of course, if this works for M gear, it’ll work for any other mirrorless set up of similar size.
I get a small commission from purchases made through the links mentioned in this article, which in turn, helps support this site but it will not cost you anything extra. Thank you!
I’ve been through different bags over the span of my photography, and it makes sense since, like everyone else, my photography is always evolving. Shooting styles, and methods sometimes change or evolve, which in turn, can change the gear I need or don’t need anymore. I use my Leica SL2 mainly for work shoots, so often times, I am transporting a bit more gear or larger gear. Therefore, my Billingham 307 is still my main bag for my SL2.
↑ Here’s a kit I would typically bring with me at times. In the photo is the Leica M11, the Summilux-M 50mm f1.4 ASPH Black Chrome, and the Voigtlander Nokton Classic 35mm f1.4 II SC.
With the M11, it’s a bit different. Yes, I will take it on a shoot with me at times but if I do, I’ll usually find some space in my 307. For me though , I like to mainly use the M11 for those days when I want to be light on my feet. This usually means I’m either shooting with just one lens or maybe two, if I really feel like I need the extra focal lengths.
Therefore, I want a bag that is just large enough to carry the bare minimum comfortably (meaning not feel like I am stuffing everything in) all while also offering great protection, since gear, especially Leica gear, is so expensive. I also want something that is discreet, and easy to use. I want something that will let me just shoot, and not get in my way. This is how I ended up with a Hadley Digital. I wrote a full review of the bag with plenty of photos a while back (for those interested, the link is here), and I remember loving it so much. I finally decided to add one to my collection.
In terms of size, I couldn’t ask for better. The Billingham Hadley Digital feels great carrying even when I’m carrying nothing else but the M11 with a lens attached. It doesn’t feel like an oversized bag in any way even though there is some space left for up to two M lenses. So, if I wanted to, I could just throw in one or two extra lenses, and they will comfortably fit inside the bag. I also love the fact that the Hadley Digital is not a pouch. That’s not what I wanted. I wanted a small shoulder bag.
↑ As you can see, there’s a good amount of space for the M11 along with the Summilux-M 50mm f1.4 ASPH Black Chrome.
↑ There are two flaps that are included. I can place them in this way, and then put two M lenses on the sides.
↑ I can then place the camera on top like in this photo.
I also like the Hadley Digital because it is quick, and easy for me to retrieve my gear or place it all back in the bag. The operation is so smooth that one can grab or put stuff back in without looking. The Hadley Digital uses what Billingham calls their Quick Release System. When the bag is locked, it is extremely secure. Not only will it not open accidentally, anyone trying to open the bag without your permission might not even know that you don’t unlock it by loosening the buckle; instead, you open it by simply sliding it off the brass clog ball. It’s also silent in operation, since all you have to do is remove the leather strap from the clog ball. Furthermore, the flap is a clam shell design, so it basically covers the entire opening of the bag including the smaller front pocket. Lastly, the flap opens up quite a bit so you’re granted with easy access to what’s inside.
↑ You simply slide the leather strap right off the brass clog ball on top to open the Hadley Digital.
↑ As you can see, the flap opens completely, allowing you easy access to the gear inside.
Of course, I also want a bag that is tough. I want something I don’t have to baby around. I love my gear, and I hate when something happens to it but I feel a little different when it comes to a bag because I feel strongly that its main purpose is to protect the gear. So I am a bit harder on my bags but this is not a problem with Billingham gear because they’re so well made. The canvas (or FibreNyte in this case) is waterproof, so the Hadley Digital can be used rain or shine. The padding, as I’m sure you can see in some of these photos, is very thick, so it does a fantastic job protecting the gear inside from impact. If you want to see better photos, check out my full review.
What’s also great about the Billingham Hadley Digital, and another major reason I chose it as my M bag is it’s easy to live with on a daily basis. It comes in several colors but I specifically chose the Black with Black Leather Trim for added discreetness. Furthermore, the Hadley Digital doesn’t even really look like a typical camera bag, so it doesn’t shout photographer out to random people on the street. I’m able to walk around quietly, and get the shots I want without people really noticing. I can ride the subway, and feel safe. It’s still a beautiful looking bag though but in a more classy, and low key way. You can take this bag along with you to a formal dinner but at the same time, it will also feel right at home out in the field.
↑ The Hadley Digital is great for an M user but also a fantastic choice for any other rangefinder or similarly sized mirrorless camera.
So, as I said before, there are plenty of decent bags out there but for me, the Billingham Hadley Digital has been pretty much the perfect Leica M bag. It’s compact, discreet, light, and it fits a basic kit of up to 3 lenses. It’s also one of the most well made bags out there by a highly respected manufacturer that has been in this business for several decades. The costs is about $200 but it is seriously worth every penny, especially when you consider how long it will last. So, if you have a Leica M11 or any type of rangefinder or mirrorless system, the Hadley Digital is definitely a great choice.
I get a small commission from purchases made through the links mentioned in this article, which in turn, helps support this site but it will not cost you anything extra. Thank you!
This was not a review but if you want, you can read my full Digital Hadley review as well.
