Cameras and airport xray

[Ann]

Can you let disposable cameras be xrayed at airports both before and after you take pictures with them? Also, I have a digital camera and digital camcorder - are they also ok with getting xrayed. Hope this isn't a totally dumb question, but I would hate to lose our precious pics! Thanx!

 

[ktglads]

No cameras or film should be checked, either before or after they are used. This will expose the film and ruin the pictures. As for digital cameras, the xrays would not hurt them, but I would not chance them being checked and possibly being lost or stolen. If you carry the camera on with you, even if your luggage is lost, you will still have your pictures!

 

[SyracuseWolvrine]

If you're carrying the camera in your carryon, it should be fine with the x-ray, as long as you're using 800 speed film, or lower. Anything above 800 speed, and you'll have to ask them to hand inspect your camera, which may include them snapping a picture, as they obviously can't open up the camera.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by SyracuseWolvrine
If you're carrying the camera in your carryon, it should be fine with the x-ray, as long as you're using 800 speed film, or lower. Anything above 800 speed, and you'll have to ask them to hand inspect your camera, which may include them snapping a picture, as they obviously can't open up the camera.

Having been a photo lab manager I advise people have all their film checked by hand and NEVER in checked baggage. Scanning is cumulative and you have no idea how many times it has been scanned before you purchase it. I have seen the effects of scanners (carry on) and the airport xrays ( checked ) and it really ruins a lot of memories.

Digital medium is not effected at all. I just would carry it on as it does have a tendency to grow legs when checked.

 

[Ann]

Thanks for the quick answers! We're leaving tonight! Just trying to get all the last minute details done.

 

[mobetsy]

If you don't want your film and camera to go through the x-ray machine, put the film in a ziploc bag (ideally separated from the plastic containers) and have your camera out of its case. That will speed the process a bit. On the whole, I've had absolutely no problem with getting them to hand check my film, but in Orlando I had one obviously very lazy inspector who argued and argued with me, and when I finally prevailed in my insistence that he hand check it, he did it as slowly as humanly possible (he even said to me, "I hope you have plenty of time...") I'm not always that insistent, but when it comes to my vacation pictures, I wasn't taking any chances!