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555 MKII Camera/Laptop Bag

£569.00

5 year manufacturers guarantee

Select Colour:
Sage FibreNyte / Chocolate Leather (Olive Lining)
Select Colour:
Sage FibreNyte / Chocolate Leather (Olive Lining)
In stock
In stock

Model Number: 508548-54

Barcode: 5035627123158

An updated version of our classic 555 bag. This is our largest 5-Series MKII bag and has the ability to carry 2 DSLR or mirrorless cameras (3 at a stretch) plus several lenses. This camera bag has a total of 10 pockets, including a full length front pocket that can hold a 16” MacBook, tablet or accessories. Made in England with 3-layer waterproof fabric and real leather.

This is What's Included

Multiple Layout Options Inside

Multiple Layout Options Inside


As our largest bag (maybe tying with the 550), and with several included repositionable and removable dividers, the 555 MKII has numerous layout options.

 

Organisation can be further enhanced with the 20+ different divider sizes/styles available separately to customise the bag to your camera gear and preferred layout:

 

 


Please note:

  • The SuperFlex Partitions shown in the photo are not the ‘SuperFlex 10-15’ and ‘SuperFlex 10-18’ sizes that are included with the bag, although they are very similar.
  • Pro-tip: The 'DF 15-15' divider reaches front-to-back inside the main compartment of this bag, making it particularly good for some set-ups (e.g. placing two cameras next to each other in the bag).
  • SuperFlex Partitions are flexible so fit items slightly wider than their dimensions suggest.

Main Compartment and TukTop Feature

Main Compartment and TukTop Feature


To protect your valuable equipment, we have included padding on all four sides of the main compartment, as well as supplying a deeply padded basepad. The front and back walls each have two strips of Velcro® so that you can attach the padded dividers mentioned previously.

 

Behind the fabric covered padded walls at the front and back is a slim space, consisting of 2 pockets each (4 in total). Ideal for manuals, lens filters, etc.

 

The zips can also be tucked into this space to keep them out of your way while you use the bag. We call this the ‘TukTop’ feature. You can still store slim gear in the 4 slim pockets while using the TukTop feature.

 

All the features mentioned here are improvements over some previous versions of the bag, adding convenience as well as protection for your equipment.

Front pockets

Front pockets


At the front of the bag are two generously sized dump pockets. These are perfect for film rolls, cables, batteries, memory cards etc - helping you keep your bag organised whilst allowing speedy access when you need it most.

 

To further assist in organisation, adjacent to each dump pocket is a small pocket to store pens.

 

The secondary flap shown protects these front pockets from dust, weather and unwanted fingers. The flap closes with its own dedicated leather ‘Quick Release Straps’ – just lift them up-and-off the brass clogball to access the pockets.

Full Length Front Pocket

Full Length Front Pocket


The 555 MKII has a full-length zip pocket with enough space for a 16” MacBook Pro or similar sized laptop in a slim slipcase.


Please note:
- This pocket is padded on one side only.
- The discontinued Billingham 13” Laptop Slip will fit (but our discontinued 15” Laptop Slip is a little too big due to the leather trim on that item).
 

Full Width Front Zip Pocket (Continued)

Full Width Front Zip Pocket (Continued)


Within the previously mentioned full-length front zip pocket, you'll find two padded pockets, ideally suited for small lenses, compact flashes, or lavalier microphones.

 

Please note: Carrying a laptop in the front zip pocket may restrict the capacity of these two padded pockets.

Zipped Rear Pocket & Luggage Trolley Strap

Zipped Rear Pocket & Luggage Trolley Strap


On the back of the bag is a zipped pocket, for securely storing maps, tickets, and other essentials.

 

A new addition to the MKII version is the luggage trolley retainer strap, designed to conveniently slide over the handle of a trolley suitcase, a major convenience during travel.

 

Please note:
Given the large size of the bag user discretion is advised when fitting it to a suitcase. Trolley suitcases that are narrower than the bag or that have narrow handles might not be a stable fit. Of course, even if your suitcase isn’t a good fit, you’ll still be able to carry the bag on your shoulder using the included leather shoulder pad or carry it by hand with the comfort of the leather top handle.

Brass Feet

Brass Feet


Each bag in our '5 Series MKII' lineup (225 MKII, 335 MKII, 445 MKII, and 555 MKII) is equipped with durable brass feet, securely mounted on robust leather corner patches. This design not only protects the bag's corners from wear but also extends the overall longevity of the product.

