Film X-ray bags

N

Nigel Meaby

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Can anyone recommend where I can purchase carry-on x-ray bags for 35mm films. Preferably large size. I'm looking for somewhere in the UK if possible but will consider buying from further afield if necessary. I've checked out a few websites but so far drawn a blank.
 
If they can't see through a bag, depending on the scanner, the power would be increased or multiple passes would be made. Isn't a more effective protective bag the clear plastic sort, allowing a quick visual or hand check, as per the recommendations of our 'masters' ?

EDIT: Actually I meant one of the clear A4-document pouch things with a ziplock closure, rather than a sandwich bag - much more robust and still visually checkable.
 
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MartinP said:
If they can't see through a bag, depending on the scanner, the power would be increased or multiple passes would be made. Isn't a more effective protective bag the clear plastic sort, allowing a quick visual or hand check, as per the recommendations of our 'masters' ?

EDIT: Actually I meant one of the clear A4-document pouch things with a ziplock closure, rather than a sandwich bag - much more robust and still visually checkable.
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AFAIK they can't increase the power of the scanner. If they can't see what's inside, they either do a hand inspection (depends where you are) or they put the content of the bag back in the scanner.

I have my film in a clear ziploc and never had a problem with scanning two times.
 
If i recall, carry on luggage is usually safe, its the main baggage that can ruin film, especially on the older scanners.

I am not 100% sure but i believe this happened to some of my apx400 when i left a few rolls in my luggage (not carry on) and they seemed excessively grainy, but that could of been a dev error or underexposure as i was using the m4-2 and no meter, this was in Mongolia/Turkmenistan all of whom lets say didn't seem to have the most modern of scanners from what i could see.
 
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Thanks for comments so far. I'm looking to buy some of these because as a regular traveller, who has previously been able to get hand inspections, on my last trip Heathrow refused me a hand inspection due to the volume of film I was carrying, despite all being in clear ziploc bags.
The idea that they up the power of the scanner is a complete myth, by the way. The topic of whether x-ray machines damage film has been debated here before. Whether it does or not I'm not prepared to take the risk.
So if anyone knows where I can buy these bags I'd be grateful for suggestions. Any other opinions, please save for other threads :)
 
I got mine from my local photographic shop. Hama seems to be the most recognised brand. I even saw a tube made of the same stuff in the film "The American" with George Clooney when he has some gun parts sent through the post.
Heres a link to amazon, but I reckon your local shop should have the same. Also there are different sizes, so have a look around

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hama-Film-shield-Film-Safe-Super/dp/B00005QFA1
 
I can't suggest a place to buy one in UK, because I am in Australia. I have read opposing opinions many times on this and other fora. I have one which I have had for about 8 years and it has been to several countries in the Asia-Pacific region including China and Mongolia, and all around Australia. I always carry it with my carry-on luggage and I have never once been asked to open the bag and show its contents.
 
I have found they are much more relaxed about hand checking film. I show them the one used roll of 3200 tnx. They will hand check when they see that.
 
jalLee2001 said:
I have found they are much more relaxed about hand checking film. I show them the one used roll of 3200 tnx. They will hand check when they see that.
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Same here. Maybe I've just been lucky, but I sometimes carry a pack of Fuji FP-3000B. When I ask for a hand-check, the security guy often says "fast film??" or "what speed??" Like they won't do a hand-check if it's not fast enough. But I point to the big 3000 on the box and it's no problem. I just leave all the other film in the bag with it.
 
A few leads (apologies - no pun intended)

Sima

Domke

Tundra

I had the Sima bag for a time- it didn't last very long as the bag cracked- don't know how likely that is with the others and one not being able to see that it is cracked because of the cloth coverings.

Good luck tracking one down on your side of the pond Nigel. Hopefully the manufacturers can hook you up with a supplier.
 
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