Owais Crawford
Travelling with film can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially when it comes to navigating airport security. The powerful technology used in airport scanners can have a detrimental effect on film, causing fogging and a loss of detail and colour accuracy. This is particularly true of the newer CT scanners, which are increasingly being used in airports worldwide. These machines can damage film of any speed, and the risk increases with each pass through a scanner. However, some sources suggest that traditional X-ray machines used for carry-on luggage use a mild dose of X-rays that is generally safe for film under 800 ISO. Travellers are advised to request a hand inspection of their film to avoid potential damage, and to be cautious when shipping film internationally.
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What You'll Learn
- Carry-on luggage is generally safe for film, but new CT scanners can damage film
- Checked baggage scanners can fog and ruin film
- Film under 800 ISO is typically safe from damage by X-ray scanners
- CT scanners can cause a substantial loss of detail and colour accuracy
- You can request a hand-inspection for your film at security
Carry-on luggage is generally safe for film, but new CT scanners can damage film
If you're travelling with film, it's important to know that carry-on luggage is generally safe, but new CT scanners can damage your film.
First, it's crucial to understand that the equipment used to screen checked luggage employs high-intensity scanning technology, which will ruin any film, exposed or not. Thus, it is recommended to always keep your film in your carry-on bag.
Traditional X-ray scanners used for carry-on luggage emit a very mild dose of X-rays, which is typically safe for film under 800 ISO. However, the introduction of new CT scanners at security checkpoints poses a significant risk to film of any speed. These CT scanners use a higher dose of radiation, causing irreversible damage to your film, including fogging and a substantial loss of detail in the shadows.
To protect your film, you can request a hand inspection at the security checkpoint. Inform the TSA agent that you're carrying photographic film and kindly ask for a manual inspection. Alternatively, use a "Do Not X-Ray" label or pouch to clearly communicate that your film should not be scanned.
Additionally, be diligent in checking ahead to see if the airports you'll be travelling through are using CT scanners. The risk of damage increases with each pass through these scanners, so it's important to be aware of their presence and take the necessary precautions.
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Checked baggage scanners can fog and ruin film
CT scanners, which are used for checked luggage, have a higher power limit than "old" X-ray scanners. CT scanners can go around in circles as many times as the security staff wants, causing immense damage to the film. The increased radiation dose emitted by CT scanners will have a damaging effect on your film, and once damaged, there is no turning back. Traditional damage by radiation causes fogging on your negatives, resulting in a loss of detail and color accuracy. The effect of the new CT scanners is a substantial loss of detail in the shadows, mostly in images with a tight exposure and a significant amount of grain.
To avoid any risk of fogging your unprocessed film (including loaded cameras), always request that your carry-on be hand-inspected at the airport security checkpoint. It is also recommended to use a “Do Not X-Ray” label, which clearly communicates to TSA agents that your bag should be hand-checked.
It is important to note that while lead-lined film bags can block standard X-rays, they are ineffective against CT scanners, which can see through the lead and often result in more damage to your film. Additionally, if TSA agents see a lead bag in your carry-on, they will likely ask you to remove it for inspection. Therefore, a hand-check is the safest, lightest, and most effective way to protect your film.
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Film under 800 ISO is typically safe from damage by X-ray scanners
It is important to understand the different types of scanners used at airports and their potential effects on film. Airport scanners can be broadly classified into two types: those used for checked luggage and those used for scanning carry-on items.
The scanners used for checked luggage are typically high-powered CT scanners that emit high levels of radiation. These scanners can cause irreversible damage to all types of film, including exposed and unexposed film. The damage caused by these scanners is known as "fogging," which appears as soft-edged bands on the film, resulting in a loss of detail and colour accuracy. Therefore, it is highly recommended to never pack film in checked baggage.
On the other hand, the scanners used for carry-on items at security checkpoints are typically X-ray scanners that use lower levels of radiation. These scanners are generally considered safe for film under 800 ISO and are unlikely to cause any harm, even with multiple passes. However, it is important to note that some airports are now introducing newer CT scanners for carry-on luggage, which have been shown to damage film of any speed with a single pass.