 

While we are discussing the other '5 Series MKII’ bags – they are all identical to each other in design, varying only in size and the number of dividers included. The 225 MKII is the smallest and 555 MKII is the biggest.

Leather grab handle

Leather grab handle


For comfort while carrying, the 555 MKII features a leather grab handle that wraps around its strong webbing carry straps.

 

Additionally, the bag includes an extra internal webbing strap sewn in at the back under the top flap. Used in conjunction with the front handle, to which the grab handle is attached, this feature enables safe carrying of the bag even when it's open.

Delta Sling and Optional Delta Pockets

Delta Sling and Optional Delta Pockets


The shoulder sling of the 555 MKII is made of strong shuttle-woven polyester with a brass fixing to allow you to adjust the length to suit your height and shooting style.

 

Where the sling attaches to the bag, it splits into an inverted 'Y' shape at each end. This distinctive split design enhances weight distribution, ensuring the bag remains stable and level, even when carrying heavy loads.

 

Additionally, the lower ends of this split sling act as attachment points where optional Delta Pockets can be clipped on, offering added space and organization as needed. The image provided showcases the back of one such Delta Pocket.

Quick Release Straps (And How To Attach A Tripod)

Quick Release Straps (And How To Attach A Tripod)


The Quick Release System to open the top flap has been adapted so that the top grain leather straps pass through solid brass ‘D’ rings at the end of the webbing carry handles.

 

The bag was designed this way to provide fast, secure closure even when the bag is heavily loaded – the strong webbing and brass D-rings carry the weight.

 

At the bottom of the bag (front and back) are fixings for optional Tripod Straps. Additionally, some people just thread tripods through the webbing of the top handle of the bag (what will work for you depends on the design of your tripod).

Comparison To Original 555

Comparison To Original 555


Compared to the most recent version of the 555 the 555 MKII offers several upgrades:

 

  • A luggage trolley strap on the back, the old version did not have this.
  • A V-Bridge 15, useful for lens support in certain configurations, is now included inside the bag. Previously it was only sold separately.

 

Furthermore, it retains improvements that were gradually added to the 555 (and its predecessors) over the years such as the SuperFlex divider system, two strips of Velcro on the front and back of the main compartment to more securely attach dividers, a StormBlock butyl rubber lining for improved waterproofing, the 'TukTop' feature to tuck the zips of the main compartment out of the way during use and a significantly more robust 'closed-cell' foam padding.

 

Bonus notes:
- The picture is of the SP20 shoulder pad that is included with the bag).
- See the FAQs for a comparison to the 445 MKII and 550 bags.

Finally...

Finally...


Remember, like all current Billingham camera bags the 555 MKII features:

 

  • 3-layer waterproof fabric.
    The 555 MKII is made from a choice of Canvas or FibreNyte materials that are bonded to a polyester lining with a layer of butyl rubber, known as the 'StormBlock'. This butyl layer is the reason why you will never need to re-proof your Billingham bag, the 'Stormblock' layer will keep your bag waterproof for its lifetime.
  • Real, top-grain, organic, vegetable tanned cowhide.
  • Solid brass fixings.
  • Individual serial number featured on each bag to track quality and ensure authenticity.
  • 5-year manufacturers guarantee.
  • Handmade at our factory in England, this bag offers the quality you'd expect from Billingham.
The Bag

External dimensions

W470mm (18½") x D250mm (9⅞") x H320mm (12⅝")

Internal dimensions

W440mm (17¼") x D150mm (5⅞") x H260mm (10¼")

 

The 'D' measurement is flexible up to about 170mm (6¾”).

Capacity (Main Compartment Only)

16 litres (0.56feet³)

 

Weight

2.37 kgs (5.25 lbs)

 
 
 
 
Pockets
 

10 in addition to the main compartment.

 
 
 
 
Front external dump pockets (x2)

Internal dimensions (individual)

W180mm (7⅛") x D50mm (2") x H250mm (9⅞")

Capacity (individual)

1.5 litres (0.05 feet³)

 
 
Front full length zip pocket

Internal dimensions

W440mm (17¼") x D40mm (1½") x H300mm (11⅞")

 

Some people carry a laptop such as MacBook Pro (up to 16") in this compartment. However, you may wish to add a slim padded sleeve to protect the device in this position.

