Any trouble with M leicas on long flights

[Ponsoldt]

Someone said they carry it around their neck for photo opportunities. How do you deal with the effects of the x-ray machine on the film? It destroyed about 5 rolls of my film and turned some pictures from Brazil all grainy.

Bill

 

[Nikon Bob]

Bill

That is another problem. I will have many connecting flights and anticipate some non co-operative security types who will not lower themselves to hand inspect film. If you take film with you you just have to take a chance with the other alternative being buying film at your destination, which eliminates half the risks. Normal security xray machines, that are operating properly, at departure areas will not harm 400 speed or lower film. That is for one pass with a machine that is in spec. The hazard increases with each new scan. You pay your money and you take your chances. I do not think that there is any guaranteed way to remove this risk altogether. This is one of the areas that digital may be better in.

Bob

 

[JohnL]

You can pretty well count on getting a hand inspection rather than a scan at US airports if you ask politely. So far I've had pretty good luck in the UK too. Can't comment on other locations.

 

[Nikon Bob]

John

That maybe so in the US and possibly the UK but you do mention luck and I think that about sums it up. That is to say you might not always get the request granted. A friend of mine and RFF member requested a hand inspection of his film, sans containers, in a plastc bag at Las Vegas. The film was promptly placed on the conveyor to be xrayed in responce to his request. There are other parts of the world also. If you have more than one security check to go through the chances are you will be denied at some point in your trip, likely more than once.

Bob