Sachin Walls
Travelling with film can be a nerve-wracking experience for photographers, as X-ray scanners at airport security have the potential to damage film. The scanners used for checked luggage are much more powerful and very likely to damage film. However, the checkpoint X-rays used for carry-on luggage are less powerful and usually will not damage film (800 ISO or slower), even with multiple passes. Nevertheless, some sources suggest that X-ray scanners are not fully safe up to 1600 ISO. To avoid any risk, photographers should request a hand inspection at security. Most TSA agents are accommodating of such requests, especially if the film is easily accessible in a clear plastic bag.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can film cameras go through airport x-ray? | It depends on the film speed (ISO) and the type of scanner. Generally, films with an ISO of up to 200 are considered safe, while films with an ISO of 400 and above may be affected by the x-ray, causing issues like colour shift and increased grain. |
| Types of scanners | Airport x-ray scanners can be categorized into those used for checked luggage and those used for scanning carry-on items and personal belongings at security checkpoints. Checked luggage scanners are typically more powerful and more likely to damage film. Some airports are also implementing CT scanners for carry-on luggage, which can damage film with a single pass. |
| Recommendations | To avoid any risk of damaging unprocessed film, it is recommended to request a hand inspection at the security checkpoint. Keeping film in a clear plastic bag and informing security personnel that you have sensitive film that cannot go through the scanner can also help. |
| Country-specific variations | Regulations and inspections vary by country. While hand-check requests are commonly accommodated in the US, international airports may not always honor such requests. |
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What You'll Learn
- X-ray scanners at security checkpoints for carry-on luggage are less powerful and usually won't damage film
- Checked luggage goes through stronger traditional X-ray scanners that will damage film
- CT scanners used for checked luggage can damage film with a single pass
- Requesting a hand-check is the safest way to protect your film
- Regulations vary by country, so some international airports may not honor hand-check requests
X-ray scanners at security checkpoints for carry-on luggage are less powerful and usually won't damage film
X-ray scanners used at security checkpoints for carry-on luggage are typically less powerful than those used for checked luggage. While the scanners for checked luggage can be highly damaging to film, the X-ray scanners for carry-on items usually won't damage film, especially if it's 800 ISO or slower. However, it's important to note that the risk of damage increases with multiple exposures to X-rays, and higher-speed films (ISO 800 and above) are more susceptible to harm.
To be cautious, some photographers recommend placing film in a clear plastic bag and requesting a hand-check at security checkpoints. This involves politely informing airport security personnel that you have sensitive film that cannot pass through the X-ray scanner. While most airports, especially in the US, accommodate such requests, regulations vary across countries, and security staff may not always comply.
Additionally, lead-lined bags designed to protect film from X-rays are available, but they are not foolproof. Security personnel may increase the X-ray strength to see through the bag, potentially damaging the film. They may also ask to inspect the bag's contents. As such, hand-checking remains the safest and most effective way to protect your film when passing through security checkpoints.
Furthermore, it's worth noting that some airports are starting to use CT scanners for carry-on luggage instead of traditional X-ray machines. These CT scanners have been shown to damage film with a single pass, regardless of film speed. Therefore, it's essential to be vigilant and request a hand inspection if you're unsure about the type of scanner in use.
Overall, while X-ray scanners at security checkpoints for carry-on luggage are generally considered safe for film, taking precautionary measures like hand-checking or using clear plastic bags can provide added protection for your sensitive film.
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Checked luggage goes through stronger traditional X-ray scanners that will damage film
While carry-on luggage is typically scanned using CT scanners, checked luggage goes through traditional X-ray scanners. These traditional X-ray scanners are often much stronger and can ruin film.
CT scanners are already known to damage film, and so travellers are advised to request a hand-check for their film cameras. However, traditional X-ray scanners are even stronger than CT scanners, and so the risk of damage to film is even higher.
One photographer's account of their experience with traditional X-ray scanners in Berlin revealed that their film was affected after six passes. The film gained 0.03 in base fog, and there was a colour shift and an increase in grain.
Another photographer recounted their experience at Nice Airport, where security staff called the police and wrote a report after the traveller insisted on a hand check. Despite the insistence, the film was still pushed through the X-ray machine.
