Owais Crawford
Airport security scanners can be a concern for film photographers. While some sources claim that airport X-ray scanners do not ruin film, others argue that the new CT scanners, which use multiple radiation beams to create a 3D image, can damage film with a single pass. The traditional X-ray scanners, on the other hand, use a single beam of radiation and are considered safer for film. To avoid any potential damage, photographers are advised to request hand inspections of their film at airport security checkpoints and to use protective bags, such as lead-lined bags, to block harmful X-rays.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can airport security ruin film? | Yes, some airport security scanners can ruin films. |
| Type of scanners that can ruin film | Traditional X-ray scanners, CT scanners |
| Type of film | Unprocessed film |
| How to protect film | Place film in a clear ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" pouch, keep it in a carry-on bag, request a hand check, use a lead bag or a Domke FilmGuard bag |
| Alternative options | Mail exposed rolls directly to film labs, use postage-paid film mailers, use commercial carriers like FedEx, UPS, or DHL |
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What You'll Learn
X-ray scanners can ruin film
X-ray scanners at airports can ruin unprocessed film. The new CT scanners, in particular, are known to damage film with just one pass, regardless of the film speed. These scanners use multiple radiation beams to create a 3D image of the scanned object, which means they emit a higher radiation dose than traditional X-ray scanners.
Traditional X-ray scanners use a single beam of radiation to pass through an object and create an image on the other side. These machines are considered to be safer for film, especially those with an ISO of 800 or lower. However, even these scanners can fog film, causing irreversible damage.
To avoid any risk of fogging your film, always request a hand inspection of your carry-on bag at the airport security checkpoint. Most security personnel are accommodating of such requests, especially in the US. You can also use a lead-lined bag to store your film, which blocks harmful X-rays. Additionally, consider mailing exposed film rolls directly to a film processing lab, bypassing airport security altogether.
While some travellers claim that their film has never been damaged by airport X-ray scanners, others have shared anecdotes of their film being ruined. The impact of X-ray scanners on film also depends on the type of film and other variables. Ultimately, the best way to ensure your film's safety is to request a hand inspection or use a lead-lined bag.
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CT scanners can ruin film
CT scanners are becoming increasingly common in airports, particularly in the United States. These machines are much more powerful than traditional X-ray machines and can cause serious damage to unprocessed film.
CT scanners use multiple radiation beams to create a 3D image of the scanned object, which means they emit a higher radiation dose than traditional X-ray scanners. This added strength can have a detrimental effect on film, with even one pass through a CT scanner potentially damaging a roll.
To avoid any risk of fogging your unprocessed film, it is recommended to request a hand inspection at the airport security checkpoint. This is the safest way to protect your film, as CT scanners can ruin it even if it is inside a camera or in a lead bag.
If you must put your film through a CT scanner, it is advised to use a protective bag, such as a Domke FilmGuard bag, which has lead-lined fabric that blocks harmful X-rays. However, this may not be a guaranteed method of protection, and requesting a hand inspection is still the best option.
It is worth noting that carry-on luggage scanners typically use a milder dose of X-rays that is usually safe for film under 800 ISO. However, with the increasing implementation of CT scanners, it is essential to be vigilant in requesting hand inspections to safeguard your film.
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Tips to protect film from airport security
Airport security scanners can be a concern for film photographers. While some sources claim that airport X-ray scanners do not ruin film, others argue that the new CT scanners can cause serious damage to unprocessed film. Here are some tips to protect your film from potential harm during airport security checks:
Request a hand inspection:
Ask the airport security personnel for a manual inspection of your film. Most airports, especially in the US, accommodate such requests, and it is the safest way to protect your film.
Use protective bags:
Place your film in a clear ziplock bag or a specialised film pouch, such as the Darkroom Do Not X-Ray Film Pouch or a Domke FilmGuard bag. These pouches are made of lead-lined fabric that blocks X-rays and clearly communicate your request to the security staff.
Keep it accessible:
Store your film in an easily accessible location, such as the side pocket of your carry-on bag. This makes it convenient for both you and the security staff during inspections.