Capacity

5 litres (0.18 feet³)

 
 
Front internal dump pockets inside front zipped pocket (x2)

Internal dimensions

W210mm (8¼") x D30mm (1¼") x H230mm (9")

 

These pockets are padded and some customers use them to store small lenses or flashes - however that may limit your ability to carry a computing device in the wider full length pocket.

Capacity (Individual)

Nominal

 
 
Front and rear internal pockets in main compartment (2 + 2)

Internal dimensions (individual)

W200mm (7⅞") x D Nominal x H290mm (11½")

Capacity (individual)

Nominal

 
 
Rear zip pocket

Internal dimensions

W420mm (16½") x D Nominal x H260mm (10¼")

Capacity

Nominal

 
 
Shoulder sling

Length

Can be adjusted between 1050mm (41⅜") to 1500mm (59") approx.

Width

50mm (2")

 

Compatible with SP20 and SP50 Shoulder Pads. The SP20 Shoulder Pad is included when you purchase the 555.

 
 
SP20 Shoulder Pad (included)

External dimensions

W71mm (2¾") x D5mm (¼") x L227mm (9")

 

'D' measurement excludes fixings on top.

Weight

0.08kg approx (0.18 lbs)

 
 
Luggage Trolley Retainer Strap

Luggage trolley strap retainer will fit handles approximately 310mm (12¼) wide - however if the top of the handle is slightly larger than this fitting will usually still be possible.

 
 
 
 

You can find out sizing for each specific part of the product. Just select a section from the below options to find out more details.

External dimensions

W470mm (18½") x D250mm (9⅞") x H320mm (12⅝")

Internal dimensions

W440mm (17¼") x D150mm (5⅞") x H260mm (10¼")

 

The 'D' measurement is flexible up to about 170mm (6¾”).

Capacity (Main Compartment Only)

16 litres (0.56feet³)

Weight

2.37 kgs (5.25 lbs)

10 in addition to the main compartment.

Internal dimensions (individual)

W180mm (7⅛") x D50mm (2") x H250mm (9⅞")

Capacity (individual)

1.5 litres (0.05 feet³)

Internal dimensions

W440mm (17¼") x D40mm (1½") x H300mm (11⅞")

 

Some people carry a laptop such as MacBook Pro (up to 16") in this compartment. However, you may wish to add a slim padded sleeve to protect the device in this position.

Capacity

5 litres (0.18 feet³)

Internal dimensions

W210mm (8¼") x D30mm (1¼") x H230mm (9")

 

These pockets are padded and some customers use them to store small lenses or flashes - however that may limit your ability to carry a computing device in the wider full length pocket.

Capacity (Individual)

Nominal

Internal dimensions (individual)

W200mm (7⅞") x D Nominal x H290mm (11½")

Capacity (individual)

Nominal

Internal dimensions

W420mm (16½") x D Nominal x H260mm (10¼")

Capacity

Nominal

Length

Can be adjusted between 1050mm (41⅜") to 1500mm (59") approx.

Width

50mm (2")

 

Compatible with SP20 and SP50 Shoulder Pads. The SP20 Shoulder Pad is included when you purchase the 555.

External dimensions

W71mm (2¾") x D5mm (¼") x L227mm (9")

 

'D' measurement excludes fixings on top.

Weight

0.08kg approx (0.18 lbs)

Luggage trolley strap retainer will fit handles approximately 310mm (12¼) wide - however if the top of the handle is slightly larger than this fitting will usually still be possible.

16inch MacBook Pro (or smaller device) in front full-length pocket (you may wish to add a slim case for protection).

Two (maybe even 3) DSLRs with lenses attached (e.g. Canon 1DX, Nikon D6, Canon 5D, Nikon D850) plus extra lenses depending on their size. Tall enough for a 70-200mm (possibly while attached to a camera depending on size).

A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a very long lens attached (up to 37cm or 14½ long physically) laid horizontally.

Two or three mirrorless cameras with lenses attached (e.g. Fujifilm XT-4, Sony A7IV, Canon R6, Nikon Z7 - with or without a battery grip) plus extra lenses depending on their size.

Medium format cameras (Fujifilm GFX 100, Hasselblad H6D, Hasselblad 500CM etc) with extra lenses.

Some large format cameras that can be folded relatively flat.

The 'SP20' Shoulder Pad and 'SP50' Shoulder Pad both fit this bag. The 'SP20' has more grip whereas the 'SP50' has more padding. 

 

The SP20 is already included when you purchase this bag, so you only need to buy it if you have lost or damaged yours!

