Airport Scanner & Film

[LadyLuc361]

I was wondering if only the scanner that scans the check-in luggage would ruin the film? Or is carry-on luggage also affected by the scanner you have to put your carry-on bag through during the security check. I don't want my film ruined!! Thanks for any help anyone can give me!

 

[Ames]

Pretty positive the way to go is carry film/camera in carry on. I know from past trips I have pics from on the plane so they must have turned out just fine. If you are still concerned take it out of your bag and ask secruity.

 

[FatCow]

1. The check-in Xray is stronger and they will definitely ruin your film

2. The carry-on Xray is less powerful so they only may ruin your film. Ask for visual inspection instead. No matter what people say, even on an 200 ISO film, I can see cloudiness after the film was exposed to Xray twice.

 

[FatCow]

1. The check-in Xray is stronger and they will definitely ruin your film

2. The carry-on Xray is less powerful so they only may ruin your film. Ask for visual inspection instead. No matter what people say, even on an 200 ISO film, I can see cloudiness after the film was exposed to Xray twice.

 

[Chicago526]

According to the TSA, film speed up to 800 is safe in the scanners at security for carry on. Over 800 they will hand inspect. Under they insist it go through. Same for checked bags. But for checked, you can buy a lead lined bag (get them at a camera store) to protect from the scanner.

I've never had a problem myself, but I have heard some people have. If you have exposed film (ie you took pictures) and you are really worried about them being ruined by the scan on the way home, then have them developed while at WDW. It's more expensive, but you'll be buying peace of mind. I've never heard of a problem with blank film being scaned, and then problems with development prior to return, only problems with scan both comming and returning and devolpment at home.

 

[FatCow]

quite unfortunately, TSA is no expert in photography.

Just for the fun of it, I brought 2 rolls of film. One 200 speed and another 400 speed. I used the films by taking "pictures" of complete darkness (and the printed pictures supposed to come out all black), just putting them in my carry-on bag.

Once I got home (2 Xray passes), I developed both films and a 'control' film I have at home that never passed any Xray machine (they are all Fuji, with the same manufacturing batch number).

Results?

The one that didn't pass any Xray came out pure-black
100 speed is not as black
200 speed is closer to really dark grey than black.

So yeah, TSA's claim is false.

 

[LadyLuc361]

Thanks everyone for the film tips. I think to be safe I will just show them my film (hand check it) becasue I don't want my pictures ruined!


Thanks again!

 

[safetymom]

You can also get film developing envelopes and mail them from Disney. Your finished prints will be waiting for you when you get home.

 

[iceskatejen]

The security people at the Orlando Airport will probably insist your film goes through the scanners for your return trip. They did with mine, but all turned out ok. The 800 only went through once because at my departing airport they hand checked those rolls. All my pictures came out looking fine. No spots where the film got ruined or anything.

 

[FatCow]

The effect of Xray is not and never will be spots (on the 400 ISO or lower), it's just that your pictures will be more washed out than what it's supposed to be.

Most eyes won't see it, especially if you're not using SLR 35mm camera.

 

[twotoohappy]

10 rolls 400speed packed in check-in bag....

10 rolls of ruined film....

time to go back and make new memories

 

[LadyLuc361]

I purchased quite a bit of 800 speed film....Do you think this will be a bigger probelm than if I had 400?

 

[FatCow]

oh yes, definitely. 800 ASA virtually doubles the sensitivity of 400 ASA.

up to 200 ASA, if you're not using a proper 35mm SLR, you'll be hard pressed to see the defect on daylight/bright scenes (but definitely in night-time/low-light scenes)

400 ASA, regardless of camera, you'll see haze on night-time scenes.

800 ASA,... you're &^%-ed royally for night-time scenes and you will see quite a degradation on daylight scenes.

1600 ASA,... you might as well not bring any camera.

 

[LadyLuc361]

Thank you for the useful info. I think I am going to use 400 rather than the 800.

 

[dan-tot]

I put my camera and film through carry on with no problem but I am using 400 speed. I think the bag is a good idea if not. I would ask for a hand search if they hesitate I would ask for the supervisor. Don't put film in checked bags the luggage machines zap the luggage good.

Dan-tot