View Full Version : How do you guys carry films through airport checking
newfinder
09-21-2006, 23:58
I'm currently on a trip to US, and carry only several rolls of films;
Could I ask the security guys to handy check the films? or do you use the anti-Xray bags? (I've heard you should be asked to get the films out of the anti-Xray bags because they can't see what's inside:mad: )
Cheers~
I usually put all the films in transparent canisters, all of those in a transparent plastic bag, then I ask the security personnel nicely for a hand check, and if they won't grant it, I don't bother. Unless you're carrying extremely highly sensitive film it isn't really that much in danger from the X-ray scan in a hand baggage scanner.
Anti-Xray bags don't help all that much. Actually they are counterproductive because high-altitude radiation will lead to bremsstrahlung inside the bag during the flight, especially during intercontinental flights.
Philipp
The anti-Xray bags are a sure way of getting _everything_ searched.
I use these: LINKY LINKY (http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/default.php?cat=1&type=1220&man=98&filterwords=&go=SEARCH&comp=)
You'd be suprised how much space they save.
ClaremontPhoto
09-22-2006, 00:38
Stick a few in your jacket pocket and turf them out with your keys and coins and stuff.
In the UK at the moment everything gets scanned without exception, I’ve never had a problem.
Has anybody ever had any film damaged by x-ray, that is apart from x-ray film?
Come to think about it how do they transport x-ray film?
Simon Larbalestier
09-22-2006, 01:05
The anti-Xray bags are a sure way of getting _everything_ searched.
I use these: LINKY LINKY (http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/default.php?cat=1&type=1220&man=98&filterwords=&go=SEARCH&comp=)
You'd be suprised how much space they save.
I use the lead bags for films on trips to Cambodia from Bangkok and Bangkok to UK and back and haven't had them opened. I flew back last night from the UK to BKK via Manchester and apart from the restricted hand luggage size (Emirates was actually smaller than the sizes advertised on the Airport's weblisting) nothing was stopped and looked at.
Last year i started to use just plastic bags for the 120 tx400 but found that some fogging was occurring on the trips back from Cambodia so i reverted to the lead bags. X-ray fogging is accumulative - a return trip to Bangkok via Cambodia is four passes through the machine.
SolaresLarrave
09-22-2006, 01:15
If you're traveling into the US, your film only will get scanned by the TSA on your way out of the US. When you arrive, it won't.
Since you're leaving from Shanghai, I'd ask for hand inspection... if you're carrying film faster than ISO800. Otherwise, you can carry it with in your hand luggage.
The day you leave the US, just do the same thing: carry any slow film in your hand luggage.
Have a nice trip! :)
Simon, what does x-ray fogging look like?
clarence
09-22-2006, 01:46
The German airport authorities are particularly strict about security. When I flew through Munchen and Dusseldorf this summer they kept insisting that the scanner was film safe up to 1600. I politely repeated that my film was 'high speed' and 'faster than 1600' and after pressing my case enough, they granted me manual hand checks and a swab test.
Clarence
Skinny McGee
09-22-2006, 02:55
I usually put all the films in transparent canisters, all of those in a transparent plastic bag, then I ask the security personnel nicely for a hand check, and if they won't grant it, I don't bother. Unless you're carrying extremely highly sensitive film it isn't really that much in danger from the X-ray scan in a hand baggage scanner.
Anti-Xray bags don't help all that much. Actually they are counterproductive because high-altitude radiation will lead to bremsstrahlung inside the bag during the flight, especially during intercontinental flights.
Philipp
Yeah the last European tour I had I did this with no problems... Coming in to the US is absolutly humilialting..If they pick you out to F*%$# with you they will go thru all your stuff and let you figure out what just happened. Welcome to the United State We hope yu enjoy your stay. Out of all the countries I have traveled to the worst one for customes is Home.
Had a works trip to Nuremberg, the flight there was UK to Munich then on to Nuremberg. Leaving UK everything went through, even when I asked for a hand film check. They took everything out of my camera bag and searched it, no problem or damage to the camera or lenses.
The internal flights connecting flight checks were better, I requested a hand film inspection and was refused initially, after saying thet the film had already been through x-ray they were pretty good. Untill leaving Frankfurt to the UK everything went through x-ray. So I got a bunch of HP5 thats had 2 doses, should be OK as long as it does not get any more I hope.
I did leave one small bulk loaded can in the bag for a reference to see what 4 doses results in.
Note film in the camera is always x-rayed.
Ponsoldt
09-22-2006, 03:35
If possible I just buy film where I am going and send it back by mail.
On my recent trip to the US, I bought film there (in Portland) and then asked the Security people nicely to handcheck the film since "I'm carrying professional and high speed film" the stuff in Portland was HP5 / 400 and some 100 fuji but they didn't seem to mind. On the same trip I went to Vancouver and bought some Delta 3200 for a wedding and was more concerned about the film and the same "I'm carrying professional and high speed film" worked out fine. All film was in clear plastic bags.
