Cameras through Airport Security... HELP PLEASE!

[son3disfan]

I just realized ,
I bought my kids three underwater cameras for our trip.( Still unopened)

If I pack them in checked luggage or carry them on, either way , they will be scanned , right? Doesn't the scanner wreck unprocessed film?

What should I do?
Can I hand all three cameras to the guard and not have them go through the scanners? What about my digital camera? Any damage to the SDcard?

I wish I waited to buy the cameras....

Anyone care to comment?
Thanks!

 

[CarolA]

The machine your carry on goes through does not damage film unless it is very high speed. (which disposable water cameras aren't) but unless you get the TSA JERK they will generally do a hand inspection if you ask.

Do NOT put the cameras in your checked luggage. That Xray will ruin the film.

 

[DrmWvr1299]

Yes, just what CarolA suggested. If you have any worries, just keep cameras together and ask the TSA agent to please hand check them. It will only take 1-2 minutes for your peace of mind.

 

[PirateSusan]

Your digital camera will be fine going through.

 

[son3disfan]

Thanks Everyone.
I was going to pack them in my carry on.

I will try to hand them off.... they are still in the box...Should I take them out of the box? Does it matter?

I feel a little silly with asking, but I really want some good underwater pictures , and if the film is ruined, I won't know until I try to develop them. So I would rather get all the correct info BEFORE I pack everything .....

 

[CPT Tripss]

One run through the xray might be OK, but I have had film fogged by the xrays. Underwater cameras use faster film and should really be hand checked, but a lot of the checkers don't like to do that, you might need to ask for a supervisor.

No problem with digital.

 

[kristenrice]

On a similar line...

We're bringing our camcorder. It's an older model so it is not one of those ultra-compact brands. It uses the Digital 8/Hi-8 tapes. I do not want to take the camera in my carry-on(s) but will the X-ray damage the video tapes? Do I need to put the camera in my checked luggage and bring the tapes in my carry-on and have them hand-checked? We brought it on our trip 5 years ago, but we brought it onboard with us and I can't remember what we did with the tapes.

 

[safetymom]

If you ever want to see your video camera again DO NOT PUT IT IN YOUR CHECKED LUGGAGE. Never put anything of value in your checked luggage. Carry it with you or leave your valuables at home.

 

[CTPinkPrincess]

Thanks Everyone.
I was going to pack them in my carry on.

I will try to hand them off.... they are still in the box...Should I take them out of the box? Does it matter?

I feel a little silly with asking, but I really want some good underwater pictures , and if the film is ruined, I won't know until I try to develop them. So I would rather get all the correct info BEFORE I pack everything .....

I think the TSA agent will open the box if you ask them to hand inspect, so to save time I'd open them and have them available to give to the agent.

 

[CarolA]

Thanks Everyone.
I was going to pack them in my carry on.

I will try to hand them off.... they are still in the box...Should I take them out of the box? Does it matter?

I feel a little silly with asking, but I really want some good underwater pictures , and if the film is ruined, I won't know until I try to develop them. So I would rather get all the correct info BEFORE I pack everything .....

Have you used these cameras? I have a few times and I am pretty sure the words "good underwater pictures" are incompatible. They take pictures and the pictures are OK, but my "land" pictures are MUCH MUCH better LOL! (Same photographer so.....)

 

[son3disfan]

Have you used these cameras? I have a few times and I am pretty sure the words "good underwater pictures" are incompatible. They take pictures and the pictures are OK, but my "land" pictures are MUCH MUCH better LOL! (Same photographer so.....)

Maybe they didn't turn out because they went through the scanners....

I forgot, I have to go through scanners TWICE before I use the cameras.
Once for the plane , and again for the cruise( immigration??)
I wish I waited to buy them. I bet the pictures don't turn out.

I think I will buy a third one , on the ship to see if there is any difference in picture quality...... I'll post when I get back.

 

[safetymom]

You should ask for a hand scan of the underwater cameras. I also agree the quality of a disposable is no where near as good as a regular camera. I don't really think you need to buy another camera if you have them hand scanned.

To cut down on xray exposure once you have taken the pictures send them off for processing. Or get them printed before you fly home.

 

[sue Z]

800 or higher speed film needs to be hand checked
anytime I fly i always either have them hand check all film regardless of speed and always have the film developed in walmart before leaving unless its the last day or two then the rolls will go home to be developed.

never had a problem with film have forgotten a roll once and that came out ok!
back in the 70's and 80's used to use lead bags for film but dont any more
i have the cameras hand checked if there is film in it

rather be safe then sorry!

 

[carolina_yankee]

One run through the xray might be OK, but I have had film fogged by the xrays. Underwater cameras use faster film and should really be hand checked, but a lot of the checkers don't like to do that, you might need to ask for a supervisor.

No problem with digital.

Agreed. There are signs saying '800 ISO and above' should not go through the scanners. I got into a fight with TSA at MCO about this when we came back from our cruise. The individual refused to hand check, saying it would be fine. I pointed out the sign that said it wouldn't be fine. He said he was right, the sign was wrong. I wasn't budging. A supervisor finally came over and told him to hand check the underwater cameras.

If the sign side "higher than 800 ISO," I would have been fine. However, it said "800 ISO and higher." At this point, I'm just happy he let me through without additional screenings and not putting me on the "no fly" list because i was adamant.

(Just to add: This is the only conflict I've ever had with TSA. I know their jobs aren't the easiest.)

Dirk