Cameras & Film Now Ok In Uk Planes

[bob cole]

August 15, 2006
Chris Cheesman

From this morning passengers will once again be allowed to carry film and cameras on board planes leaving all major UK airports, including Heathrow and Gatwick, according to the British Airports Authority (BAA).

Cameras and film were banned in the cabin under security restrictions placed on hand luggage last Thursday following the uncovering of the alleged terror plot to blow up US-bound planes leaving the UK. Photographers had been told to place all such items in the aircraft's hold - raising fears that their kit would be subject to powerful hold luggage X-ray scanning machines.

A spokesman for BAA has confirmed to Amateur Photographer that passengers are now allowed to carry film and cameras on board provided that their hand baggage falls within the permitted size limit.

According to the latest security guidance from the Department of Transport , passengers are allowed to carry one item of hand baggage which must not exceed 45cm in length, 35cm in width and 16cm in depth (including wheels, handles, side pockets etc.). All hand baggage will be subject to X-ray screening, adds the DoT.

In addition to Heathrow and Gatwick, BAA-run airports include Stansted, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Southampton.

Source: Amateur Photographer, London

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

Yes, but be ready to open the camera back for checking.

 

[ywenz]

Well that goes without saying...

 

[clarence]

It is not stated if they will allow film to be checked by hand.

Clarence

 

[jaapv]

It is not stated if they will allow film to be checked by hand.

Clarence

which is not really necessary, I have had film from 64 to 800 Iso, x-rayed in series of machines, including third world countries, sometimes up to ten times without any damage to the films.

 

[rxmd]

which is not really necessary,

Someone on a German photo newsgroup actually put a dosimeter into his hand baggage to see how much radiation they really get. The results were interesting (see this thread if you read German). Basically there is nothing to fear.

Next time I go to a third-world country (probably for half a year in 2007) I'll probably take a couple of ISO 3200 films with me to see what happens to them, if anything. However, maybe it's not so much the machines on third-world airports to be afraid of, rather than those in security-paranoid first-world countries.

Philipp

 

[clarence]

which is not really necessary, I have had film from 64 to 800 Iso, x-rayed in series of machines, including third world countries, sometimes up to ten times without any damage to the films.

I really hope the first world scanners are actually weaker than their third world counterparts, Jaap. I've got about 20 rolls of film with speeds up to 1600. My flight will take me through no less than 4 airports.

Clarence

 

[Terao]

Discussion on BBC News regarding the impact on musicians.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/5273576.stm

Some amusing comments about electronic cameras and consumer electronics being easily replaced and safe to store in the hold. Obviously most haven't visited this place or seen the value of some vintage cameras!

Have to say I understand their feelings on this, there is no way I'd risk my father's camera in the hold for example...