p.1 #1 · Billingham Compact Stowaway for mirrorless cameras (pics)
Hi. There aren't a lot of write-ups out there in regards to one of Billingham's smallest bag, the Compact Stowaway, so I figured I'd post a few quick picks of the bag for all of the mirrorless users out there, because I think it is a great option for a mirrorless camera plus a few lenses.
Despite being listed as only 2" thick, the Stowaway comfortably holds the NEX-7 on its side, and I'd imagine that it'd fit most mirrorless cameras without an external EVF/EVF hump. I've read that M cameras will just fit, but I haven't tried one myself.
The bag doesn't have dividers, so I keep my lenses in thin pouches inside the bag to avoid scratching each other (basically sunglass microfiber bags,) and hopefully these pics give a sense of the size of the bag and how the items fit inside. There are some thin pockets for things like filters and a spare battery, but this is minimalist setup.
Due to its thinness, the bag is a pleasure to carry, and it contours to the body pretty nicely. The canvas is actually considered waterproof, but I can't speak for the zipper on top of the bag (most of Billingham's larger bags have a flap over the top.)
The Stowaway Compact is a bit expensive, but I can't really think of a more compact and comfortable way to carry a NEX camera with 3 primes. These Billingham bags are built to last with the highest quality materials.
p.1 #2 · Billingham Compact Stowaway for mirrorless cameras (pics)
Nice, this is very similar to the Crumpler 1 Million Dollar pouch I use for a minimalist carry though it looks like you are able to squeeze a bit more inside this bag, which certainly peaks my interest. The one thing I would be concerned about is that top zipper. Not simply due to questionable waterproofness but it seems like it might pose a scratching issue when pulling the camera in and out. Does it rub against the camera when you pull it out?
p.1 #3 · Billingham Compact Stowaway for mirrorless cameras (pics)
Tariq Gibran wrote:
Nice, this is very similar to the Crumpler 1 Million Dollar pouch I use for a minimalist carry though it looks like you are able to squeeze a bit more inside this bag, which certainly peaks my interest. The one thing I would be concerned about is that top zipper. Not simply due to questionable waterproofness but it seems like it might pose a scratching issue when pulling the camera in and out. Does it rub against the camera when you pull it out?
Yeah, the rectangle shape looks like it allows an extra lens compared to the Crumpler, and I think the Billingham is thinner. I haven't noticed any scratching issues with the zipper. The teeth of the zipper are plastic, so I don't think they'll pose much of a scratching threat, but I guess I'll find out in time.
p.1 #4 · Billingham Compact Stowaway for mirrorless cameras (pics)
BTW, some of you may notice the step down rings on my 30mm and 50mm. I use step down filters to 37mm as make-shift mini hoods on those two lenses, for a little extra protection.
p.1 #5 · Billingham Compact Stowaway for mirrorless cameras (pics)
Yes, the Crumpler will comfortably only hold the NEX-7 when mounted with one of the Sigma's for instance. You could squeeze the other on top if you had to but the design seems to really be optimized for protection rather than trying to maximize space. When only the camera with one lens attached is inside, it's very quick to open the flap and pull the camera out by its grip ready to shoot. Like your solution, the nice thing about a small pouch is you really don't even give a second thought to if you should bring the camera or not. I would like to find something more like your Billingham but with a flap on top like the Crumpler, sans zipper. http://www.gibranstudio.com/crump1.jpg http://www.gibranstudio.com/crump2.jpg
p.1 #7 · Billingham Compact Stowaway for mirrorless cameras (pics)
Yeah, I have a similarly sized Lowe Pro Exchange Messenger bag which I have a padded insert for when needed but like you say, it feels so much larger than just carrying a small pouch. The 1 Million Dollar Crumpler is actually very small. Overall, it's smaller than your Billingham though the depth is about .5 inches more. I would take the marginally larger size for the extra space probably, though it does seem quite a bit pricey for what it is.
Crumpler 1 Million Dollar Home Dimensions:
Width: 12.5 cm / 4.9 inches
Height: 17 cm / 6.7 inches
Depth: 7.5 cm / 2.95 inches
Volume: 1 L / 61 cu"
Empty Weight: 0.3 kg / 0.66 lbs
Billingham Stowaway Compact Exterior Dimensions:
6 1/4 x 2 1/2 x 8 1/4" (15.88 x 6.5 x 20.96 cm) (WxDxH)
Weight 0.66 lb (300 g)
In all seriousness, I've got a few bags, like my Artisan and Artist, that are similar in dimension to you Canon bag. The Billingham is unique in that it is so thin. You probably couldn't put most cameras in it that have an EVF, outside of the NEX-7, since it doesn't have a bump on top.
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