35mm Film and Security Scans
 

Any tips on dealing with new or exposed film when going through airports? I didn't have any trouble in the 90's, but are the scans more damaging here and in Europe since 9/11?

I don't think scans are more damaging now; I've have no problems. Only, try to avoid those little lead bags or boxes "specifically" designed for carrying film. If you are worried about this, you can always show them directly to the employee, who will check it without passing it through the scan.

I had no problems a few weeks ago. I was travelling with 400 speed film, and kept it in my carry on luggage. From other posts on this board I understand that the problem is when you put it in your check-in. Also, I understand 800 speed film and up could get damaged in the carry-on.<BR><BR>I went through 5 airports the entire trip and my film was fine.

Do not put it in checked luggage as those scans are much stronger. If you have 800 film ask for it to be hand checked.

From frequent experience, 800-speed film is safe in your carry-on luggage.

HowardR, I know from other posts that you have never had a problem with your fast film going through the xray machine, but since conventional wisdom says 800 and above MAY be damaged, are you really comfortable advising people to let it be xrayed? We've never had a problem, either, but we still try to get our fast film hand-checked, just to be on the safe side.

You cannot count on getting a hand-chcke for your film. French control at CDG has always refused to hand-check my film. Last year, the security people in San Francisco refused to hand-check my film, but the security in Chicago did it graciously. The x-rays are cumulative, which is why 5 checks are the recoemmended maximum. Lead-lined bags are said to be effective in minimizing the effect of the x-ray. Never place film in the check-through lugggage.

Marilyn, the conventional wisdom I've read says that 800 film is safe!!

Thanks for your replies.