Don't pack film in luggage?

[Pugdog007]

I read on another board (just checking out what else is out there... there's nothing wrong with looking, right?) that you shouldn't pack any film in checked bags OR carry-on's. The claimant said that the film would be ruined when X-rayed and they are now X-raying all checked luggage.

Is there any truth to this or is it urban legend?

Claimant suggested that you wait to purchase once you've reached your destination... and that it's a good idea to develop it while on vacation for the same reasons listed above???

Anyone??? Film will be much more expensive in Orlando than I could get it in AL...

 

[Psiklops]

I, personally, have been through numerous x-ray baggage checks with my film-based (have to specify that with all the digitals around) camera and have never had any problem whatsoever with the film.

I have also passed through laptops and floppy disks without incident, so magnetic media (including your hard drive and digital camera) is safe.

- Jim

 

[MartyP]

We were told not to pack film in checked luggage. We had no problem with the film we carried on. We were told the exrays were stronger for checked luggage.

 

[lespaul55]

I just read an article about film and all the new security measures since 9/11. The checked baggage is now or will be soon going through xray equipment that may ruin unexposed film. So carry on film. The xray equipment for carry on luggage is weaker and should not affect film. But if you are the cautious type, keep your film in a small bag in your carryon and have security hand check it. The article also suggested having your exposed film developed before returning on your flight, again just a precaution for irreplaceable photos.

Now if I could only remember where I read this, I would give an URL.

Leslie

 

[Diz-Me]

I think I read the same article lespaul55. It was in one of the photography magazines.

They said film under ASA 800 would be fine going through the carry-on xray machines for 7 or 8 trips through. Film higher than ASA 800 should not go through these machines.

And no film should go through in checked luggage due to the very high amount of xray used.

On our recent trip I had 16 rolls of film (including ASA 800 underwater cameras) that went through carry-on xrays 3 times. All were developed and have not apparent damage.

 

[kcand sunshine]

All 6 rolls of film were fine and they were packed in checked luggage not carryon luggage. You can get film developed at Shutters. Not too expensive from what I remember. Have fun. Kathryn from Alabama

 

[TootyJane]

Originally posted by Pugdog007
I read on another board (just checking out what else is out there... there's nothing wrong with looking, right?) that you shouldn't pack any film in checked bags OR carry-on's. The claimant said that the film would be ruined when X-rayed and they are now X-raying all checked luggage.

Is there any truth to this or is it urban legend?

Claimant suggested that you wait to purchase once you've reached your destination... and that it's a good idea to develop it while on vacation for the same reasons listed above???

Anyone??? Film will be much more expensive in Orlando than I could get it in AL...

My brother, the film expert in our family, just told me the same thing last week. You can check out the Kodak website. There is an article explaining it all even showing pictures of what can happen to your film. Personally, I'll be carrying my film in my carry-on!! HTH

Lisa

 

[slindamood]

Used to be that checked luggage in the US was not x-rayed, or at least not that frequently. Checking film was safer than even the low levels received as carry on. Now, checked luggage might receive x-ray doses far stronger than carryon.

I learned the hard way. Following the rule that check through was safer, I put film in the checked-through luggage on a trip to Russia and former soviet states. Our luggage went through multiple x-rays and as a result, my photos (ASA 400) have ghost like white images where exposed. There are few good prints.

After this experience, I bought lead lined bags and took film as carry-on with no problems, even on long international trips. Now, I hear that carry-on luggage will also receive greater doses of x-rays, so even lead bags are risky. The people at security now refuse to hand check film.

Ed Perkins, former editor of Consumer Reports Travel Letter, recently had an article warning that film is no longer safe going through x-rays. He suggested buying and developing film while traveling, or getting a digital camera.