Jazmin Li
Travelling with film can be a stressful experience for photographers, especially when it comes to airport security. Many photographers worry that X-ray scanners will damage their film. While the consensus is that X-ray scanners do not ruin film, some airports now use CT scanners, which can damage film with a single pass. The best way to protect your film is to request a hand check, which most TSA agents are happy to accommodate.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can camera film go through airport x-ray? | It depends on the film's ISO speed and the type of x-ray machine. |
| ISO speed | Films with an ISO speed of 800 or lower are generally safe from damage by x-ray machines. Films with an ISO speed of 400 may show changes after multiple passes through an x-ray machine. Films with an ISO speed above 1600 are not safe from damage. |
| Type of x-ray machine | Traditional x-ray machines used for carry-on luggage are considered safe for film. CT scanners used for checked luggage are much stronger and can damage film. CT scanners are also being used for carry-on luggage in some airports. |
| Alternative options | Requesting a hand-check is recommended to avoid any risk of damage. Using lead-lined film bags is not recommended as they are ineffective against CT scanners and may prompt further inspection. |
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What You'll Learn
X-rays can damage film, but only if it's above ISO 800
To avoid any potential damage to your film, it is recommended to always request a hand inspection at the airport security checkpoint. Most TSA agents are accommodating of such requests, especially if you have your film easily accessible in a clear ziplock bag or a \"Do Not X-Ray\" pouch. It is also advisable to never pack film in checked baggage, as the powerful X-ray scanners used for this luggage will cause irreversible harm to your film.
While lead-lined film bags were once considered an option for protecting film from X-rays, they are no longer recommended. This is because the X-ray operator may increase the power of the machine if they cannot see through the bag, negating its effectiveness. Additionally, lead bags may prompt further inspection from TSA agents, who will likely ask you to remove the bag for manual inspection.
Some photographers have shared their experiences with airport X-rays, stating that their film was not noticeably damaged after passing through standard carry-on X-ray scanners. However, others have reported issues such as fogged or colour-shifted images. It's worth noting that the impact of X-rays on film can vary depending on the calibration of the specific scanner and the ISO speed of the film.
Overall, while X-rays can potentially damage film with an ISO speed above 800, taking precautions such as requesting hand inspections and avoiding checked baggage can help ensure the safety of your film while travelling.
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CT scanners can damage film in one pass
CT scanners at airports can damage film in one pass. These scanners use computed tomography to build a 3D model of the scanned object by taking multiple X-ray scans from different angles. While standard X-ray machines are generally considered safe for film under 800 ISO, CT scanners are much stronger and can see through lead bags, causing significant damage to film, including fogging, colour shifts, loss of detail, and increased graininess.
Photographers should be aware that even the best processing labs cannot fix film fogged by CT scanners. To avoid damage, it is recommended to keep film out of checked baggage, which goes through high-powered CT scanners. Instead, carry film in your carry-on luggage and request a hand-check by informing the TSA agent that you are carrying photographic film. Most U.S. agents are accommodating, and some airports provide postage-paid film mailers to skip the TSA line altogether.
While lead-lined film bags can block standard X-rays, they are ineffective against CT scanners and may prompt TSA agents to inspect the contents manually. As an alternative, clear ziplock bags or ""Do Not X-Ray" film pouches are recommended, making your request clearer to TSA agents. Additionally, removing film from all canisters and packaging ahead of time and storing it in an easily accessible side pocket of your carry-on can streamline the process.
Although black and white film has shown little to no noticeable damage after passing through airport security, it is always best to play it safe and request a hand-check whenever possible. Some photographers have reported mixed experiences, with some rolls showing visible damage while others remain intact, even after multiple passes through different scanners.
To summarise, CT scanners at airports have the potential to damage film in one pass, and photographers should take precautions to protect their film. Carrying film in carry-on luggage and requesting hand-checks are recommended, along with using alternative storage methods like clear ziplock bags or "Do Not X-Ray" pouches instead of lead-lined bags.
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Hand-checks are recommended, but not always allowed
While hand-checks are recommended to ensure film safety, they are not always allowed. This is due to the varying policies and procedures of different airports and countries. For instance, some airports may only permit hand-checks for films with specific ISO ratings, such as ISO 800, while others may insist that all items go through an X-ray machine or CT scanner. Additionally, requesting a hand-check can sometimes lead to intimidating episodes, as some airport security staff may not accommodate such requests.