The trip had a total of 4 X-ray checks so I'm glad the film didn't pass through any of them.
-Amit
smileyguy
09-22-2006, 05:39
I was thinking of this as well. We're going to Europe next year and we know we will be staying with friends. I thought that I would just mail a bunch of rolls over to them to hold on to (in the freezer if they can afford the space) and then have it when I get over there. As a few rolls are exposed, do the opposite and send it home to get processed when I get back. Either or really, I suppose I could get it processed while I'm over anyway I just thought that sending it back would save a tiny bit of space and avoid carrying the negs/prints around with me.
Has anybody done it this way?
ClaremontPhoto
09-22-2006, 06:07
I was thinking of this as well. We're going to Europe next year and we know we will be staying with friends. I thought that I would just mail a bunch of rolls over to them to hold on to (in the freezer if they can afford the space) and then have it when I get over there. As a few rolls are exposed, do the opposite and send it home to get processed when I get back. Either or really, I suppose I could get it processed while I'm over anyway I just thought that sending it back would save a tiny bit of space and avoid carrying the negs/prints around with me.
Has anybody done it this way?
Send film ahead, and send it back?
Why not buy it locally and develop it locally?
Most European cities have shops that can sell you film and can develop film.
smileyguy
09-22-2006, 06:15
True!
I guess I just thought that I have a ton of film in my freezer, I may as well use it rather than buy more. Plus, I'm cheap and I can't stand getting soaked for film when I "have" to buy it.
rncamero
09-22-2006, 06:21
On a recent flight to Denver, carried 15 rolls each wrapped in cellophane (no canisters) in one of those thin Quantaray X-Ray bags. Made no indication I had any film in there. Went in my backpack through the scanner at LAX and Denver no problem.
My international flight experience is limited to experiences in Japan and Philippines. In Narita, the X-Ray bags will guarantee you will get searched, however the security there was so polite and apologetic that I didn't mind. Everything always gets searched for flights out of Manila. Standard routine even pre 9/11.
mich8261
09-22-2006, 06:27
if you are travelling in the US, you can ask for manual inspection. It's official TSA policy http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1035.shtm. Some airports even have signs set up that tell you to request hand inspection. A few airports even have special equipment just for film (Las Vegas for instance). If I travel with film, I keep a print out of this TSA page with me, but I've never had to show it. If someone insists that it's safe, I stick to my point. You can tell them that you have already been through several inspections (the effect is cumulative). Make it easier and have your film out of canisters and into a clear plastic bag.
Michel
TEZillman
09-22-2006, 06:46
I bought an out of date roll of 3200 speed film and include it with my film in a clear plastic "zip lock" bag as a sacrificial roll. That way I can honestly say that I have high speed film with me when I ask for a hand inspection. The TSA staff generally tries to first assure you that the x-ray is perfectly safe for lower speed film before they'll hand inspect it. The only minor problem I've had is when a new TSA guy decided he needed to swab each roll of film. That went on until his supervisor saw what he was doing and told him to visually inspect them.
A few airports even have special equipment just for film (Las Vegas for instance).
Oh really? That's one I frequently fly out of (almost always C and D terminals), most recently just a few weels ago, and I've never seen any special equipment. I just ask for a hand inspection and they do it manually, sometimes taking it over to the machine for a swab test.
Jamie123
09-22-2006, 10:26
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.
mich8261
09-22-2006, 11:10
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
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.
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.
rogue_designer
09-22-2006, 14:25
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>
Simon Larbalestier
09-22-2006, 14:34
Simon, what does x-ray fogging look like?
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....
http://www.kodak.com/global/en/service/tib/tib5201.shtml
. . . what does x-ray fogging look like?
Simon Larbalestier
09-22-2006, 20:03
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
09-23-2006, 00:05
If possible I just buy film where I am going and send it back by mail.
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...:confused:
http://www.kodak.com/global/en/service/tib/tib5201.shtml
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.
newfinder
09-23-2006, 00:57
if you are travelling in the US, you can ask for manual inspection. It's official TSA policy http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1035.shtm. Some airports even have signs set up that tell you to request hand inspection. A few airports even have special equipment just for film (Las Vegas for instance). If I travel with film, I keep a print out of this TSA page with me, but I've never had to show it. If someone insists that it's safe, I stick to my point. You can tell them that you have already been through several inspections (the effect is cumulative). Make it easier and have your film out of canisters and into a clear plastic bag.
Michel
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
09-23-2006, 02:30
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.
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. Today 09:57
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.
shutterflower
09-23-2006, 09:13
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.
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.
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.
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!
I generally trust tests more than anecdotes (always coming coming from obsessive amateurs rather than travelling professionals I might add)
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
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