I know airport security is necessary, but I have to believe the absurd level of government surveillance, intrusion, and general overreach in airports is conditioning people to accept more authoritarian government in general. Certainly the political spectrum in many countries has shifted far to the right in the years since 9/11. Sorry for the OT rant.
Couldn’t agree more. So much hysterical, nonsensical BS. It is not logical, yet most are compelled to accept the intrusion without rebuttal, since you would quickly be vetoed. It is the ultimate form of oppression under the guise of protection. A very slippery slope.
I had a security staff query my M262 scan because it presented as ‘very dense’. I just explained it was all aluminium and he took another look at the scan and let me move on. I can’t imagine what a brass camera and lens combination would cause. I was just thrilled my camera stayed safely packed in its bag!
I sort of mentioned this to Tokyocamerastyle, not airport related but he was sent 3 bulk rolls and one was open to inspect by DHL. There goes the film...
As a member of a younger generation (kid when 9/11 happened) and do live now in Scandinavia which has been historically relaxed in security matters. It's a bit of a side rant, but in lieu of terror there is even a total bag ban in large events; When 2 years ago I could bring all the photo equipment I wanted through in the same event. I was asked by a local radio about it, and just mentioned that to me it looked like what 2001-2007 was like during the war of terror. It's not as if such heightened alert was new, just another cycle. /rant off
About dense cameras, most of ours can alert some of the agents. Both my GW690 and Super Ikonta have been flagged (not many times) as "a lot of metal" shown. The super Ikonta gets interesting reactions because of its vintage.
As an entretainment lately I am watching travel videos, and being not so developed / new airports doesn't mean that much. Manila has some CT scanners in customs and departures (T1) while being one of the most outdated capital airports of Asia.
I am flying out of SFO to Tokyo with a few day’s layover in Hong Kong in a few weeks and want to bring 10 rolls of Portra 120 with me. So TSA has to hand check if requested? Maybe I should buy fresh film when I arrive. This is all giving me some anxiety. The film is short dated so I really want to use them up.
From what other forumers have written around, HKG seems to be quite cool. I actually chose to do a layover in HKG for my upcoming trip, also there are labs with quick turnaround there and will be able to develop before return. Or easily buy more, if hopefully there is stock. HK seems to have a lively film scene.
Another alternative I considered for the trip was through Beijing, and taking a hurried visit of the city; but it is mainland china being much more intense in security monitoring.
The most direct routing is through Dubai or Doha; the latter has CT scanners and mixed experiences. Anyhow with a lower fare, less X rays and a more interesting stopover I went for HK.
Had this discussion over at Photrio and another member gave the tip that HK might scan luggage on arrival, unknown tech. For customs I would as well request a hand check.
Have gotten somehow a Domke lead bag, but still, not enough for CT protection. For the minor and frequent trips within Asia, the Domke is for the traditional X rays.