The 445 MKII and 555 MKII only differ in the dimensions of the height and width. The design, features and depth of the bag (front-to-back) are exactly the same. 

The main differences between the 555 MKII and 550 bags are:

 

  • The 555 MKII has a luggage trolley strap on the back. The 550 bag does not have this.
  • The arrangement of the front pockets is different on the two bags. The 555 MKII has two front dump pockets with a full length slip pocket behind them (you could say it has 3 front pockets). The 550 has two front pockets with an extra zip pocket just behind each of those (you could say it has 4 front pockets).
  • The full length front pocket on the 555 MKII can fit a 16inch MacBook inside while you put camera equipment in the main compartment. The 550 doesn't have a good place for storing a laptop - you'd need to put it in the main compartment of the bag where it could clash with camera gear and interfere with attaching SuperFlex Partitions etc. If you want to carry a laptop and camera gear together the 555 MKII is clearly the better choice between the two. To be clear, we recommend against storing a laptop in the 550 bag.
  • The 555 MKII has leather Quick Release Straps* to open the top flap (you then need to open the leather handle on top after this). The 550 bag has metal buckles to open the top flap (but you don't need to open the leather handle on top). Overall people tend to find the 555 MKII quicker to get into.
  • The 555 MKII comes with a 'V-Bridge 15' included. For the 550 this is an optional extra.
  • The 550 comes with detachable end pockets included in the price, although these are unpadded. With the 555 MKII end pockets are an optional extra (our padded Delta Pockets are compatible with the 555 MKII).

 

The main similarities between the two bags are:

  • They have almost identically sized main compartments (indeed they use the same padded basepad).
  • Both use a zip to access the main compartment.
  • They both use the same width shoulder sling and same padded shoulder pad (SP20).
  • They both feature a rear zip pocket.
  • They both have a very comfortable leather top handle for carrying by hand.

 

*'Quick Release Straps' are the name with give to leather straps that attach to a brass clogball. You just slide the leather strap down-and-off the brass clogball to open. This is a quick and easy method that can usually be done one-handed with a little practice and as the leather softens.

No. All of our bags are made of 3 layers that are bonded together; the outside Canvas or FibreNyte, a middle layer of butyl rubber and the internal lining. It is this middle layer of butyl rubber that prevents water passing through, therefore your bag will not need re-proofing. 

 

We strongly recommend you do not put your bag in a washing machine or tumble dryer or expose it to harsh chemicals as this will break down the butyl rubber and therefore the bag will no longer be waterproof. 

 

If you get a hole in the fabric, this can also mean the bag is no longer waterproof and we recommend contacting us as we offer a repair service.  

In simple terms ‘Canvas’ or ‘FibreNyte’ refers to the top, outer layer of fabric on our bags – the facecloth.

 

‘Canvas’ is a mix of cotton and polyester. ‘FibreNyte’ refers to our face fabric that is completely synthetic. Canvas is hard wearing, FibreNyte is very hard wearing.

 

Both fabrics are bonded to a non-wicking polyester backing fabric with a middle layer butyl rubber – this rubber layer makes both fabrics equally (and very) waterproof. Water can’t get through that rubber layer.

 

Both fabrics have a similar weave - the FibreNyte looks similar to canvas. Canvas is slightly softer to the touch, FibreNyte is slightly rougher to the touch.

 

Canvas is the preferred option for anyone that wants their bag to age gracefully and have that vintage look over time. This is particularly true of people who choose our ‘Khaki Canvas’ fabric as this looks particularly lovely as it ages.

 

If you prefer your bag to look newer and keep its colour for longer, FibreNyte is a better option. It is also harder wearing, particularly if you are going to be working your bag hard, hiking, taking it out every day and filling it to the brink regularly. If you are considering a black bag, we recommend considering FibreNyte. 

Delta pockets are compatible with the 555 MKII, you can find them here: Delta End Pockets

The following devices will fit:

 

  • Any iPad Mini
  • Any 9.7inch iPad
  • Any 10.2 inch iPad
  • Any 10.5 inch iPad
  • Any 11inch iPad
  • Any 12.9ich iPad
  • 13" MacBook Pro
  • 13" MacBook Air
  • 13.6" MacBook Air
  • 15" MacBook Pro
  • 16" MacBook Pro
  • Surface Pro 1-8 or X

 

Please note this pocket is only padded on one side so you may wish to add a slim case for extra protection.

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Note: 20% British VAT will be added on deliveries to United Kingdom


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