Camera/Film Question

[mouseplanner]

Leaving for Disney in two weeks! Haven't been on a plane in 8 years and I forgot what is the best way to travel without damaging my film. I will have two disposable cameras and one 35mm camera and extra rolls of film. How can I get the camera and film through security without putting them through the scanner which I heard may cloud my pictures??? I will also have a digital camera - will that be damaged if it is in my carry on bag when the bag goes through the scanner?? Thanks in advance!

 

[rbarkc]

It is my understanding that the new x-ray machines will not harm film or digital cameras. I have put my PDA, Digital Camera, Laptop and Film through the x-ray machines at airports all over the USA, Europe and Asia and have had no problems but there is always a chance. You can ask the security people if you want to. Just have the disposable cameras and your film in a small baggy or something so you can easily pull it out have them check if they say that it will harm the film or cameras. Since 9-11 pretty much as a rule though EVERYTHING must pass through the x-ray. There is little to no hand checking of carry on items.

 

[WIDisneyFan]

In general most film will be ok in your carry on luggage - you do not want to put film in your checked bags as the scanning equipment can damage the film (usually they will warn you as you check your bags). Also if you use high speed film - faster than 400 speed it is a good idea to have it hand checked. If in doubt ask the TSA people at the security check, they will be more than happy to help you out on this

 

[safetymom]

Film below 800 speed is supposed to be ok going through the scanners at the security checkpoint. The affects of xrays are cumulative and it depends on the strength of the scanner. If these are once in a lifetime photos then I would put them in a ziploc bag and hand them to the TSA agent. I don't risk my photos for anything.

Don't put them in your luggage. A good idea once you take the pictures is to take some prepaid mailers with you and ship them off. They will be there when you get done with your vacation.

 

[Boncho]

Put your camera and film in your carry on luggage and they will be fine.
The x-rays for the checked luggage can harm them.

 

[mouseplanner]

Thanks to all for the valuable info - ziploc baggy it is!