Question about film....

[meloneyb21]

I have a film-based camera that I planned on taking with me to WDW, but someone told me that you shouldn't let film get screened at the security checkpoint at the airport. So I know I can obviously buy film when I'm down there, but I was advised to get my pictures developed while I am down there so that my film doesn't get messed up at security on my way back home. Is there anywhere nearby that I CAN get my film developed down there? I know, I know, I shoulda been had a digital camera, but I never bought one and the camera I got was a gift from my dad and it is so nice and I looooove using it.......anyway, IS there any place nearby that I can get my film developed?

 

[staci]

About the security checkpoints, they SAY that they are safe, but they will check the film by hand if you request it, and NOT send it through the machines. We did that with our bag of film and cameras. It took an extra minute or two, but well worth it for my peice of mind. Also for money!! Film within disney property is OUTRAGEOUS!!! Just buy a couple 4 packs at home and you will save a TON.

We thought about buying digital right before our trip, but decided I would rather have a camera I was familiar with instead of a new one. I am glad I waited, cuz I have now got a digital, but have had it for 2 months, and am just now feeling 'comfortable' with it.


About developing, Im not sure. For some reason I am thinking you can get it done in the parks, but I might just be imagining that?

 

[sakura-panda]

Make sure you keep your film in your carry-on -- do not check it! I know that the x-ray machines are safe for ISO up to 400, and possibly even 800, although I'm not sure. Security is required to hand inspect it if you ask for it, and I have been advised that the best thing to do is to take them out of their cansiters and put them in a clear bag so that they can be hand inspected quickly.

HTH.

--Katie

 

[sakura-panda]

From http://www.bythom.com/35qa.htm#q7 :

Question: Someone told me that airports have to allow hand searches of film. Is this true?

Answer: In the United States, FAA regulations require that "If requested by passengers, their photographic equipment and film packages shall be inspected without exposure to an X-ray system." (source: Section 108.17(e) of FARS.) [Note: after September 11th, some airport personnel try to tell you that this isn't true anymore. But the current TSA guidelines still allow for hand inspection. Keep a few high-speed films in your bag and tell the security personnel that you'll be going through more than five X-ray machines on your trip. This makes it difficult for them to stonewall you. If they do, ask to speak to a supervisor, and ask that supervisor to show you the current TSA regulations regarding hand checking of film.] It helps to be polite and to facilitate such searches. I always carry my film removed from film canisters (which I pack in my checked luggage) in a clear bag that I present at the security checkpoint, making it as easy as possible for the security personnel to view the contents.

If you arrive with film in boxes, they will be opened. If you arrive with film in canisters, often the security personnel will open one or more to check to see if there's film in them (that's even true of the clear Fuji canisters!). If you ask them to hand inspect your camera, you will be required to show that it is an operative camera, so make sure that you've got fresh batteries in it! They may even require you to take a picture, or if film is not in the camera, to open the back.

Can I post other forums? This is a discussion from a photography forum that I frequent: http://www.nikonians.org/dcforum/DCForumID58/15111.html

--Katie

 

[safetymom]

There is a Super Wal Mart, Super Target, Walgreens all very close to WDW that you could have your film developed.

The effects of x rays are cumulative. I wouldn't take the chance of my images being fogged by the x rays. I would ask for hand inspection and have my film developed while or vacation or take prepaid mailers. Your pictures could be waiting for you when you get home from vacation.

 

[sassymom]

I beleive it is the digital equipment that is affected by Xray machines. From what I hear the machines reformat memory cards, therefor erasing all pictures. My parents have been on 2 recent vacations with "regular" film cameras and had their pictures come out fabulous. I agree with PP's just keep your film with you and you should be fine. Millions every day take pictures while on vacation and bring their film home to be developed, so I wouldn't worry. Plus having it done at home will make it easy for you to develop in a place you know will do a good job.(assuming you have a preferred place) I used to work in the film department at Walgreens, trust me when I say pictures that have been developed once already 9 out of 10 times never come out just right. Dust etc. make reprints grainy and spotty. Have a great trip!

 

[Desnik]

So do the xrays at airports ruin film you used to take pictures, or film in general? DD has packed 3 disposable cameras. Will they get ruined before using them?

To answer the OP's question, I do believe I saw at the GF they had a drop off box for you to send your film to be developed. I remember thinking how great that was but I don't remember the price. It was at the gift shop that sells toiletries, etc on the main floor.

 

[safetymom]

Digital is not harmed at all by xrays. I travel weekly and never had a problem with my memory cards or cameras when they went through the scanner.

I look at my negatives as valuable. So I take precautions if I have to take it through the airport. I would hate to have something happen so I ask for a hand scan or have it developed and don't take the exposed rolls of film through the airport.

You can't be too careful. Every x ray machine is set at different levels. Most pros that precautions and if it is good enough for them it is good enough for me.

 

[daisyduck123]

When my parents traveled to Hawaii last November my mother accidentally had her film in her checked luggage, so it went thru the x-ray screening. Well, sure enough, her pictures were messed up. Whoever she talked to after the fact told her that she should have had it in her carry on baggage.

 

[Dizneydaz]

I've gotten conflicting info regarding undeveloped film I think every time I fly. One time while leaving Orlando, I have to go through my luggage and get out all my film because they told me it would be ruined by the xray.

Here's what I've been told in a nutshell-don't pack film in your check-on bags-the xray units are stronger than the ones for carry-ons. Film under 800 should be find through carry on screener. That being said-I always have my film hand checked-camera too! I don't want to risk it.

On our last trip-it was the first time I haven't brought a flim camera (except for disposable water cams) so other than the disposables being hand checked, I was good. I've never heard of a memory card being erased-our families four digital cams went through fine. We did have to visit Sams Club and Walmart, however, to download our pictures to a CD and clear our cards-took too many pixs!

One final hint-I keep all my undeveloped film and disposable cameras in a ziplock bag in my carry-on. Makes it easy to give to security. Also, unless the cannisters are clear (Fuji) I take the film out of the cannisters.