Jamie123
Veteran
When I traveled to New York (JFK) last October they had signs saying that everything below ISO800 was ok for x-ray and that you can get anything faster than this hand inspected.
How do you guys carry films through airport checking
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mich8261
Well-known
it was three years ago that I saw the "special" film machines at LAS. I have been back since, but with digital. Like I said above, don't let them fool you with "it shouldn't hurt film below ISO800" the effect is cumulative and that doesn't only mean going through multiple airports, it could all happen at the one security check. You know when you are waiting to put your shoes through and the bag in front of you pops out again because the operator wants to have another look at it?
Michel
Michel
gareth
Established
For me it depends. If it's for pleasure and there are just a few x-ray passes I just stick it through the carry on scanner.
I do a small amount of pro work, so if it's for a client and/or there are quite a number of passes involved I'll prepare the film for hand search and ask for it.
If I do this I remove the film canisters from all packaging (including all the plastic canisters ) and stick it all in clear plastic bags. I print out full version of the Kodak x-ray advice on film and mark the relevant bits.
At the very least I arrive if possible at the airport in plenty of time (it's a good idea to phone first) and raise the issue at check in.
It's a good idea to carry some fast film like Delta 3200 whether you are going to use it or not. Also explain that you routinely push process film and refer to that Kodak document. You should be able to get a hand search. Having a business card etc can also can help, and be firm but very polite at all times.
This really shouldn't be an issue. The film canister can be examined by hand, and it can be swabbed for explosives. At Heathrow for example they are set up to swab film, and they did every one of my 60 odd rolls on a recent trip.
However you are at the mercy of security, and they can as we have seen lose the plot. During the recent scare in the UK, they would not even allow film as carry on luggage. They were insisting it was checked into the hold, despite their official advice to photographers not to check film into the hold! Figure that out.
But like I say if it's for pleasure, and it's just a few passes don't worry about it. I've stuck Delta 3200 ( real speed 1200asa) through scanners several times with no problem.
Lead bags will either ensure the x-ray power is turned up, or they will dump it out of the bags and stick it through again.
And I suspect most people who claim to have had film damaged by carry on scanners, are probably looking at out of date or poorly stored/handled film, not x-ray damage.
I do a small amount of pro work, so if it's for a client and/or there are quite a number of passes involved I'll prepare the film for hand search and ask for it.
If I do this I remove the film canisters from all packaging (including all the plastic canisters ) and stick it all in clear plastic bags. I print out full version of the Kodak x-ray advice on film and mark the relevant bits.
At the very least I arrive if possible at the airport in plenty of time (it's a good idea to phone first) and raise the issue at check in.
It's a good idea to carry some fast film like Delta 3200 whether you are going to use it or not. Also explain that you routinely push process film and refer to that Kodak document. You should be able to get a hand search. Having a business card etc can also can help, and be firm but very polite at all times.
This really shouldn't be an issue. The film canister can be examined by hand, and it can be swabbed for explosives. At Heathrow for example they are set up to swab film, and they did every one of my 60 odd rolls on a recent trip.
However you are at the mercy of security, and they can as we have seen lose the plot. During the recent scare in the UK, they would not even allow film as carry on luggage. They were insisting it was checked into the hold, despite their official advice to photographers not to check film into the hold! Figure that out.
But like I say if it's for pleasure, and it's just a few passes don't worry about it. I've stuck Delta 3200 ( real speed 1200asa) through scanners several times with no problem.
Lead bags will either ensure the x-ray power is turned up, or they will dump it out of the bags and stick it through again.
And I suspect most people who claim to have had film damaged by carry on scanners, are probably looking at out of date or poorly stored/handled film, not x-ray damage.
peter_n
Veteran
Film and canisters (with tops off) in separate clear plastic bags. Bring with hand luggage and ask for inspection. Always be polite.
I've had no trouble anywhere except when leaving from Madrid.
I've had no trouble anywhere except when leaving from Madrid.
rogue_designer
Reciprocity Failure
I have a pop out film bag that fits in my small carry bag. I give that (with film out of cans or foil) for hand inspection. Last week I got hand inspection at OHare, no problem. On the way back going through Atlanta they made me scan it since I wasn't using 800+ speed film. <rolleyes>
S
Simon Larbalestier
Guest
Sparrow said:
as far as i can tell bands of what seem like denser areas of film base that run in lines across the width of the 120 film ( not the length) most evident at the ends of the roll where the film base is normally clear. The cameras aren't leaking light and unless it's degradation of the film base due to humidity (which seems unlikely as the film stock was bought fresh) i put it down to x-rays but i may be wrong and if i was back in the UK i would scan a section and post it but that is several months off now....
furcafe
Veteran
S
Simon Larbalestier
Guest
Thanks for the link furcafe from what i've read it looks like my films were fogged by airport x-rays and i'm sure this was from accumulative passes.
newfinder
Registered User
Ponsoldt said:
Lots of people here mentioned about mail to and mail back films;
I just wonder why do you think the films are not scanned by the mail service checking???
