Xray machines and film

[Angel717]

I did a search and read the thread about whether or not to have film go through the xray machine or have it hand inspected. This was before Sept. 11th, and although I've never had a problem with my film when I've flown before, I wonder if I should ask it to be hand searched now. Are they using stronger xrays now? Can I ask to have my camcorder hand inspected, too? Or, should I not worry about it and put the film in my carry on?

 

[macs4us]

Although security screening still varies from airport to airport, I wouldn't risk it right now. Your other option is to get the protective film envelopes. You should be able to have your camcorder manually searched as well - I know that even though my sister put her laptop through the machine, they also manually searched it.

Have a great trip!!!

 

[Sandy Fisher]

I bought one of the lead-lined envelopes for regular film (advantix) prior to the Sept. 11 incidents, figuring on using it for film in my checked bag. Do you think that would show up as something questionable if that bag is screened and they would open and search it? If so, I could pack it in my carry-on. I just don't want to hold up the security checkpoint! Thanks for any info.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

I recently flew to Arkansas for, of all things, Photo Center Manager School. Naturally, I had film, both exposed and unexposed in my carry on, also had some in my checked luggage.
I flew out of Bradley, connected at O'Hare. On the return I flew from Northwest Regional in Arkansas, back to O'Hare and home. Nothing happened to the film. It was just fine. Xrays do not harm film. That was one of the big questions at school. Lead lined bags only cause them to boost the xrays, hold up lines and are a general waste of money.
The warnings you will see on film regarding xrays are for the xrays used at hospitals, very powerful, nothing like the airports. If they could do damage to film, they would do damage to the operators of the machines. If there was any chance of harm to a human they would wear lead, they do not.
Of a much greater and surer(?) risk is the new scanner they are using at the post office, that will definitely kill the film.

 

[Loudbmw]

Just returned from Hawaii and my film/camera was X-rayed at least 3 times. I had used ASA 200 film and the pictures came out perfect. Some of the X-ray machines I saw had labels warning of possible damage to high speed films like ASA 1000.

You should not be using film that fast anyway unless you are doing night photography. Another good idea is to pack excess film you don't need & exposed film in your luggage. Never pack a good camera in your luggage - unless you don't want to ever see it again.

Lou

 

[Beverly Lynn]

while we had our security training at the airport we were also told that those scanner cannot harm film. as for the airports getting newer stronger machines. doubtful at this point. those machines costs tens of thousands of dollars and with all the new security they have had to put on they can't have anymore large expenses until they come up with some money. there were some airports slated to get new equipment I'm not sure now whats going on with that.

 

[ducklite]

I've never had film ruined by airport x-ray machines. Unless you are using 1000 speed film you are fine.

A little side note--I flew to Calgary earlier this year, and hand carried a pewter sculpture which was about 6 inches tall (a gift for my friend I was visiting). Because it showed as dense metal, they had me take it out of my carryon and open up the package...I hadn't gift wrapped it, but it was encased in bubble wrap and a small box. Once they saw what it was I had no problem carrying it on. But it definitely showed on the x-ray machine as something they wanted to look at.

Anne

 

[seashoreCM]

Since security checking varies from one airport to another, maybe you might want to consider bringing the camera empty, buying film at Disney, and having it all developed at one hour photo shops before returning home.

Normally I suggest taking all the film cartridges out of their wrappers and putting the bare cartridges in your pockets, everything else except your wallet having been transferred to the suitcase earlier. At security, simply empty your pockets into the basket, take back your wallet instantly, and go through the metal detector. Hand the agent your camera from around your neck if you are asked to.

More Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[leebee]

I was just reading travel tips on www.travelocity.com this morning, and they recommend that you carry film in a plastic or mesh bag in your carry-on and hand it to the screeners at the security checkpoint. Apparently several of the larger airports are in the process of or already have purchased the high energy x-ray screeners for chacked baggage and are starting to use them. There is no way of knowing if your film will be exposed to this, but it's really not a big deal to hand it to someone at the screening area. My sis is planning on buying her film at WalMart or KMart in FL, and taking mail-in envelopes along on her trip so she can send her film out to be developed rather than take it home. Of course, with the crack-down at the post office, this might not be such a smart thing after all...!