Avoid checked baggage:
Never pack your film in checked baggage. Checked bags typically go through high-powered CT scanners that can cause irreversible damage to your film. Keep your film with you in your carry-on luggage.
Mail exposed rolls:
If you want to avoid the hassle of security checks altogether, consider mailing your exposed rolls to a photo lab using prepaid mailers. This ensures your film bypasses any potential damage from X-ray scanners.
Check airport equipment:
Before your trip, research whether your departure, transit, and arrival airports use CT scanners. This information can help you prepare and decide whether to request a hand inspection or take other precautionary measures.
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Hand-checking film at airport security
To hand-check film at airport security, first remove the film from all canisters and packaging and place it in a clear ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" pouch. Keep it easily accessible in a side pocket of your carry-on bag. When you reach the security checkpoint, inform the TSA agent that you are carrying photographic film and kindly request a manual inspection. In most cases, especially in the US, TSA agents are accommodating of such requests.
It is important to note that checked baggage goes through high-powered CT scanners that can cause irreversible damage to your film. Therefore, it is recommended to always carry your film in your hand luggage. Additionally, consider using a lead-lined film bag, as security inspectors can usually identify these and may be more inclined to handle your film with care.
While hand-checking is the safest option, it may not always be possible. Most TSA checkpoints state that film rated at 800 ISO or lower is unlikely to be affected by standard X-ray machines, and some photographers have shared that their film showed little to no noticeable damage after going through X-ray scanners. However, CT scanners, which are becoming more common in US airports, can be particularly damaging to film due to their higher power and ability to make multiple passes.
To avoid the hassle of hand-checking or worrying about X-ray scanners, some companies offer pre-paid film mailers that allow you to send your exposed film directly to a lab for developing without having to pass through airport security on your way back home.
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Shipping film internationally
When it comes to shipping film internationally, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your film arrives safely and securely. Firstly, it is important to know the risks associated with airport security and x-ray scanners. While hand luggage x-ray scanners typically do not affect slower films, such as Tri-X 400, faster films with 800 ISO and above may be fogged by the scanners.
To mitigate this risk, separate your faster films from slower films and keep them in clear plastic bags. Request a hand inspection of your films by airport security staff, and consider contacting the airline or airport ahead of time to increase the chances of accommodating your request. Additionally, consider using lead-lined canisters or bags for your slower-speed films to provide extra protection, although some sources suggest that these may not be as effective as they once were due to the increased power of x-ray machines.
When shipping film internationally, consider using reputable carriers such as FedEx, UPS, or DHL, as they are known to handle film shipments without issues. You can also request special arrangements for shipping film by contacting postal services and companies specializing in international shipping. Additionally, you may want to process your film before shipping it internationally to avoid any potential issues during transit. This can be done in hotel rooms or Airbnbs, although it may be inconvenient to carry the necessary equipment. Alternatively, you can look for local film labs in the country you are visiting, as they may be able to process your film for you.
Lastly, when shipping film internationally, consider adding a second copy of the shipping label inside the box to reduce the risk of the package being lost in transit due to an unreadable barcode. By following these suggestions, you can increase the chances of your film arriving safely and securely at its international destination.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, airport security scanners can ruin unprocessed film.
Both traditional X-ray scanners and newer CT scanners can damage film. Traditional X-ray scanners use a single beam of radiation, while CT scanners use multiple radiation beams to create a 3D image of the scanned object. CT scanners are becoming more common in airports and emit a higher radiation dose.
You can purchase a lead-lined bag, such as a Domke FilmGuard bag, to protect your film from X-rays. Alternatively, you can request a hand inspection of your film at the airport security checkpoint.
Yes, you can consider mailing your exposed film rolls directly to a photo lab or using a commercial carrier such as FedEx, UPS, or DHL. These companies can ship your film internationally without the use of X-ray scanners.
Most sources agree that film rated at 800 ISO or lower is not likely to be affected by standard X-ray machines. However, CT scanners can damage film at any ISO level.
