film and travel

[pauld111]

I am going for a holiday to South Africa and am taking film for my Mamiya 6 with me (as it is half price in the UK). I am worried about it going through the X-ray machine in the airports. Any advice is welcome. Thanks

[Gumby]

There is nothing to fear if you are carrying it and not putting it in your checked luggage. You can always try putting the film (removed from their protective wrappings) in a clear plastic bag and ask for hand inspection. If they agree, then you're doing good. If they don't, put it through the x-ray machine and don't worry.

[pauld111]

Thanks Gumby, that is what I will do.

[Tony-S]

Do not put film in checked baggage. Those scanners put out far more radiation and your film will be ruined with a single pass.

[htimsdj]

As the others have said, bring it in your carry on bag. Try to ask for hand inspection; just know you won't get it everywhere. Last year I took many rolls of film (B&W, C41, E6 and K14) from the USA to Spain. Despite my efforts to have hand inspection, all of the film went through the x-ray machine at least 3 times. I had no trouble at all, even with my 3200 speed film.

[zanef2.8]

Last year I traveled in the South East Asia and went through 5-6 different customs clearance. All my films, including 5 rolls of Natura 1600s, went through the X ray machine 5-6 times. All turned out fine.