Ruth Haines
Kodak 800 film can go through airport security, but it is not recommended. Most X-ray machines used to screen carry-on bags should not damage undeveloped film under ASA/ISO 800. However, there are a limited number of screening checkpoints that use X-ray equipment that may damage undeveloped film. CT scanners, which are becoming increasingly common in U.S. airports, can cause serious damage to film. Kodak has warned photographers not to check their film but to carry it on and request a hand check by TSA agents at security. Even a single pass through a CT scanner can cause significant film fogging, leading to smoky blacks and a loss of shadow detail. Therefore, it is best to avoid putting any unexposed or unprocessed film through a CT scanner if possible.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can Kodak 800 film go through airport security? | Kodak 800 film can go through airport security, but it is recommended to be carried in hand luggage and hand-checked by TSA agents to avoid damage. |
| Damage to film | X-ray scanners can cause fogging, damage, and destroy film. CT scanners can cause serious damage to film in just one pass. |
| Protection | Lead-lined bags can protect films from CT scanners, but they are heavy and not practical for travel. |
| Alternative | Darkroom "Do Not X-Ray" Film Pouch is recommended for carrying film during security checks. |
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What You'll Learn
Kodak 800 film is safe from damage by old X-ray scanners
Kodak 800 film is generally safe from damage by old X-ray scanners. Old X-ray scanners have a power limit, and films under 800 ISO are typically safe from damage. However, it is important to note that even with these scanners, there is a risk of some damage, and it is recommended to request a hand check for your film to be safe.
X-ray scanners can cause fogging in films, which appears as soft-edged bands or wavy lines on the developed photos. This fogging is more noticeable in busy scenes with less detail in the shadows. While Kodak 800 film is within the ISO range that is typically safe, there may still be some visible damage, especially if the film passes through the scanner multiple times.
The newer CT scanners in airports pose a more significant risk to films. These scanners use higher power levels and can cause serious damage to films of all speeds and emulsions. Kodak has performed tests with their Portra 400 35mm film, and the results showed significant fogging even after a single pass through the CT scanner.
To minimize the risk of damage to your Kodak 800 film when passing through airport security, it is recommended to carry it in your carry-on luggage and request a hand check by TSA agents. You can also use a \"Do Not X-Ray\" pouch or label your film with a warning sticker to ensure it is not exposed to X-ray or CT scanners.
Overall, while Kodak 800 film is generally safe from old X-ray scanners, it is always best to take precautions and request alternative inspection methods to ensure your film remains undamaged.
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New CT scanners can damage Kodak 800 film
Kodak 800 film can be damaged by new CT scanners at airport security. CT scanning technology has been used for checked luggage for many years, and Kodak Alaris and Eastman Kodak have warned photographers not to check their film but to carry it on and request a hand check. The new CT scanners for carry-on luggage are now being installed in airports in the US and will fog, damage, and destroy all film speeds and emulsions. Previously, scanners for carry-on luggage were low-powered X-ray machines that would not damage film under 800 ISO.
Tests have shown that even one pass through a CT scanner can cause significant fogging, leading to smoky blacks and a loss of shadow detail. This will be more significant for higher-speed films. Although it is possible that a roll of 100-speed film would show less degradation, Kodak still recommends against putting any unexposed or exposed but unprocessed film through a CT scanner.
To protect your film from damage, you can request a hand check by a TSA agent at security. Most X-ray machines used to screen carry-on bags should not damage undeveloped film under ASA/ISO 800. However, there are a limited number of screening checkpoints that use X-ray equipment that may damage undeveloped film.
To further protect your film, you can use a "Do Not X-Ray" film pouch, which is made of durable, see-through PVC mesh and clearly communicates your request to the TSA. Alternatively, a simple ziplock bag can also be used to hold your film, but it may not be as effective at communicating your request.
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Kodak 800 film should be hand-checked by TSA agents
CT scanners, which are becoming increasingly common in U.S. airports, are significantly more powerful than traditional X-ray machines and can cause serious damage to unprocessed film. Even one pass through a CT scanner can fog and damage film, with higher speed films being more sensitive to CT scans. Kodak has advised that there was "significant film fogging" after running tests with their Portra 400 35mm film through a CT scanner.
To avoid any potential damage, photographers should request a hand check by TSA agents when travelling with Kodak 800 film. This can be done by using a Do Not X-Ray film pouch, which clearly communicates your request to the TSA. Alternatively, a simple ziplock bag with a printed warning sticker can also be used to indicate that the film should not be X-rayed.
By taking these precautions and requesting a hand check, photographers can ensure that their Kodak 800 film remains safe and undamaged when passing through airport security.
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Kodak 800 film should not be packed in checked baggage
CT scanners are becoming increasingly common in US airports and, unlike traditional X-ray machines, they are significantly more powerful. Even one pass through a CT scanner can damage a roll, which makes taking film through airport security a concern for film photographers. Kodak has warned photographers not to check their film but to carry it on and request a hand check by TSA agents at security.
Although carry-on X-ray scanners use lower levels of radiation and typically do not harm film under 800 ISO, it is still recommended to request a hand check, especially if your trip includes multiple flights or airport transfers. To request a hand check, you can use a Do Not X-Ray" film pouch, which is made from durable, see-through PVC mesh and clearly communicates your request to TSA agents.
Overall, to ensure the safety of your Kodak 800 film, it is best to carry it on and request a hand check rather than packing it in checked baggage, where it is likely to be damaged by high-powered CT scanners.
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Kodak 800 film can be protected by a Do Not X-Ray pouch
Kodak 800 film can be affected by airport security scanners. While carry-on X-ray scanners use lower levels of radiation and typically don't harm film under 800 ISO, it's still recommended to request a hand-check to be safe, especially if your trip includes multiple flights or transfers.
Photographer Sissi Lu has teamed up with Roberts Distributors to create a "Do Not X-Ray" film pouch to help address this issue. The pouch features a prominent "Do Not X-ray" warning in seven languages: English, Traditional Chinese, French, German, Spanish, Italian, and Filipino, along with descriptive image icons. It's designed to facilitate airport hand checks for undeveloped films and make it easier for security staff to understand your request. While the pouch itself is not X-ray proof, it serves as a polite and professional way of requesting that your film be inspected by hand rather than put through the scanner.
The "Do Not X-Ray" pouch is made of lightweight, durable EVA material and features a see-through mesh design, allowing security agents to easily identify that you're carrying film. It's affordable, usually priced at $15.99, and comes with a pack of hand-drawn stickers. It's important to note that the pouch doesn't guarantee complete avoidance of X-ray scans in all airports, but it can help safeguard your film and improve your travel experience.
To further protect your Kodak 800 film, you can also consider using a lead-lined pouch or bag, which offers more protection against X-rays but may not be allowed through security due to the lead material. Additionally, always keep your film with you in carry-on luggage and never pack it in checked baggage, as checked bags go through high-powered CT scanners that can cause irreversible damage to your film.
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Frequently asked questions
Kodak 800 film can go through airport security, but it is recommended to request a hand-check to avoid damage.
X-ray scanners use lower levels of radiation and typically don't harm film under 800 ISO. However, there are some scanners that may damage undeveloped film under 800 ISO.
CT scanners can cause serious damage to Kodak 800 film. Kodak has warned photographers not to check their film but to carry it on and request a hand-check by TSA agents.
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