It’s no secret that one of the most popular camera lines of the past few years has been Fujifilm’s X100 series. Strangely, though, it’s been difficult to find a high-quality carrying case that matches those cameras’ classic style. If that’s something you’ve been searching for, then be prepared to break out your credit card now, as the Billingham TEN-16 is here.
Billingham TEN-16 at a glance: $142 / £129 For compact rangefinder-style cameras Four colour options Quick ‘clogball’ closure Removable shoulder strap Approx 18 x 12 x 10cm (external) Approx 16 x 9.5 x 7cm (internal) billingham.co.uk This beautifully made soft pouch is the perfect size for the X100VI. The camera will fit with many popular accessories attached, including half-cases and hand grips. Weather-sealing UV filters and slimline lens hoods can be accommodated, too, such as the Haoge LUV-X54. Even the classic vented LH-X100 hood fits, if you’re happy slip it in over the lens in reverse.
More generally, the bag will accept flat-bodied rangefinder-stye cameras, either film or digital, up to about 14cm wide, 8cm tall, and 7cm deep including the lens (the flexible design means there’s a bit of leeway). For example, I was able to fit in the Olympus PEN-F with 17mm f/1.8 lens, or the Sony A6000 with the Samyang AF 35mm F2.8 FE.
Many classic 35mm compact rangefinders will fit too, including the Leica CL with Voigtlander 40mm f/1.4 lens, or the fixed-lens Olympus 35SP. My Nicca 3-S Leica copy drops in nicely with its 5cm f/2 Nikkor lens.
Billingham TEN-16 key features: Colours: There’s a choice between Black/Black, Burgundy/Chocolate, Sage /Chocolate and Black/Tan colour combinations Strap: The shoulder strap is adjustable, removable, and (in a first for Billingham) made entirely from leather Belt loops: Two press-stud leather loops allow the bag to be attached to your belt or to certain Billingham bags as an end-pocket Drawstring top: A neatly designed drawstring fabric closure helps keep your camera protected from the elements In design terms, the bag is pretty simple. You get a large main pocket for your camera, with two slim pockets at the back. The front one of these is 8cm deep, which makes it perfect for a spare SD card. Behind it is a full-depth pocket that could, perhaps, hold a smartphone, although it’s uncomfortably tight for my iPhone 15 Pro Max in a protective case.
If you want to carry a spare battery, you’ll have to drop it loose into the bottom of the bag.
For carrying, the TEN-16 comes with a high-quality leather shoulder strap. Alternatively, it can be attached to your belt via a pair of loops on the back. These also allow it to be used as an end-pocket on many of Billingham’s shoulder bags, including the popular Hadley Pro range.
Access to your camera is very quick, even one-handed, via Billingham’s signature ‘clogball’ closure. Padding on the front, sides, and base gives a good level of protection without making the bag too bulky. Materials and construction are exemplary, with the firm’s three-layer canvas incorporating a butyl-rubber middle layer that makes it practically impermeable to water.
The bigger option: Billingham 72 for larger cameras If you shoot with a larger compact camera, and particularly a Leica Q-series model, take a look at the Billingham 72 instead. This measures 15 x 13 x 19cm, and features a front pocket and removable webbing strap. It comes in a choice of seven colour combinations for £142.
Billingham TEN-16: Our Verdict The Billingham TEN-16 is is a lovely little bag that’s perfect for the Fujifilm X100V and other similarly sized cameras. It’s beautifully made from top-quality materials and should keep your camera protected no matter what the weather. Yes, it’s expensive, but it’s worth every penny.
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