There must be certain checking for dangerous items like X-ray checking...😕
Sparrow
Veteran
Thanks for the link, and info Simon, you would certainly notice that, in the summer I put 4 rolls of Fuji 1600 through four scans without damage you would have expected some effect. Do you think the canister offers some protection? it was 135 not 120.furcafe said:
newfinder
Registered User
mich8261 said:
Great tips! In fact all the feedback is worshiped:angel:
In fact, it is true I'm gonna pass two security check in a day! Last time I passed three ones...
nightfly
Well-known
When I used to shoot more 120 film, I would simply wear cargo pants and keep the rollls in pocket to go through security and avoid X-Ray. Never a problem. The cartridges are entirely plastic so I figued they wouldn't set off the detectors.
With 135 I'm not sure if the cannisters have enough metal to set off the detector so I stopped doing that. Generally now if I'm in the US I order film for the trip from B and H and have it sent to my destination and then mail it homw. If I'm going abroad I carry it on and mail it home to have fewer X-Rays. Or if I'm shooting slide film, I bring mailers for A and I and just send them from wherever I am.
I've mailed film home to the US from New Zealand and Argentina and it worked out well.
You never know if when your film is going through x-ray if they are going to roll the thing back and re-x-ray to get a better look at something so once it's on the belt it's sorta out of your hands.
With 135 I'm not sure if the cannisters have enough metal to set off the detector so I stopped doing that. Generally now if I'm in the US I order film for the trip from B and H and have it sent to my destination and then mail it homw. If I'm going abroad I carry it on and mail it home to have fewer X-Rays. Or if I'm shooting slide film, I bring mailers for A and I and just send them from wherever I am.
I've mailed film home to the US from New Zealand and Argentina and it worked out well.
You never know if when your film is going through x-ray if they are going to roll the thing back and re-x-ray to get a better look at something so once it's on the belt it's sorta out of your hands.
gareth
Established
Hold it back a bit and tell em you want want a straight pass if at all poss because it's film. As always you have to be very polite, you film is in their hands.
sf
Veteran
To get film through the airport checking systems, I just keep a few boxes in my clothes. Pockets work well. They aren't noticed by the sensors. They are only noticed if you get physical searching, and then you just forgot the film was in your pockets.
Also, I keep slower films in a lead bag in my luggage. Never had anyone open my luggage to see inside the lead bag - strange as that seems.
All the 3200 ISO film I shoot, I really try to keep that on my person so that it avoids scannings.
Also, I keep slower films in a lead bag in my luggage. Never had anyone open my luggage to see inside the lead bag - strange as that seems.
All the 3200 ISO film I shoot, I really try to keep that on my person so that it avoids scannings.
Turtle
Veteran
I have never (until now) been bothered about carry on levels of Xray as tests show quite clearly that slow and medium speed films are unaffected by quite a few passes (cannot remember the number but it was quite a few!). I generally trust tests more than anecdotes (always coming coming from obsessive amateurs rather than travelling professionals I might add)
However, I recently flew from Kabul, to Dubai to the UK to the US (two flights in US) and back. My film went thru 5 Xray machines at Dubai on the return ALONE. This was a result of them having loads of machines at every juncture so if you transfer to another flight...terminal etc you get zapped again and again thru every doorway! Go to ask a question abou baggage transfer and you pass Xray machines to do it! I have not developed the film but reckon the films (APX100 and TriX in 120 and 35mm) have had a minimum of a dozen zaps, possibly a good few more. Will let you know if any are damaged. Despite the number of zaps, I suspect not.
Hold baggae is another issue as Xrays are much more powerful. I hear you can get away with it with slwo films but tests show that even slow films may well be damaged and fast ones almost certainly so.
However, I recently flew from Kabul, to Dubai to the UK to the US (two flights in US) and back. My film went thru 5 Xray machines at Dubai on the return ALONE. This was a result of them having loads of machines at every juncture so if you transfer to another flight...terminal etc you get zapped again and again thru every doorway! Go to ask a question abou baggage transfer and you pass Xray machines to do it! I have not developed the film but reckon the films (APX100 and TriX in 120 and 35mm) have had a minimum of a dozen zaps, possibly a good few more. Will let you know if any are damaged. Despite the number of zaps, I suspect not.
Hold baggae is another issue as Xrays are much more powerful. I hear you can get away with it with slwo films but tests show that even slow films may well be damaged and fast ones almost certainly so.
gareth
Established
What kinda clothes are you wearing flower? Last few times I've flown I've been asked to remove my jacket, sometimes my shoes and belt, always asked now to empty all pockets. The jacket, shoes and the content of my pockets (including my wallet) all go through the x-ray mahine. Hopefully my film however gets treated to a hand search!
In that case I'll trust the Kodak Technical info on carry on baggage scanners. Or are they too just a bunch of obsessive amateurs?
http://www.kodak.com/global/en/service/tib/tib5201.shtml
