lead bag for film needed?
 

I read awhile back that film was being ruined going through xray machines at airports. Is this true? Is this lead bag really needed?

Sarah, I went through at least 10 xray machines with my film because I had numberous flights and it all came out fine.

You only need worry if you're using very fast film, say ASA 1000 or more. Also, the x-ray machines used for checked baggage are reportedly much stronger than the ones for carry-on, so don't put any film in your checked bags.

SARAH J,<BR><BR>On our recent trip to Europe, we took 18 rolls of Fuji 400 color.<BR><BR> Stupid me, it was packed in the checked luggage. I knew better. Didn't even think about it until we were home and had dropped the film for processing. I awoke in the middle of the night knowing all of our pictures were ruined!<BR><BR>Every picture came out fine!!!! It was probaly only x-rayed twice. Once in Raleigh and once in Frankfurt.<BR><BR>Next time, it goes in the carryon.<BR><BR>Dick

There are so many varied experiences... why chance it when a polymer/lead-lined back can be bought for $20. or less at most any camera store? I always use one, and never put film in checked bags.<BR>Trips overseas are expensive and infrequent - I'd hate to lose my best mementos b/c I didn't use a simple precaution.

I totally agree with Alice's sentiments.

Hi Sarah, I checked with my local camera shop before a recent trip that involved 5 flights when I was taking 20 rolls of film. My question was re using a ziplock bag that security could easily see versus a lead-lined bag, and he said the clear bag was what he used!! Judy

And what about temperatures? I left 5 rolls of film in a pretty hot car for two days last week. Will they be ruined, or is heat only a problem after exposure?

A lead lined bag sounds good in theory, but I read that they do not work.

Well, having USED one for 20 years, my experience indicates they do work. And clear bags w/b nice for hand-checks IF you could get security to cooperate, but many times they will not, espec. overseas.

Alice -<BR><BR>I accept your claim that your pictures have stayed safe in a lead bag for 20 years. But would they be just as safe in a paper bag? Have you tried this experiment? If not, then you don't know if a lead bag really helps. We would all be interested in your answers.

Can the screeners see anything in the lead bag? Could I put my leatherman in the lead bag and have in my carryon luggage without having it taken?<BR><BR>I don't want to check luggage, but I want my leatherman.

Jed, I'm curious....where did you read that a lead bag doesn't work?

I have packed my films in hand luggage and main luggage and have never ever experienced any loss or spoils

I have recently read that if a lead bag is in checked luggage, the x-ray keeps on zapping it until it figures out what it is therefore exposing it to much harsher x-rays and also the possibility of a hand search. Whatever you do, keep film (with or w/o lead bag) in carry on.

Sue, I just went to Texas and had my lead bag in the carryon. The security person opened my bag, saw what caused the blip but he didn't look inside the lead bag itself. But you can't count on that being the case always.

Check out &lt;http://www.simacorp.com/photo.html#filmshield&gt; . There are different levels of protection.<BR><BR>Also from Kodak:<BR><BR>"Lead-lined bags, available from photo retailers, will weaken the x-radiation on film and reduce potential harm. However, the effectiveness of any particular lead bag depends on the intensity and electric potential of the X-ray generator, the lead's thickness, and the film speed. If you use a lead bag, check with the manufacturer for the effectiveness of their products with airport X-ray devices. The inspection process may be triggered by a lead bag on the scanner screen. In a typical airport surveillance situation, the baggage may be pulled aside for additional inspection."<BR><BR>