Sachin Walls
Travelling with film can be stressful for photographers, as airport X-ray machines can damage or ruin the film. The X-ray machines emit radiation that can fog or distort the images on the film, especially if the film is exposed multiple times. Most TSA checkpoints state that film rated at 800 ISO or lower isn't likely to be affected by standard X-ray machines. However, some sources suggest that even film with an ISO of 400 or lower may be damaged by X-ray scanning. To avoid any potential damage, photographers can request a hand inspection at the airport instead of sending their film through the X-ray machine. Additionally, it is recommended to never pack film in checked baggage, as these scanners are much stronger and will likely damage the film.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can 8mm film go through X-ray at the airport? | It depends on the film's ISO. Film with an ISO of 800 or higher is more sensitive to X-ray radiation and may be more prone to damage. |
| What can I do to protect my film? | Request a hand inspection or pack the film in a lead-lined bag. |
| What happens if I put film in checked baggage? | Checked baggage goes through stronger X-ray machines or CT scanners that can cause immediate and irreversible damage to your film. |
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What You'll Learn
- X-ray machines emit radiation that can fog or distort images on film
- Carry-on luggage is usually scanned with mild doses of X-rays, which are generally safe for film
- Checked baggage goes through stronger X-ray machines or CT scanners, which can damage film
- Film with an ISO of 800 or higher is more prone to damage from X-rays
- Photographers can request a hand inspection or use lead-lined bags to protect their film
X-ray machines emit radiation that can fog or distort images on film
Travelling with film can be stressful for photographers as airport X-ray machines emit radiation that can fog or distort the images on the film, especially if the film is exposed multiple times. X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation, similar to visible light but with higher energy, which can pass through most objects, including the human body. In the case of airport security, X-rays are used to detect the shapes of objects within a bag.
Photographers concerned about their film can request a hand inspection at the airport to avoid possible damage. This involves presenting the film for a manual review instead of sending it through the X-ray machine. However, some airports may not allow hand inspections due to security concerns, and photographers may be forced to send their film through the X-ray machine. In such cases, it is recommended to use a lead-lined bag to reduce the risk of damage.
Most standard X-ray machines used to screen carry-on bags should not harm undeveloped film under ASA/ISO 800. Film with an ISO of 800 or higher is more sensitive to X-ray radiation and may be more prone to damage. To be safe, photographers can also consider mailing exposed rolls directly to film processing labs using prepaid mailers before flying home.
Additionally, it is important to note that CT scanners, which are becoming increasingly common in airports, are significantly more powerful than traditional X-ray machines. These scanners can cause serious damage to unprocessed film, even with a single pass. Kodak and other photography companies have warned photographers to carry their film and request a hand-check by security agents instead of checking their film through CT scanners.
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Carry-on luggage is usually scanned with mild doses of X-rays, which are generally safe for film
It is generally understood that carry-on luggage is usually scanned with mild doses of X-rays, which are considered safe for film. However, it is important to distinguish between traditional X-ray machines and the newer, more powerful CT scanners. While traditional X-ray machines are typically safe for film, CT scanners can cause serious damage to unprocessed film, even at ISO 400 and below.
To ensure the safety of your film, it is recommended to place it in a clear plastic bag or a “Do Not X-Ray” pouch and request a hand inspection. This involves presenting the film to a TSA agent for manual review rather than sending it through the X-ray machine. Some airports may not allow hand inspections due to security concerns, in which case you may need to take the risk of sending your film through the X-ray machine.
It is worth noting that film with an ISO of 800 or higher is more sensitive to X-ray radiation and may be more prone to damage. In these cases, requesting a hand inspection or using a lead-lined bag for protection is advised.
Additionally, it is recommended to never pack film in checked baggage, as these bags go through high-powered CT scanners or traditional X-ray machines that can cause irreversible damage to your film.
While carry-on luggage X-ray scanners typically use lower levels of radiation that may not harm film under ISO 800, it is always best to play it safe and request a hand inspection whenever possible.
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Checked baggage goes through stronger X-ray machines or CT scanners, which can damage film
It is strongly advised against placing film in checked baggage. Checked baggage typically goes through high-powered CT scanners or X-ray machines, which can cause irreversible damage to film. CT scanners, in particular, are significantly more powerful than traditional X-ray machines and can cause serious harm to unprocessed film, even after a single pass. The increased radiation dose emitted by CT scanners can lead to a substantial loss of detail and colour accuracy in your film. Traditional X-ray machines used for checked baggage are also often much stronger than carry-on X-ray scanners and can ruin film.
