The Billingham 555 belongs to the popular Billingham 5 Series family, the 5 series is Billinghams most popular range of bags and it’s easy to see why this classic design has stood the test of time.
The 555 is one of Billinghams largest bags and is designed to safely carry a serious Photographers kit. The 555 boasts enough internal room in the main compartment for 2 DSLR bodies, 3 lenses and 2 flash guns. For example you could fit
A Canon 5D Mk3 with 24-70mm f2.8L lens and battery grip Attached
An additional Canon 5D Mk3 with 16-32 f2.8L lens and battery grip attached
Canon 70-200 2.8L IS USM II
And a flashgun
Remove the lenses from the bodies and you will fit an additional flash gun and mid range zoom lens.
This is just an example but smaller lenses can easily be stacked with the internal super flex system so the Billingham 555 can easily be made to accommodate multiple lenses when the lenses are carried off body.
A photojournalist set up can easily be stored with lenses and hoods (right way round) essential if you need to get your cameras in and out quickly. An example of a ready to go photojournalist set up would be
Canon EOS 7D + Canon 70-200 2.8L IS USM II with hood
Canon EOS 5D + Canon 16-32 f2.8L with hood
Both cameras can be fitted inside the 555 made up and ‘ready to go’
And there are 9 additional pockets where more lenses and flashguns can be stored if you so wish. The main compartment measures 44 x 15 x 26cm and is provided with a Superflex 10-18 a Superflex 10-15 and a Superflex Flap. (in case you didn’t know Superflex’s are Billinghams own partitions used to separate camera gear inside the bag)
The first 2 pockets are the external front ‘dump’ pockets these pockets are 13 cm wide 20 cm high and 4 cm deep they are open topped hence the name ‘dump’ pockets these pockets have their own little flap and are protected again by the main flap that covers the top and front of the 555. Next to the dump pockets is a useful pen holder.
Sandwiched between the 2 external dump pockets and the main compartment is the front compartment, the front compartment is accessed by a full length zip and measures 35cm long 25cm high and 4cm deep. Inside are 2 slip pockets which each measure 17 x 17 x 3cm you can keep a whole host of accessories in this section of the bag along with tablets, small laptops, and documents.
Inside the main compartment are 2 pockets at each side (giving you 4 internal pockets in total) these flat pockets are 16cm wide and 24cm high giving you ample space to slip various items down between your main camera gear. Another zipped flat pocket can be found at the rear of the bag this pocket measures 33 x 22 cm another great pocket for Tablets, small laptops, and documents.
The 555 is covered by a flap which fits over and protects all the pockets and compartments. This flap is fastened at the front with Billinghams own quick release system a pair of top grain leather straps thread through the brass rings of the front carry handles and are sealed by special studs.
All zips bear the Billingham logo, the main compartment is opened by a zip and features Billinghams ‘TukTop’ when your bag is unzipped the TukTop enables the unzipped sections of bag to be folded over and held in place. this ensures easy access to camera equipment, when on the move you can simply engage the TukTop and just use the bag with the flap and quick release system.
The external dimensions of the Billingham 555 are 47 cm wide by 25cm deep by 32 cm high. The bag has a capacity of 16 litres and weighs 2.3 kilos which is quite heavy for a bag but this sort of weight is expected with such high build quality.
The 555 has webbed double carry handles that are joined together at the top with a leather press stud handle bearing the Billingham stamp. All handle loops on the 555 are constructed from top grain leather, the bags flaps are also rimmed with top grain leather. The bag has a webbed shoulder strap that is non detachable but fully adjustable and has been attached to the main body of the bag with Billinghams ‘y’ sling design this minimises annoying bag wobble when walking. The strap features an adjustable and removable top grain leather shoulder pad.
The base of the bag is fully padded and waterproof with brass feet to prevent wear when putting on the ground. mounting loops are fitted to the bag so Billinghams Delta pockets can be fitted to provide extra removable storage and also Billinghams backpack harness can be added for those who prefer a backpack style bag.
555’s are available in either canvas or fibrenyte both are extremely hard wearing and fully waterproof. Billingham bags have a solid reputation when it comes to longevity, there are lots of Billingham users out there who are still using their bags after 20+ years.
Available in colours Black, Khaki, Sage, and Imperial Blue in Canvas or FibreNyte