To ensure the safety of your film, it is recommended to request a hand-check or manual inspection by informing the TSA agent that you are carrying photographic film. This is especially important if you are travelling with film speeds of 400 ISO or higher, as these films may be more susceptible to damage from X-ray scanners. Additionally, using a "Do Not X-Ray" pouch or label can help communicate your request clearly to the TSA.
While the risk of damage to film under 800 ISO from carry-on X-ray scanners is typically low, it is always a good idea to take precautions and request a hand-check whenever possible, especially if your trip involves multiple flights or airport transfers.
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CT scanners can cause a substantial loss of detail and colour accuracy
CT scanners are increasingly being used in airports in Europe and the USA. These scanners use multiple radiation beams to create a 3D image of the scanned object. This means that they emit a higher radiation dose than traditional X-ray scanners. The increased radiation dose emitted by CT scanners can cause substantial loss of detail and colour accuracy in film.
The effects of CT scanners on film include fogging, distortion in shadow detail, and general image degradation. Fogging occurs when the radiation causes a build-up of density on the film, resulting in a loss of detail and contrast. This can appear as soft-edged bands or wavy lines on the image. The loss of detail is particularly noticeable in the shadows and tight exposure areas of the image, where it can result in an increase in grain and a "sun-dried" effect.
Colour shifts are also common when film is exposed to CT scanners. The colours may appear washed out or distorted, with a loss of colour accuracy. In some cases, the film may become duller and lose sensitivity, affecting the overall quality of the image. These effects can be devastating for photographers who have captured important or once-in-a-lifetime moments and are eager to see the results.
While some images may still be salvaged after going through a CT scanner, the damage is often irreversible. Even the best processing labs may not be able to fully recover the affected film. Therefore, it is crucial to take precautions when travelling with film. Photographers should avoid packing film in checked baggage, as these scanners have a higher intensity and will ruin any film. Instead, carry your film in your hand luggage and request a hand inspection to avoid potential damage from CT scanners.
To summarise, CT scanners can indeed cause a substantial loss of detail and colour accuracy in film. The effects include fogging, distortion in shadow detail, colour shifts, and overall image degradation. To avoid potential damage, photographers should be diligent in requesting hand inspections for their film when travelling through airports.
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You can request a hand-inspection for your film at security
If you're travelling with film, it's important to know how to protect it from damage at airport security. While carry-on luggage scanners use a mild dose of X-rays that is usually safe for film, newer CT scanners at some airports can damage film of any speed. These scanners can cause fogging on your negatives, resulting in a loss of detail, colour accuracy, and grain structure.
To avoid any risk of damage to your unprocessed film, always request a hand inspection at the security checkpoint. Let the TSA agent know that you're carrying photographic film and kindly ask for a manual inspection. This is usually not a problem, especially at U.S. airports, where TSA screeners are trained to hand-check roll and movie film. You can also use a "Do Not X-Ray" pouch or label to make your request clearer to security personnel.
It's important to note that the risk of damage only applies to unprocessed film. If you're travelling with processed film, it's generally safe to send it through the X-ray machine, especially if it's lower ISO film (less than 800). However, if you have multiple flights or airport transfers, the cumulative effects of X-ray exposure may increase the risk of damage.
Additionally, never put your film in checked baggage. The scanners used for checked luggage are much more powerful and will ruin any film, whether it's exposed or not. Keep your film with you in your carry-on bag and request a hand inspection to ensure its safety.
By following these guidelines and requesting a hand inspection when necessary, you can help ensure that your film remains undamaged during your travels.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, film can be damaged by airport security scanners.
CT scanners, which are increasingly being used in airports, can damage film. Traditional X-ray scanners are usually safe for film under 800 ISO.
CT scanners use a higher dose of radiation than traditional X-ray scanners, causing fogging, loss of detail, and colour accuracy issues on film.
Always carry your film in your hand luggage and request a hand inspection or manual check by airport security. You can also use a "Do Not X-Ray" label on your film packaging.
Yes, you can use a lead-lined film bag to block X-rays, but CT scanners can see through lead and may cause more damage to your film.
