Film & airport x-ray scanning
 

I am planning a trip from the USA to Canada and will be taking many pictures...probably 15 rolls of print film. I do not check my luggage and only take carry-on. I usually take the film out of the containers and request a hand inspection to avoid the carry-on x-ray machine. I have also used a lead lined x-ray bag with my film enclosed and passed it through the x-ray machine with no problems of fogging the film. Since the 9/11 attack I am not sure how airport security treats the inspection of film. Someone suggested that I mail my film to my first hotel and just pick it up upon check-in. I could then take pre-paid Fuji developing envelopes and mail my film from Canada to Fuji and have the photos mailed to my home. Any insights to protect my film would be greatly appreciated. <BR><BR>Scott

Doesn't anyone take pictues when they travel.

We take pictures! When in Egypt last spring we made the effort to have hand-inspected all film at all airports (8 flights in all). It was a pain, especially since in Egypt there are 2 security points for each flight, both with scanners, x-rays. We received all sorts of conflicting advice before we went on safety of film and decided not to take a chance. With (we hope) increased security, a lead-lines bag might cause concern (confusion?) when visualized on x-ray. By the time we returned home, I was very tired of digging film out of my carry-on and passing it around the check-point, but we got some great photos. For our digital camera, the memory cards just stayed in a pocket of a person - but they are so tiny, it doesn't matter. I am not sure about mailing the film - who knows what they do to mail these days.

I use 400 speed film, and have taken it through airport x-ray machines many times (both exposed and non exposed). It has never made the slightest bit of difference to how the pictures turn out. In fact I have heard you can take up to 1000 speed film through and it is not affected. Dont worry about it.

I have heard that there are newer X-ray machines that do damage film. I do not know where they are in use. The last time I tried to have one roll of film not go through X-ray machine I was told that it had to. Time to go digital! A photograghy board would likely be able to give you more specific information.

I refuse to go digital because I do not enjoy being a slave to a computer. I'm in front of one all day at work and the one thing I don't need is more computer hours.