To increase the chances of a successful hand-check, it is recommended to follow certain procedures. Firstly, it is important to politely request a hand-check from the TSA agent or security personnel and inform them that you are carrying photographic film that cannot go through the scanner. Secondly, it is advisable to have the film easily accessible, such as in a clear ziplock bag or a \"Do Not X-Ray\" pouch, and to remove it from its packaging ahead of time. These steps can make the process smoother and faster for both travellers and security staff.
It is worth noting that the potential damage to film primarily depends on the type of scanner used. Traditional X-ray scanners used for carry-on luggage are considered safe for films with an ISO rating of 800 or lower, and multiple sources confirm that films with these ratings can go through such scanners without noticeable damage. However, CT scanners, which are typically used for checked luggage and are increasingly being used for carry-on luggage, can damage films even with a single pass. Therefore, it is crucial to be diligent in requesting hand-inspections and checking ahead to determine if the airport uses CT scanners.
To avoid any potential issues, some travellers choose to mail exposed film rolls directly to film processing services or use postage-paid film mailers provided by certain companies. This option bypasses the need for airport security checks altogether and ensures the safety of the film.
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Lead-lined bags don't work and may cause more damage
While lead-lined bags can block standard X-rays, they are ineffective against CT scanners, which are much stronger and can see through the lead. This often results in more damage to your film. If the TSA sees a lead bag in your carry-on, they will likely ask you to remove it so they can inspect what's inside. This defeats the purpose of using a lead-lined bag in the first place, as it may prompt them to take a closer look at you and your belongings.
Additionally, the use of lead-lined bags can raise suspicions and lead to more vigorous checking, especially in European airports. Security personnel may open the lead bag, remove its contents, and scan them separately, exposing your film to X-rays anyway. In some cases, they may even insist on an additional X-ray examination after the hand check.
To avoid potential issues and damage to your film, it is best to politely request a hand-check when bringing film through TSA checkpoints. Most U.S. agents are accommodating, and it is required by the TSA to honor such requests for professional film in the U.S. While it may vary internationally, it is always worth asking.
To facilitate the process, remove the film from all canisters and packaging ahead of time and place it in a clear ziplock bag or a \"Do Not X-Ray\" film pouch. Keep it easily accessible, separate from metal objects, wires, chargers, and batteries.
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Keep film in hand luggage, not checked baggage
When travelling with camera film, it is important to keep it in your hand luggage, rather than checked baggage. This is because the equipment used to screen checked baggage utilises high-intensity screening technology, which will ruin any and all film, whether exposed or not.
If you are travelling with unprocessed film, always request that your carry-on be hand-inspected at the airport security checkpoint. This is because x-ray machines can fog or colour-shift your images. While some sources claim that x-ray machines cannot hurt film below ISO 800, others suggest that even 400 ISO film can be affected by x-ray "waves". It is also worth noting that some airports now use CT scanners, which have been shown to damage film with a single pass, regardless of film speed.
To ensure your film is not damaged, it is recommended that you place it in a clear plastic bag and remove it from your carry-on bag at the security checkpoint. You can then politely request that it be hand-searched. Regulations and inspections vary by country, so it is possible that some international airports will not honour this request. In the US, TSA agents are usually happy to accommodate such requests.
If you are unable to get your film hand-checked, it is still possible to put it through an x-ray machine. While this is risky, some sources suggest that it is unlikely to damage your film. One source suggests that you can put ISO 200 film in your carry-on and send it through an airport security x-ray machine with no problems. Another source states that they put Kodak ColorPlus 200 film through an x-ray machine multiple times with no noticeable damage. However, it is important to remember that there is a risk of fogging or colour-shifting, so it is always best to request a hand-check if possible.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it can. However, it is recommended to ask for a hand-check to be safe.
There are varying opinions on this. Some sources claim that x-rays can't hurt film below ISO 800. Others say that x-rays can cause fogged or colour-shifted images.
Inform the airport security personnel that you have sensitive film that cannot go through the scanner and request a manual inspection. It is recommended to have your film out of its packaging and easily accessible in a ziplock bag.
No, it is recommended to never put camera film in checked luggage. Checked luggage goes through high-powered scanners that can cause immediate and irreversible damage to your film.
