emraphoto
Veteran
looking for input/insight on flying with film chemicals. primarily overseas.
presuming it would have to be checked?
presuming it would have to be checked?
any experience flying with chemicals?
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bmattock
Veteran
I suggest checking with the TSA for the USA, and the equivalent of the TSA in the countries in which you intend to travel. Any advice given here could land you in a peck of trouble if you follow it and it turns out to be wrong.
http://www.tsa.gov/index.shtm
jaykuhlmann
Member
I have flown with chemicals, often enough for several months of serious shooting. The only time I had problems was flying into Iraq. My bag was delayed for about a month, but it did eventually appear. I always make it a point to put packs of developer into several suitcases instead of all in one. I don't think you'll have any problems, but packing a Material Safety Data Sheet for each chemical might be a good idea. I always put a couple packs of Perceptol in my carry on just in case. Good luck.
maddoc
... likes film again.
For sure not Rodinal (corrosive) from experience. Powder chemicals are less critical but I would ask the carrier in advance.
dfoo
Well-known
What has to be marked hazmat? For example, dektol? XTOL?
Trius
Waiting on Maitani
I've heard of people using all sorts of chemicals in order to fly ... 😛
Obviously checking with authorities is the only reliable (well, maybe not totally reliable knowing where I think you're going,) source of information.
But just thinking about it, it seems to make sense that powders in original packaging, along with MDS as suggested, is the safest approach. You might also inquire at Stan C. Reade if anyone there has experience recommendations, and even call the Kodak pro support line.
Obviously checking with authorities is the only reliable (well, maybe not totally reliable knowing where I think you're going,) source of information.
But just thinking about it, it seems to make sense that powders in original packaging, along with MDS as suggested, is the safest approach. You might also inquire at Stan C. Reade if anyone there has experience recommendations, and even call the Kodak pro support line.
Pablito
coco frío
I fly sober.
marcr1230
Well-known
The idea of flying, And going thru security carrying a white powder does not sound too appealing
Trius
Waiting on Maitani
If they are in original, sealed packaging, your chances are better. Wanna try liquids?
michaelging
Established
Most Photo chemicals are corrosives and you are not allowed to fly with any kind of corrosives on a plane. I would buy what you need when you get to where you are going if you are planing on developing your film before you return.
naruto
GASitis.. finally cured?
Make a search of the manufacturer website for chemical datasheet, as they usually specify the shipping requirements. Mark the shipment appropriately, and then attach a printout of the datasheet with the shipment. At least, this is what I did when I traveled out of US.
FYI, my bag was opened and searched. They attached a note mentioning that they wanted to have a look at the chemicals.
FYI, my bag was opened and searched. They attached a note mentioning that they wanted to have a look at the chemicals.
Tom A
RFF Sponsor
You could probably convince them that it wasn't corrosive or toxic - but you also face a lot of hassle at check in.
However, as long as it is in powder form, in the sealed "pouches" or cans from the manufacturer - you could air-freight it to yourself at your destination. Obviously you are going for a longer period as you intend to shoot and develop "on site".
Talk to the Freight Division of the airline you are using and they can steer you in the right direction as to how to get it there. It also depends on the volume you are taking. Your biggest problem is probably the fixer as it is more volume. Try to get in touch with someone at the destination or close to it and find out what is available there and what you will need to take along.
However, as long as it is in powder form, in the sealed "pouches" or cans from the manufacturer - you could air-freight it to yourself at your destination. Obviously you are going for a longer period as you intend to shoot and develop "on site".
Talk to the Freight Division of the airline you are using and they can steer you in the right direction as to how to get it there. It also depends on the volume you are taking. Your biggest problem is probably the fixer as it is more volume. Try to get in touch with someone at the destination or close to it and find out what is available there and what you will need to take along.
semrich
Well-known
I recently flew from Los Angeles to NYC with 2 bottles of Rodinal and 2 bottles of HC 110, then on again from NYC to istanbul. From Los Angeles I had the 4 bottles wrapped in a plastic bag. When unpacking after the flight the plastic bag was cut open and a printed form was left indicating my bag was inspected by the TSA. I left the form in the bag flying to Istanbul and had no further evidence of the bag being inspected.
Love that Rodinal with Tri-X, though it would be best if I didn't get to used to using it considering what I had to go through to get it.
Love that Rodinal with Tri-X, though it would be best if I didn't get to used to using it considering what I had to go through to get it.
Leica All Day
Veteran
I flew last year from San Francisco to Bangkok with some sealed packages (powder) of developer and fixer......I also had a half bottle (liquid) stop bath in my suitcase as well......nobody said anything to me...looking back now, it probably wasn't the smartest thing to do...BTW, it was all checked in......I think you are better off to go with some of the more sound advice listed above about contacting the proper authorities to see about regulations....I might of been the exception when it comes to this sort of stuff and somebody just didn't notice it in my luggage....I also flew on January 3rd and the airport was really busy....not sure if that matters or not....good luck either way..
one more thing, I brought back an enlarger with me on that trip and I had the head of the enlarger in a backpack that I carried on the plane and that caused some concern at security, but eventually, I was allowed to board the plane with it...
cheers, michael
one more thing, I brought back an enlarger with me on that trip and I had the head of the enlarger in a backpack that I carried on the plane and that caused some concern at security, but eventually, I was allowed to board the plane with it...
cheers, michael
emraphoto
Veteran
thanx folks. i will be flying a leg of the journey with an airline that is a touch difficult to communicate with. there will most certainly be no chemicals available where i am going and no dhl outlet.
i think that this will be the easy leg, it is the charles de gaulle portion of the trip that i am concerned about. i have spoken with a few blokes who still run film and they seem to have formulas for success.
thank you for the input and i will definitely be in touch with the tsa!
i think that this will be the easy leg, it is the charles de gaulle portion of the trip that i am concerned about. i have spoken with a few blokes who still run film and they seem to have formulas for success.
thank you for the input and i will definitely be in touch with the tsa!
hans voralberg
Veteran
Flew with Perceptol and Fomafix, and DDX and Rapidfixer twice in check-in baggage, no problem, that's on 4 different airlines. But do check beforehand just to make sure.
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