The 206 features the Billingham PressTop which gives maximum access to the bag. Carbon fibre rods in the top gusset provide a light weight stiffeners allowing improved access to the main compartment. Carbon fibre will flex but won't bend and get misshapen. The 206 is constructed using Softweave canvas with Billingham StormBlock protection. Much the like 225 in size but without the large front pocket, making it more compact. The 206 also has SuperFlex partions, 8-15 and flap, a zippered back pocket, military specification webbing throughout, chunky leather shoulder pad, 2-way grab handles and brass fittings. The 206 is great for a small kit of either 35mm or medium format but two front pockets offer space for accessories and optional AVEA side pockets can be added for more space. Features New, soft-weave fabric which helps eliminate abrasions, combined with Billingham StormBlock for completely waterproof canvas. Billingham PressTop lets you easily access your camera equipment on the move, through a cavernous, zippered opening. Gap-free zip-ends prevent water and dust ingress and double zip-pullers restrict access when working in crowds etc. Double grab handles with original Billingham leather grip. Main compartment has four internal flat pockets for filters etc. Superflex partitioning and thick closed cell foam base. Adjustable shoulder sling with SP20 shoulder pad.
Here is one- Billingham 206. Not cheap but worth the price. thanks to Photobug at DPReview for photos & comments
I am a minimalist. I'm also too old to go around with a backpack. (And re: that, it is getting harder to go into many museums and some cathedrals with one in Italy.) So here is my Billingham 206 shoulder bag with my stuff, and I don't usually take all this. But you can see that it holds it easily with room to throw in my little G3 (backup camera), glasses, a little makeup bag, etc. Not showing is the full length zipper pocket on the back where I can keep my memory card wallet/plane tickets etc. Also two bellows pockets on the front that I put filters in. This bag extends up another 2-3 inches in height (not shown here) if needed. Bag loaded with 10D and attached 17-40 L lens. 700-300 DO IS lens with hood is shown on the right, with room for two other smaller lenses or p/s camera. The interior padding is not removable , and the top horizontal edges have stiffening in them so that they pull back and stay secured, and expose the entire contents of the bag. This makes it very easy to operate out of. The bag came with inserts that can be arranged as needed. On the sides and ends between the padding and the bag fabric there is space large enough for filters/memory cards and other flat objects. thanks to Carolyn
