Ruth Haines
Travelling with film can be a stressful experience, especially when it comes to airport security. X-ray scanners can fog film and ruin your photos, so it's important to know how to protect your film when travelling. The good news is that most traditional X-ray machines used for carry-on luggage are safe for film under ISO 800. However, CT scanners, which are becoming more common in US airports, can damage all film speeds and emulsions. To avoid any damage, you can request a hand inspection of your film, which most airports should allow. Additionally, you can use a Do Not X-Ray pouch or label to clearly communicate your request to the TSA.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can 35mm film be x-rayed at the airport? | Yes, but it is recommended to request a hand inspection. |
| What is the safe ISO for x-ray scanning? | ISO 800 and below. |
| What happens if the film is above ISO 800? | It may be affected if passed through the x-ray scanner more than eight times. |
| What is the impact of x-ray scanning on film? | It can fog the film, reduce contrast, and ruin photos. |
| How to protect film when travelling? | Keep it cool and dry, avoid humidity, and store it in a clear plastic bag. |
| How to request a hand inspection? | Pack film in a clear plastic bag, remove it from carry-on baggage, and ask security personnel for a hand inspection. |
| What if the security insists on x-raying the film? | It is unlikely to be damaged by a single pass through the machine, but express your concerns politely. |
| Can film be placed in checked baggage? | No, checked baggage goes through high-powered scanners that will damage the film. |
| How to make travelling with film easier? | Use film mailers to skip the TSA line and send the film for developing. |
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What You'll Learn
- X-ray machines used to screen carry-on bags are usually safe for undeveloped film under ASA/ISO 800
- CT scanners are more powerful than traditional X-ray machines and can damage film
- TSA screeners are trained to hand-check film
- Heat and humidity can fog film and/or reduce contrast
- Lead-lined film bags are ineffective against CT scanners
X-ray machines used to screen carry-on bags are usually safe for undeveloped film under ASA/ISO 800
When travelling with film, it is important to consider the potential impact of x-ray scanners on your film. Traditional X-ray scanners used for carry-on baggage are generally considered safe for film under ASA/ISO 800. However, some airports have started to implement CT scanners, which are significantly more powerful and can damage film. It is important to check with the airport beforehand to determine what type of scanners they are using.
If you are travelling with film, it is recommended to take precautions to protect your photos. This includes packing your film in clear plastic bags and requesting a hand inspection. You can also use a "Do Not X-Ray" label or pouch to indicate that your film should not be x-rayed. Additionally, try to avoid placing your film in checked baggage, as the scanners used for screening checked bags are more likely to damage undeveloped film.
It is worth noting that repeated scanning, even with traditional X-ray machines, can potentially cause damage to film. If a roll of film is exposed to X-ray inspections more than five times before it is developed, there is a possibility of damage occurring. Therefore, it is advisable to minimise the number of times your film is scanned whenever possible.
Overall, when travelling with undeveloped film, it is important to be aware of the potential risks posed by X-ray scanners and take appropriate precautions. By packing your film properly, requesting hand inspections, and minimising the number of scans, you can help ensure that your film remains safe and undamaged during your travels.
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CT scanners are more powerful than traditional X-ray machines and can damage film
CT scanners are more advanced security devices than traditional X-ray machines. They use X-ray technology to create detailed 3D images of the contents of bags, helping security personnel to detect prohibited items, explosives, and other security threats. CT scanners use a motorized X-ray source that rotates around the circular opening of a doughnut-shaped structure, capturing multiple image slices that are then stacked together to form a 3D image. Traditional X-ray machines, on the other hand, use a fixed X-ray tube and produce 2D images.
CT scanners emit a higher dosage of radiation than traditional X-ray machines. While the difference in radiation exposure is minimal and generally considered safe, the increased strength of CT scanners can damage unprocessed film. Even a single pass through a CT scanner can fog and ruin film of all speeds and emulsions. Traditional X-ray machines used for carry-on luggage at airports are typically low-powered and considered safe for film speeds below ISO 800, although there is a risk of damage with multiple exposures.
To protect film from potential damage when passing through airport security, photographers can request a hand inspection or manual check of their film. Some airports may have signage indicating the potential risk of damage from X-ray machines, and photographers can also use "`Do Not X-Ray`" labels or pouches to indicate that their film requires special handling. However, it's important to note that even hand inspections may not always be thorough, and there is a risk of film being accidentally exposed during the inspection process.
While CT scanners are more powerful than traditional X-ray machines and can damage film, the risk of damage also depends on other factors, such as the sensitivity of the film, the number of exposures to X-rays, and the strength of the X-ray machine. Photographers should carefully consider their options and take appropriate precautions when travelling with film to ensure their images remain intact.
