120mm film and X-ray

Assaf

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Jun 18, 2007
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Hi there,
came back from Argentina with a beutiful Rolleiflex Xenotar I bought there, and 18 exposed 120mm rolls.
I used the following film types

Kodak TX 400
Kodak TMAX 100
Potra 160 (overdated by 2005, found by chance when ran out of film)
Fuji Reala 100\
Fuji Pro400H

The films passed the X-ray machines in Buenos Aires, Madrid and Tel-Aviv. Asking to pass the films outside the machines didn't help, and in my experience with 35mm films, I never had trouble with X-ray.
However, the lab told me today that 120mm films are more susceptible to X-ray because they don't have a case.
Is that true? Any bad experience with 120mm and X-ray?
Are BW films less susceptible to X-ray than color?

I'll see the results in a few days, but meanwhile I'm worried.

Any answered would be appreciated
Assaf
 
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No. X-rays go right through the aluminum casing of 35mm cassettes, and they don't afford any more protection than the paper backing of 120 rolls.

X-ray damage, when it happens, is more a function of the film's speed than anything else.
 
I think for further travel you should buy some X-ray bag. I bought two from B&H last year and now I'm putting all my films into them and pass them in a luggage, not in cabin. If you are asked at the first (general) control:"What is there, dark and strange?" You can take it out and show the films.

Here are some: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/shop/344/Film_Accessories_X_Ray_Film_Bags_Pouches.html

I'm using Hakuba 1600.
 
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