To avoid such incidents, it is recommended to place film in a clear ziplock bag or a \"Do Not X-Ray\" pouch and keep it easily accessible in the side pocket of your carry-on. It is also important to note that checked luggage is subject to traditional X-ray scanners, so film should never be packed in checked baggage.
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CT scanners used for checked luggage can damage film with a single pass
CT scanners have been installed in airports in the US and Europe. These scanners use multiple radiation beams to create a 3D image of the scanned object, and are more powerful than traditional X-ray scanners. They emit a higher radiation dose, which can cause immediate and irreversible damage to film with a single pass. This is true even for film under 800 ISO, which is generally safe under traditional X-ray scanners.
To avoid damage, photographers should request a hand check when bringing film through TSA checkpoints. Most US agents are accommodating of this request, though it may vary internationally. Photographers can also use a "Do Not X-Ray" film pouch or mail exposed rolls directly to a film lab.
While CT scanners are generally used for carry-on luggage, checked luggage goes through traditional X-ray scanners, which are also strong enough to damage film. Photographers should never pack film in checked baggage.
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Requesting a hand-check is the safest way to protect your film
While some sources claim that airport x-ray scanners do not ruin film, it is always best to play it safe. Requesting a hand check is the safest way to protect your film. Here are some reasons why:
Firstly, different airports have different scanners with varying power outputs. While some airports use traditional X-ray scanners, others have implemented more powerful CT scanners for carry-on luggage. These newer scanners can damage film with a single pass, regardless of the film speed. By requesting a hand check, you can avoid exposing your film to any radiation and ensure it remains undamaged.
Secondly, even within the same airport, the calibration of scanners can vary. This means that some scanners may be set to a higher power level than others, increasing the risk of damage to your film. By opting for a hand check, you bypass the scanners entirely, eliminating the risk of accidental overexposure.
Additionally, requesting a hand check allows you to communicate directly with the security personnel. You can express your concerns about the potential damage to your film and ask for their assistance in protecting it. In most cases, TSA agents are accommodating and willing to perform a manual inspection, especially if you have prepared your film for easy access in a clear ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" pouch.
Furthermore, requesting a hand check gives you the opportunity to monitor the process closely. You can observe the security procedures and ensure that your film is handled with care. This proactive approach helps alleviate any worries you may have about potential damage and provides you with peace of mind during your travels.
Lastly, while some sources suggest that films with an ISO of 800 or lower are generally safe from damage, others report noticeable changes in films with an ISO of 400 or higher. Since it can be challenging to determine the exact specifications of the scanners at each airport, requesting a hand check is a prudent decision. This way, you can safeguard your film, regardless of its ISO rating.
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Regulations vary by country, so some international airports may not honor hand-check requests
Regulations and inspection procedures vary across countries and airports, so it is always worth doing your research before travelling with a film camera. While some sources claim that airport x-ray scanners do not ruin film, others suggest that the risk of damage depends on the type of film and the calibration of the specific scanner.
It is generally recommended to request a hand-check for film cameras and film when passing through airport security. In the US, TSA agents are usually accommodating of such requests, but this may not be the case internationally. For example, one photographer reported that their request for a hand-check at Nice Airport resulted in the police being called and a report being filed.
To increase the chances of a successful hand-check request, it is advisable to have your film easily accessible in a clear plastic or "Do Not X-Ray" bag. It is also important to note that checked baggage goes through more powerful CT scanners that can cause irreversible damage to film, so it is best to keep film cameras and film in your carry-on luggage.
Additionally, some airports are now using CT scanners for carry-on luggage, which can also damage film. These scanners are becoming more common in high-traffic airports, so it is worth checking whether the airports you are travelling through use this technology. If so, you may want to consider alternative options, such as mailing exposed rolls or using film mailers to bypass airport security on your return journey.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a film camera can go through airport X-ray machines. Most current X-ray machines use a mild dose of X-rays that is safe for film under 800 ISO. However, it is recommended to keep your film separate and easily accessible and request a hand inspection to be extra careful.
To prepare film for airport security, it is recommended to keep your film separate from your other items and easily accessible in a clear plastic bag. You can also purchase a “Do Not X-Ray" pouch to store your film in.
CT scanners can damage film, so it is best to avoid putting film through them. If you are travelling with film, request a hand inspection at the security checkpoint to avoid any potential damage.