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TSA screeners are trained to hand-check film
It is recommended to never pack film in checked baggage, as the high-powered CT scanners used for checked luggage can cause immediate and irreversible damage to your film. Carry-on luggage, on the other hand, is usually screened using X-ray scanners that use lower levels of radiation and typically do not harm film under ISO 800. However, there are some airports that use X-ray equipment that may damage undeveloped film, and these airports should have signage in front of the X-ray machine to warn passengers.
To avoid any potential damage to your film, you can request a hand check by a TSA agent. TSA screeners are trained to hand-check roll and movie film, as well as single-use cameras. While sheet film in boxes can also be hand-checked, it may require more diligence on the part of the photographer. To request a hand check, simply inform the TSA agent that you are carrying photographic film and ask for a manual inspection. It is recommended to use a “Do Not X-Ray” label or write this on the outside of your bag to make your request clearer.
If you are travelling with 35mm film, it is recommended to keep it in its original moisture-proof plastic canisters to protect it from humidity. Additionally, consider stripping the outer packaging from the rolls and removing the plastic canisters to make the hand-checking process smoother.
Overall, while X-ray scanners at most airports should not damage undeveloped film under ISO 800, requesting a hand check is the safest option to protect your film from potential damage.
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Heat and humidity can fog film and/or reduce contrast
When it comes to travelling with film, there are several factors to consider to ensure the film remains undamaged. One of the biggest adversaries when travelling with film is heat. Prolonged exposure to heat can fog your film and/or reduce contrast. Heat can also increase the density of the base fog in film. When film is stored at high temperatures over a long period, the base fog density increases.
Humidity is another factor that can cause issues with film. When transitioning between hot, humid outdoor air and cooler, air-conditioned environments, condensation can form on your camera, lenses, and film canisters. To prevent this, you can place your film and camera equipment in zip-style plastic bags before entering an air-conditioned environment. The condensation will form on the outside of the bag, keeping the contents inside dry. Keep the bags sealed until the contents reach room temperature. If you're shooting 35mm film, it's advisable to keep the film in its original moisture-proof plastic canisters for added protection.
Additionally, when shooting in cold, dry environments, static electricity can be an issue. Advancing film manually in cold temperatures can help prevent static sparks, which can cause lightning-like streaks on your film.
In terms of airport security, traditional X-ray machines used for carry-on luggage typically do not damage film under ISO 800. However, the newer CT scanners used in some airports can fog, damage, and destroy all film speeds and emulsions. These scanners use significantly more powerful X-rays than the traditional machines. To protect your film when passing through airport security, you can request a hand inspection. Placing your film in a "`Do Not X-Ray`" pouch can make your request clearer to security personnel.
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Lead-lined film bags are ineffective against CT scanners
X-ray scanners in airports can damage undeveloped film. The new CT scanners, in particular, are powerful enough to fog, damage, and destroy all film speeds and emulsions. Carry-on luggage scanners, on the other hand, use lower levels of radiation and typically don't harm film under 800 ISO.
Lead-lined film bags are often recommended to block standard X-rays. However, these bags are ineffective against CT scanners. CT scanners are significantly stronger and can see through the lead, resulting in more damage to the film. If a lead bag is detected in carry-on luggage, TSA agents will likely ask travellers to remove the bag for inspection.
Due to the ineffectiveness of lead-lined film bags against CT scanners, travellers are advised to request a hand check for their film. Most TSA screeners are trained to manually inspect roll and movie film, as well as single-use cameras. Travellers can simply inform the TSA agent about the presence of photographic film and request a manual inspection. This approach is generally well-accommodated, especially in U.S. airports.
Additionally, travellers can consider using film pouches or ziplock bags labelled with "Do Not X-Ray" to clearly communicate their request for a hand check. These pouches are made of durable, see-through PVC mesh and help TSA agents easily understand and honour the request.
In summary, lead-lined film bags are not a reliable solution to protect film from CT scanners in airports. Travellers are advised to request a hand check and use appropriately labelled film pouches or ziplock bags to ensure the safety of their film during security screening.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, 35mm film can be damaged by airport X-ray scanners. However, this is usually only the case for films with an ISO rating of 800 and above.
The best way to protect your 35mm film is to request a hand inspection. Most airports should allow this, but it may vary depending on location and country. You can also place your film in a clear plastic bag with a “Do Not X-Ray” label to increase the chances of a manual inspection.
Yes, you can use a lead-lined film bag to block standard X-rays. However, these bags are ineffective against CT scanners, which are much stronger and can see through the lead, potentially damaging your film.
X-ray scanners can fog 35mm film and ruin your photos. The risk of damage is higher for films with an ISO rating of 800 and above, and the damage may be noticeable after multiple scans.
CT scanners are a new generation of high-powered X-ray machines being installed in airports worldwide. Unlike traditional X-ray machines, CT scanners can fog, damage, and destroy all film speeds and emulsions, including 35mm film.
