Sachin Walls
The introduction of new airport scanners has sparked concerns among film photographers about potential damage to their films. The new CT scanners, which use a higher dose of radiation, are said to have a detrimental effect on films, leading to questions about their safety. This issue has prompted experiments and discussions within the photography community, with varying results and opinions. Some claim that CT scanners cause irreversible damage, while others find their films relatively unharmed. As CT scanners become more prevalent, photographers are seeking ways to protect their films when travelling through airport security.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can airport scanners ruin film? | Yes, airport scanners can ruin film. |
| Types of airport scanners | Traditional X-ray scanners, CT scanners |
| Impact of traditional X-ray scanners on film | Traditional X-ray scanners have a power limit and do not harm film under 800 ISO. |
| Impact of CT scanners on film | CT scanners can cause significant damage to film due to their higher power levels and increased radiation dose. |
| Ways to protect film when travelling | Request a hand-check, use a "Do Not X-Ray" pouch, never put film in checked baggage, remove film from packaging, mail exposed rolls directly to a processing lab. |
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What You'll Learn
X-ray machines vs. CT scanners
X-ray machines and CT scanners are both imaging technologies used in medical and security contexts. While X-ray machines produce 2D images, CT scanners create 3D images by rotating around an axis and capturing multiple 2D images that are then combined by a computer. CT scanners are considered more advanced than X-ray machines and are better able to detect issues with soft tissues and organs.
In the context of airport security, both X-ray machines and CT scanners are used to scan checked baggage and carry-on items. X-ray machines have a power limit, while CT scanners can emit more radiation and capture more detailed images. This additional power can be detrimental to unprocessed film, causing fogging and colour shifting.
While some sources claim that standard X-ray machines are safe for film under 800 ISO, others suggest that even X-ray machines can damage certain types of film. CT scanners, on the other hand, are widely recognised as a serious threat to film due to their higher power. One source notes that even film rated at 1600 ISO may be safe from standard X-ray machines but not CT scanners.
To protect film from potential damage when passing through airport security, photographers are advised to request a hand check or manual inspection. Placing film in a clear ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" pouch can help communicate this request to security staff. Mailing exposed film directly to a processing lab is another option to bypass airport scanners altogether.
While CT scanners are more powerful than X-ray machines and pose a higher risk to film, it is important to note that both types of scanners use ionizing radiation, which may slightly increase the risk of cancer with frequent exposure. However, the difference in radiation exposure between X-ray and CT scans is considered too minor to measure effectively.
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The impact of ISO/ASA ratings
The ISO system defines both an arithmetic and a logarithmic scale. The arithmetic ISO scale corresponds to the arithmetic ASA system, where a doubling of film sensitivity is represented by a doubling of the numerical film speed value. In the logarithmic ISO scale, which corresponds to the DIN scale, adding 3° to the numerical value constitutes a doubling of sensitivity. For example, a film rated ISO 200/24° is twice as sensitive as one rated ISO 100/21°.
Film speed is the measure of a photographic film's sensitivity to light. The higher the ISO, the more noise is generated, and the more pixelated your images become. In general, it is recommended not to go much higher than 1000–1600 ISO when shooting in the daytime. If you have a choice, slow down your shutter speed or open up the aperture (meaning a smaller F-stop number) before increasing your ISO settings. This advice is particularly relevant when shooting in low light.
In the past, photographers bought rolls of film with ISO or ASA settings on the box. Each roll had its own fixed rating, such as 100 ASA or 200 ASA. Now, most films are labelled by ISO, which was created in 1987 by the International Organization for Standardization.
When it comes to airport scanners, there is a concern that they may damage unprocessed film. The newer CT scanners, in particular, are significantly more powerful than traditional X-ray machines and can cause serious damage to film. However, most TSA checkpoints state that film rated at 800 ISO or lower is unlikely to be affected by standard X-ray machines. Carry-on X-ray scanners use lower levels of radiation and typically do not harm film under 800 ISO. Nevertheless, it is recommended to request a hand check for your film when going through airport security to be extra cautious.
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How to protect your film
It is important to note that while some sources claim that X-ray scanners do not affect film, others state that newer CT scanners can cause damage. CT scanners are becoming increasingly common in airports, especially in the US, and unlike traditional X-ray machines, they are significantly more powerful. The increased radiation dose emitted by CT scanners can cause fogging on your negatives, resulting in a loss of detail and colour accuracy.
- Do not put film in checked baggage, including film inside cameras. Checked bags go through high-powered CT scanners that can cause irreversible damage to your film.
- Place film in a clear ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" film pouch. Keep it easily accessible in the side pocket of your carry-on bag.
- Request a hand check for your film. Let the TSA agent know you are carrying photographic film and kindly ask for a manual inspection. This is usually not a problem, especially at US airports.
- Consider mailing exposed rolls of film directly to a film processing company using prepaid mailers before flying home.
- Avoid lead-lined film bags. While they can block standard X-rays, they are ineffective against CT scanners, which are much stronger.
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The effect of multiple scans
Traditional X-ray scanners have a power limit, but CT scanners can emit radiation in multiple circles around the item being scanned, creating a 3D image. This increased radiation dose can cause fogging on negatives, resulting in a loss of detail, colour accuracy, and a substantial loss of detail in the shadows. The effects of this type of damage are likely to increase with each pass through a CT scanner.
Some photographers recommend hand-checking film at airport security to avoid any potential damage. This involves removing film from its packaging and placing it in a clear ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" pouch, making it easily accessible for inspection. However, others have reported that their film was relatively unharmed after passing through a CT scanner, with only negligible losses in detail in the darkest shadows.
Overall, while the effects of multiple scans through airport security on film can be detrimental, the impact may vary depending on the film type, scanner settings, and other factors. Photographers should weigh the risks and consider requesting a hand check to minimise potential damage when travelling through multiple airports with CT scanners.
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The impact on colour film
The impact of airport scanners on colour film has been a concern for film photographers, with some sharing their frustrating experiences of missing out on valuable shots due to airport security procedures.
While traditional X-ray scanners used for carry-on luggage are considered safe for colour film, the newer CT scanners have raised concerns due to their higher power levels. CT scanners use a circle of X-rays to create a 3D image of the scanned object, and unlike traditional X-ray machines, they can make multiple passes, resulting in more significant damage to the film.
The impact of CT scanners on colour film can result in a substantial loss of detail, especially in the shadows of images with tight exposure and a significant amount of grain. This can give the image an "overcooked" appearance. Additionally, the higher radiation dose emitted by CT scanners can cause fogging on negatives, affecting colour accuracy and resulting in a muddy veil over the image.
However, it is important to note that not all experiences with CT scanners have been negative. Some photographers have reported that their film was relatively unharmed after passing through a CT scanner, with only negligible losses in the darkest shadows.
To minimise the risk of damage to colour film, photographers are advised to request a hand check of their film by a TSA agent, especially when travelling through multiple airports. Placing film in a "Do Not X-Ray" pouch can also help communicate this request effectively.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, airport scanners can ruin film.
The newer CT scanners are significantly more powerful than traditional X-ray scanners and can damage film. Traditional X-ray scanners are generally safe for film under 800 ISO.
Damage from airport scanners can result in fogging on negatives, a loss of detail, and a loss of colour accuracy.
You can request a hand-check for your film at airport security. It is recommended to keep your film in a clear ziplock bag or a ""Do Not X-Ray" pouch and store it in the side pocket of your carry-on luggage.
Yes, it is recommended to remove film from all canisters and packaging ahead of time.
