Watched your video while waiting for mine to come. Just got one in used perfect condition with the padded strap, end pockets and internal dividers for a ridiculous price of $117. I already have a set of the Delta pockets for use with the smaller 225, so I suppose I could ebay this set to reduce the cost of the 550 to virtually nothing. For me it's the perfect size for a 1 bag travel 3/4 city photo trip with my small sized Fuji gear and a sling bag inside for daily use. Pretty sure I can keep the weight manageable as it's about 1.7kg without the end pockets and hard base if not required. It's not excessively big when you don't attach the end pockets, just perfect for me.
I agree with everything you said. It is beautiful, superbly made and extremely big. I now own six Billingham bags and this model is the only one I bought second-hand, previously unused and unwanted by someone who apparently won it in a photography competition. I did get a great deal, but it has only left my home twice, for moving to Spain in 2020 and back again two years later. I wish I could transfer the two end pockets to another of my bags, but, you guessed it, they're too big! Billingham are certainly great bags, but from your comments the customs charges make them even more expensive in the USA than they are here in the UK. But I suppose it's testament to their quality that they sell all around the world anyway.
Thank you for your comments. It’s an awesome great camera bag right? I think only a few of us who own it will ever understand how useful it can be - so versatile!
Thanks for the excellent review! I just scored one off eBay for $385 USD shipped in new condition with tags and even the dust bag! Seems like it should be very versatile for my big camera gear or even to use as an overnight bag when traveling for a long weekend.
Thank you for viewing and commenting. The shoulder strap is not leather but a type of fabric like canvas. Added is a removable shoulder pad with leather and rubberlike padding. The older model 555 has a slightly different design and utilizes more canvas type strap compared to this 550.