To avoid potential damage, some sources recommend using a lead-lined film bag, such as a Domke FilmGuard bag, which can block harmful X-rays. However, lead bags are ineffective against CT scanners, as they can see through the lead, and may not be allowed by TSA due to the inability to see the items inside. Therefore, the best option is to request a hand-check for your film at the security checkpoint. Place your film in a clear plastic bag or a “Do Not X-Ray” pouch and keep it easily accessible in your carry-on bag. Most TSA agents are trained to accommodate such requests, especially in the US.
While film with an ISO rating of 800 or lower is generally considered safe from standard X-ray machines, it is always recommended to play it safe and request a hand-check whenever possible, especially if your trip involves multiple flights or airport transfers. Additionally, some airports may have signage indicating that their X-ray machines can damage undeveloped film. If you are unable to request a hand-check, there is a chance your film may still be usable, especially if it is black and white film. However, it is always best to take precautions to protect your film from potential damage.
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Film with an ISO of 800 or higher is more prone to damage from X-rays
Film with an ISO of 800 or higher is more sensitive to X-ray radiation and may be more prone to damage. While some sources claim that film with an ISO of 800 or lower is generally safe from standard X-ray machines, others suggest that even film with an ISO of 400 or lower can be affected. It is recommended that photographers with film of ISO 800 or higher request a hand inspection or pack their film in a lead-lined bag to reduce the risk of damage.
X-ray machines used for screening checked baggage will likely damage undeveloped film. These machines use higher levels of radiation and can cause immediate and irreversible damage. Carry-on X-ray scanners, on the other hand, typically use lower levels of radiation and are considered safer for film under ISO 800. However, it is still recommended to request a hand-check, especially if you have multiple flights or airport transfers.
CT scanners, which are becoming increasingly common in airports, are significantly more powerful than traditional X-ray machines and can cause serious damage to film. Even a single pass through a CT scanner can affect a roll of film. Photographers are advised to carry their film with them and request a hand-check by TSA agents to avoid potential damage.
To ensure the safety of your film, it is important to place it in a clear ziplock bag or a ""Do Not X-Ray" film pouch, making it easily accessible during security checks. Additionally, keep your film insulated within jackets or layers of clothing to maintain reasonable temperatures and avoid heat damage.
While travelling with film can be nerve-wracking, following these guidelines and requesting hand inspections can help protect your film from X-ray damage.
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Photographers can request a hand inspection or use lead-lined bags to protect their film
Photographers travelling with film are advised to carry it in their hand luggage and request a hand inspection at the security checkpoint. This is because the equipment used to screen checked baggage can damage undeveloped film. Most x-ray machines used to screen carry-on bags should not harm undeveloped film under ASA/ISO 800, but it is still recommended to request a hand inspection to be safe, especially if your trip involves multiple flights or airport transfers.
In the United States, there is an explicit TSA rule that allows you to request a hand inspection of undeveloped film, and security officers will respect that. However, some countries may insist that undeveloped film be put through the scanners, and it is always a good idea to check the rules for your specific country or region. For example, in India, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has a page for special items, including photographic film and equipment, and allows for the manual inspection of film at the security checkpoint.
If you are unable or do not have time to request a hand inspection, you can consider using lead-lined bags to protect your film from x-ray scanners. These bags are designed to shield film from x-rays and are allowed by most airports. However, some photographers have reported that security personnel may crank up the x-ray power to see through the bag, so it is always best to request a hand inspection if possible. Additionally, lead bags may not protect film from the more powerful CT scanners that are increasingly being used in airports.
To facilitate a hand inspection, it is recommended to place your undeveloped film in a clear plastic bag, such as a ziplock bag, and store it in a side pocket of your carry-on luggage for easy access. Some companies also offer “Do Not X-Ray” film pouches made from durable, see-through PVC mesh, which can help communicate your request to TSA agents more easily.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the film's ISO rating. Film with an ISO of 800 or higher is more sensitive to X-ray radiation and may be prone to damage. Most X-ray machines used to screen carry-on bags should not damage undeveloped film under ISO 800.
You can request a hand inspection or pack the film in a lead-lined bag.
X-rays are like another source of light exposing the film. How much exposure depends on the machine, its settings, and the ISO of your film. If you're lucky, you won't notice any effect, but there is a risk of fogging or distortion.
CT scanners are significantly more powerful than traditional X-ray machines and can cause serious damage to unprocessed film.
