Does anyone have some good ideas of how I should take my camera and rolls of film thru the security/Xray? What do you do with yours?<BR>Thanks,<BR>~jesse

A large, clear plastic zip lock baggy. I didn`t do that on my last trip and wish I had! At least for the film.

Use a special lead-lined film bag available at camera stores.

Regarding lead lined bags - they are very heavy if you want to use them with carryon luggage. I had ordered one but sent it back as I intended to put in my checked luggage but read an article where the x-rays will not be able to determine what is in the bag and they might come searching for you in order to open your bag. Just recently I read that with the new equipment expected to x-ray bags that the lead lined bags will not protect film. So, I guess the best is to put the film in a baggie and hope security will hand process it.

Not sure what article you've read, but I've used my lead-lined bag, which isn't at all heavy, on three overseas trips since 9/11 and have not had any problems. Not once have I been asked to open my bag for further inspection.

Steve - the article was at http://www.trip.com/completetraveler...4_2072,00.html.

Last year we went through 9 x-ray machines with my film. The first one I went through I asked them to check the film by hand, because of the new security they said NO. They also told me that the x-rays were not strong enough to damage film. They were right all of my pictures were beautiful. Unless you are a professional photographer or are taking unusually sensitive film, just keep in in you camera bag and it should be ok. No need to spend the extra $$ on a special case.

I purchased a lead lined bag and have used it a few times since 9-11 however, I'm surprised I have not been stopped. It was my understanding that since they can't see thru it, I would have to open my bag to show what was inside. <BR>I had always taken film in a baggie and had it hand checked. My pictures are always so much clearer and brighter than my friends and have assumed that it is cuz by film did not go thru X-ray.

toper

X-ray machines DO damage film!! And I'm talking about your run of the mill 100, 200 or 400 ASA film -- not high speed film that photographers use. I hate it when they say the machines don't damage film because it is totally false. Use a lead bag -- they are NOT heavy. Who cares if they inspect your carry-on? It is horrible to lose precious film -- you never get those memories back. Don't take the chance on a plastic baggies. I have been around the world and in many places they absolutely refuse and then throw it through the x-ray machine before you can even object.

I've used a lead film bag in my carry on for years with no problems.Since the first of the year I've flown to Moorea,China and Europe,a total of 16 flight segments,using the lead bag and have had no problems with my carry ons.I can remember being asked by security to open the lead bag on occasion BEFORE 9/11 but NOT SINCE........I'm not sure what that says about the "new" security but it doesn't give me a warm feeling.<BR>Use the bag....protect your film,if challenged it will only take a couple of minutes to show what's inside.Have a wonderful trip!!!!!! <BR>