another film/x-ray ?

[oo138oo]

A post earlier talked about how films will get damaged going through x-ray machines. Will it do the same to the disposable cameras?

 

[scrapperjill]

I do beleive it will, since a disposable camera is really just a roll of film housed in a throw a way camera That goes for regular disposables and underwater/sports cameras. Also keep in mind film speed. They say undeveloped 400 speed and lower will be alright going through the carry on x-ray machines..but anything greater than 400 speed will not....(all underwater cameras are at least 800 speed).

Someone else maybe able to add more info. on it. I'd like to learn all I can about the topic. I just found out about the 400 speed and greater....after I purchased a wad of 800 speed rolls.

 

[anlashokna]

Hand carry all film.

Do not pack film in your checked luggage. XRays will damage it.

Now I've put it through the carryon xrays and have not had any problems, but I have asked to have them handchecked in the past. Don't be afraid to. A lot of times I won't buy film until I arrive at a destination. And have it developed prior to return flight. Not always an option but it makes for less chance of lost or damaged images.

This will be my first trip where I leave my 35mm at home with the exception of picking up an underwater disposable I will be using my new digital. Same zoom capabilities (380mm) as my 35mm camera has with its attachments. have a pouch to carry my cards in and will take them through on my person. Shouldn't set off anything.

You might also check the threads on the humidity and lense fogging issues as well.

 

[oo138oo]

Thanks for all the reply.

My husband just reminded me that we had actually took some disaposable cameras back from the trip to Hawaii 4 year ago. The cameras were in our check-in luggage, and the pictures turned out just fine. However, since that was before 9/11, did they reinforce the x-ray machine with check-in luggages?

I know I'm sounding really lazy. Easiest/safest thing to do is to carry them on plane with me. It's just with all the stuff I'm going to carry for my 3 year old daughter, I really don't know if I have extra room for 3 disaposable cameras on top of my digital camera and camcorder.

Does anyone ever had the films destroyed while it's still in the disposable camera casing?

 

[mickeyfan1]

Yes, your disposables will get damaged. As all checked bags have to be xrayed, and the xray is more powerful than what you go through at security. You may not notice the damage, or you may have totally fogged pictures. I believe you can have the disposables developed on the ship. I could be wrong.

All film will suffer from xray exposure, the faster the speed, the more likely you will notice it, even going through security. An the more times the film goes through, the worse the damage gets. Either have your film hand screened, or try to limit the trips it takes through the xray.

 

[anlashokna]

Yes the new XRay equipment since 9/11 will destroy film. Sorry should have clarified. I think before 9/11 you could let anything under 400 go. I've never recommended it.

 

[CurtS]

This is a quote from the Transportation Security Administration (www.tsa.gov):

"The equipment used to screen checked baggage will damage undeveloped film. Pack your undeveloped film in your carry-on bag. High speed and specialty film should be hand inspected at the security checkpoint. To facilitate hand-inspection, remove your undeveloped film from the canister and pack in a clear plastic bag. "

 

[oo138oo]

Thanks everyone, and CurtS for the helpful link.

One last question (I think )

The article states that if I wish to have the films hand inspected, I should remove the film from canister, and place it in a clear bag. It didn't specifically talk about disposable cameras. Anyone know how that is done?

 

[CurtS]

The article states that if I wish to have the films hand inspected, I should remove the film from canister, and place it in a clear bag. It didn't specifically talk about disposable cameras. Anyone know how that is done?

From what I have read, you can ask the screener to hand check a disposable camera as well. I was told that they are not particularly fond of doing this but it IS your pictures that are at risk. A photographer that responded to one of the boards mentioned that if all else fails, put the camera in the tray along with your keys, coins, etc. I don't know if this will work, but it was the only thing I could find on this.

 

[ksjayhawks]

We just came back yesterday on a flight thru LAX. I put my rolls of film and disposable cameras in a large ziploc bag and requested that they be hand checked. They were taken to a station and checked, given back to me, and I was on my way. No problems at all. Do take the film out of the plastic canisters, though.