Sun, October 3rd, 2004 by Jim Green
the last time I visited the USA from UK I had to put all my cases through 2 lots of security checks, I put all my film regardless of ASA in a lead lined bag, however on my last visit I didnt do this for my polaroid film and it all went foggy, could this be the fault of the xray machines? would a lead lined bag protect polaroid film the same it does normal 355m?
thanks
Jim
October 3rd, 2004 at 10:53 am
I'm not sure about the effect of x-rays on Polaroid film, but I would think lead would block them in any case. But, don't the security people want to know what's behind the lead? They'll probably open your bag and do an eyeball search anyway.
When I take film on a plane I always just get security to do a check by hand, and avoid the x-ray all together. I've never had a problem. I just tell them I have high speed film and they understand. I haven't done this on an overseas flight lately though, maybe things have changed. I've heard stories that you have to get in a special line and wait a little longer sometimes, but that's never happened to me.
October 3rd, 2004 at 11:02 am
When I flew to Florida I was interested in a lead bag. The camera shop told me that it was a waste of money. If the inspectors want to see in your luggage, and then there is a dark black blob showing up on the X-ray machine, all they do is turn the power up on the machinery to see in that dark blob.
I was able to mail all my film ahead in advance, and carry two rolls on the plane with me in my carry on. I put it in a zip lock bag and handed it to them for inspection.
October 3rd, 2004 at 11:03 am
Thats the one place were digital beats film!
October 3rd, 2004 at 11:47 am
Lead lined bags do make a difference, but only if you take them through with your carry-on luggage. In the instance that they see a "dark blob" of an x-ray bag, they will pull it out and hand check it. In most instances, it is no different than asking them to hand check your film, but it insures that you are put in the front of the line (you're already holding up), rather than being asked to wait in the 'hand check only' line, and have them get to you when the feel like it. Mike was right that in some instances, they can just turn up the x-ray power, but more often than not, this only occurs with checked baggage.
Jim, yes. Polaroid film is affected like any other. It is a relatively low ASA (usually 80 or 100) so it usually takes more passes through an x-ray detector to be an issue, but once through checked baggage, next to a lead bag will do the trick.
And finally-- Mike-- Digital media is not succeptible to X-ray, but if you accidentally forget and walk through the metal detector with a card in your pocket, you are probably screwed. The magnetic fields in the detector has been known to scramble or erase the digital memory cards in the past... so just beware-- and if at all possible, burn cd-backups before you hop onboard. Many decent photo-labs can do that.
If you're concerned about your film but haven't spent the $20, $30 or $40 bucks on a good bag, your best alternative is to take EVERY canister of film out of the plastic containers and put them in a clear zip-loc bag. Keep this packed in the TOP of your carry on and hand it to them as you walk through the machine... If they spout some excuse of "only 800 speed film and higher is affected", tell them you have many connecting flights on this trip and don't want to risk the multiple exposures. If that doesn't work, bite the bullet and hope for the best. Just don't argue with airport security, it will probably only get you into deeper trouble.
October 3rd, 2004 at 12:35 pm
kvh's suggestion is the best, and has worked many times for me. Clear plastic bag with all film out of the plastic canisters in it. Legally U.S. security folks *must* hand search it if you ask them to. But I wouldn't push it. Anyway, in modern countries, the x-ray machines won't expose your films unless you're carrying around 1600 ASA. Whatever you do, NEVER put your film in your checked luggage. Bad. Very bad.
Sometimes a better option with less hassle is to buy your film when you arrive, shoot it, get it developed before you go home, and you don't have to carry any unexposed film through security.
October 3rd, 2004 at 1:17 pm
I strongly advise that anyone carrying film have a hand inspection done. Airport x-ray scanners are not to be trusted. And to be honest, if the airport security personnel aren't checking your leadlined bag, their not doing their job. I also echo MattB when he says never put your unexposed film in your checked luggage. That's the kiss of death for that film.
When I went on my trip to NYC this summer, I took all my film out of their containers and put them in a plastic bag. I did get the "if it's not 800 film you can put it through" line but I insisted that they handcheck it. They not only handchecked it, they checked it for traces of explosives at three checkpoints on our trip (we made a detour to visit the grandparents in Buffalo). I did try to get my film processed in NY at Duggal's, but they couldn't get it done in time before I was to leave.
And, if you're in Chicago on a visit, Gamma Labs on the 300 block of W. Superior (in the River North neighborhood) is the best place for processing film. If you get it to them in the morning, they'll have the negs ready for you within three hours (shameless plug for a great service).
December 4th, 2004 at 1:21 pm
I have just gotten my rolls of films developed at a drugstore. One roll is from a throw-away camera, and the pictures turns out fine. The other roll is an APS film, and the store clerk was not able to print pictures (all turnout blurred). I have traveled to an airplane via an airport (round-trip). Is this a freak accident or the x-ray has more effect on one type of film versus another?
Vinnie
March 7th, 2005 at 3:15 pm
Where can I get one of these Lead Lined Bags? I need one for this summer. I am contimplating on getting plain film one use cameras for my guests coming to Jamaica with us and putting them in my carry on with us or getting the one time use digital cameras that are approximately $7 more a peice. I have not been able to find one so far. Please help if you can.
Thanks
March 19th, 2005 at 1:04 am
There are a few different brands of lead-lined film protector bags being sold on eBay for a reasonable price. You can find everything on eBay!
April 29th, 2005 at 9:10 pm
Andrea -In Canada you can get the xray bags from any Black's Photography store. Otherwise most professional camera stores carry them.