Owais Crawford
When travelling with camera gear, it is essential to know the airport security procedures. Although there is no clear information on official TSA websites, some blogs suggest that travellers need to remove camera gear from their bags and place it separately in a tray. This can be stressful for travellers as it means keeping an eye on multiple pieces of equipment. It is also recommended that travellers keep their film separate from their camera gear, as airport security staff may open the back of the camera and fog the film.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can camera disks go through airport security? | Yes, but there are risks involved. |
| How to protect camera disks at airport security? | Keep disks in hand luggage, request a hand check, use a clear ziplock bag, avoid CT scanners, load film at the destination. |
| Camera gear | Should be removed from the bag and placed separately in a tray. |
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What You'll Learn
X-ray scanners can damage unprocessed film
X-ray scanners at airport security checkpoints can potentially damage unprocessed film. While there are differing experiences and opinions on the matter, it is generally agreed that the newer CT scanners, which use much stronger X-rays, can fog, distort, and degrade unprocessed film, even with a single pass. These scanners are being increasingly installed in airports around the world.
The traditional checkpoint X-ray scanners, which use lower levels of radiation, are generally considered safe for film rated at 800 ISO or lower. However, some sources suggest that even these scanners can damage film, especially high-speed film, with multiple passes.
To avoid any potential damage, it is recommended to request a hand-check or manual inspection of your film by a TSA agent. This is usually not a problem, especially at U.S. airports, and can be facilitated by keeping your film out of its packaging and easily accessible in a ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" pouch.
Additionally, it is advised to never pack film in checked baggage, as the X-ray scanners used for scanning checked luggage are much more powerful and can cause irreversible damage to your film.
By taking these precautions, photographers can ensure their unprocessed film is protected from potential damage when passing through airport security.
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Requesting a hand-check for film
When travelling with film, it is recommended to always carry it in your hand luggage. X-ray scanners used to check hold luggage are more powerful than those used for hand luggage and are likely to cause fogging of your films.
Most standard X-ray machines should not affect film rated at 800 ISO or lower. However, CT scanners, which are becoming more common in airports, are likely to damage your film. If you are travelling with high-speed film, such as DELTA PROFESSIONAL 3200, it is recommended to request a hand inspection or buy the film at your destination.
To request a hand inspection, inform the TSA agent that you are carrying undeveloped photographic film and kindly ask for a manual inspection. It is recommended to have your film out of its packaging and easily accessible in a ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" pouch. Most TSA agents are accommodating of such requests, especially in the U.S. However, it is important to note that some airports and countries may have different policies, and you may encounter difficulties in getting a hand inspection.
If you are concerned about potential issues with hand inspections, an alternative option is to use postage-paid film mailers, which allow you to bypass the TSA line and send your film directly to a lab for developing. This option is currently available only in the U.S.
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Camera gear must be removed from the bag
It is recommended to remove camera gear from your bag at airport security. This is because digital cameras are considered electronic devices, and any electronics larger than a mobile phone must be placed in a separate tray to be scanned through the X-ray machine. This rule has been implemented by the TSA in the United States, and travellers have reported needing to remove their camera gear from their bags at airports such as Chicago O'Hare, Marseilles, LHR, CDG, SEA, IST, HAN, SGN, PNH, HNL, ATH, and DUB.
While it can be stressful to have your camera gear out of sight, the risk of theft at security checkpoints is low. Travellers have noted that the CT scanners are slow, allowing them to keep an eye on their belongings as they emerge from the scanner. Additionally, it would be difficult for someone to walk away with a full-frame camera and lenses without being noticed.
To minimise the risk of theft or loss, it is recommended to keep your camera gear organised and easily accessible when going through security. Place your gear in a single layer in the provided trays, and ensure that you are paying attention as your items go through the scanner. If you do lose your gear at a TSA checkpoint, you can contact the TSA group at the airport or call their lost and found number.
It is also important to note that lithium batteries, which are commonly used in camera equipment, must be included in your carry-on luggage. These batteries should be protected from damage or short circuits and can be secured with gaffer tape or placed in a separate pocket within your camera bag.
By following these recommendations, you can help ensure that your camera gear makes it through airport security safely and securely.
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Digital cameras are considered electronics
Digital cameras are considered electronic devices. They are now widely incorporated into mobile devices like smartphones, with the same or more capabilities and features as dedicated cameras. Digital cameras capture photographs in digital memory and are considered digital imaging devices. The image sensor in a digital camera is exposed to light at all times, giving the user a digital preview of the image on the built-in rear LCD screen or an electronic viewfinder (EVF).
Digital cameras use electronic means to capture images. The camera sensor converts the optical image from the lens into an electrical signal. The camera electronics process the video signal and generate a composite video signal containing the picture information (luminance and colour) and horizontal and vertical synchronizing pulses. This electronic process is how digital cameras capture images, as opposed to the chemical process used by film cameras.
Digital cameras have largely replaced film cameras, which capture images on photographic film or film stock. The move from analogue to digital in the security industry is a good example of this shift. Digital cameras are now used for security applications due to their compatibility with the internet and digital scanning processes.
Digital cameras also require electronic components to function. For example, digital cameras use batteries as their power source, and some models have settings to mitigate the energy consumption of electronic viewfinders. Digital cameras may also have hotshoes, and some have a lens thread to attach accessories such as filters.
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CT scanners can damage film
Airport security can be a stressful experience for photographers. The new CT scanners, which have been implemented in airports in Europe and the USA, emit a higher radiation dose than traditional X-ray scanners. This increased radiation can have a detrimental effect on film, causing what is known as "fogging", as well as distortion in shadow detail and general image degradation.
The impact of CT scanners on film is evident in the change from a normal grain to a reddish grain/noise on the film. This effect is more pronounced in images with tight exposure and a significant amount of grain. It is worth noting that the damage caused by CT scanners may increase with each pass through security, potentially exacerbating the issues of fogging and image degradation.
Photographers can take some comfort in the fact that not all films are equally affected by CT scanners. Slower films, such as those with ISO 20 or ISO 100, may be more resistant to the radiation emitted by the scanners. Additionally, metal 35mm canisters could offer some protection to the film inside. However, it is still recommended to avoid sending film through CT scanners whenever possible.
To avoid potential damage to film, photographers can request a hand check of their equipment. While some airports may refuse this request, it is worth inquiring about this option. Additionally, lead-lined bags used to be available to transport film, but they would need to be opened for hand checks. Another option is to use flight film protector bags, though their effectiveness may vary.
It is important to note that the impact of CT scanners on film can be unpredictable. While some photographers have reported ruined images, others have found that their film was only slightly degraded and still produced good results with normal exposure and development. Nonetheless, the risk of damage is present, and photographers should be cautious when travelling with film through airport security.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, cameras are allowed through airport security. However, you may be asked to remove your camera gear from your bag and place it in a separate tray for scanning.
Yes, it is recommended that you remove your camera gear from your bag and place it in a separate tray for scanning. This is because all electronics larger than a cell phone must be placed in a bin in a single layer.
Traditional X-ray scanners should not affect films with an ISO of 800 or lower. However, CT scanners, which are available at some airports, can damage films with higher ISOs.
You can ask airport security for a hand check of your camera film. It is recommended that you remove the film from its packaging and place it in a clear plastic or ziplock bag before requesting a hand check.
It is important to keep your camera and film with you as carry-on luggage. Luggage that goes into the hold of the plane will be scanned by harsher X-ray machines. Additionally, make sure you do not load your film into your camera before passing through security, as airport staff may open the back of your camera and fog your film.
