Roberta Aguirre
Travelling with film can be stressful for photographers, with many worrying about potential damage from airport X-ray scanners. The likelihood of film being affected by an airport X-ray machine depends on two factors: the film's ISO and the type of X-ray machine being used. Most sources agree that films with an ISO speed of 800 or lower are unlikely to be damaged by traditional X-ray machines, but newer CT scanners are significantly more powerful and can ruin film. To be safe, photographers can request a hand-check inspection, which is usually granted by TSA agents, especially in the US. Some photographers choose to get their film developed before flying or use film mailers to avoid X-ray scanners altogether.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Likelihood of film being ruined by airport x-ray | Depends on the film's ISO and the x-ray machine being used |
| Film's ISO | ISO 800 and lower is unlikely to be affected by standard x-ray machines; film above ISO 800 is at higher risk of damage |
| Type of x-ray machine | Traditional x-ray machines use a low level of radiation and are unlikely to harm film under ISO 800; CT scanners are more powerful and can damage film |
| Location of film | Keep film in carry-on luggage; checked baggage uses high-intensity screening that will ruin film |
| Requesting a hand-check | Recommended to avoid potential damage; TSA agents are usually accommodating, especially if film is easily accessible |
| Use of protective bags | Regular ziplock bags or "Do Not X-Ray" film pouches can be used; lead-lined film bags are not recommended as they are ineffective against CT scanners |
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What You'll Learn
- X-ray scanners are unlikely to affect film under 800 ISO
- CT scanners are more powerful and can damage film
- TSA agents will usually accommodate requests for hand-checks
- Film should be easily accessible in a ziplock bag or 'Do Not X-Ray' pouch
- Checked-in baggage uses high-intensity screening that will ruin film
X-ray scanners are unlikely to affect film under 800 ISO
X-ray scanners at airports are generally considered safe for films with an ISO rating of 800 or lower. While carry-on X-ray scanners use lower levels of radiation, the risk of damage is still present, especially for films with a higher ISO rating. Films with an ISO rating above 800 are much more sensitive and hence, are more likely to be affected by the scanners.
The TSA (Transport Security Administration) in the United States advises that its X-ray scanners will not affect film with an ISO rating of under 800. This has been tested by YouTuber and film photographer Bryan Hong, who exposed several different types of film to X-ray scanners multiple times. The only damage reported was to a roll of Kodak T-Max P3200, which has an ISO rating of 3200, and only after being X-rayed 19 times.
However, it is important to note that traditional X-ray scanners and CT scanners are different. CT scanners, which are becoming more common in airports, use multiple radiation beams to create a 3D image of the scanned object. This means that they emit a higher radiation dose and are more likely to damage film, even at lower ISO ratings. Hence, it is always recommended to request a hand-check for your film, especially if your trip involves multiple flights or airport transfers. Most TSA agents are accommodating of such requests, especially if the film is easily accessible in a ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" pouch.
While X-ray scanners at airports are unlikely to affect film with an ISO rating of 800 or lower, it is always better to be cautious and request a hand-check if possible. This is especially important if you are travelling with film that has a higher ISO sensitivity, as the risk of damage is greater.
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CT scanners are more powerful and can damage film
CT scanners are becoming more common in airports, especially those with higher traffic. These scanners are significantly more powerful than traditional X-ray machines, using multiple radiation beams to create a 3D image of the scanned object. This means that CT scanners emit a higher radiation dose, which can cause serious damage to unprocessed film. Even one pass through a CT scanner can fog or distort your film, leading to a substantial loss of detail and colour accuracy in your images.
The impact of CT scanners on film is so detrimental that companies like Kodak, Fujifilm, and ILFORD have issued warnings about this new scanning technology. They state that CT scanners can cause "fogging", distortion in shadow detail, and general image degradation. This fogging is due to the increased radiation dose emitted by CT scanners, which overexposes the film, resulting in a loss of detail and colour accuracy.
To avoid damage to your film, it is recommended to politely ask a TSA agent for a hand check when bringing film through TSA checkpoints. Most agents are willing to accommodate this request, especially if your film is easily accessible in a ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" pouch. These pouches are ideal for travel as they are durable and clearly communicate your request to the TSA.
Additionally, it is important to note that checked-in luggage goes through traditional X-ray scanners, which are often stronger and will ruin your film. Always keep your film in your carry-on bags, as current machines used for carry-on luggage scanning typically use a mild dose of X-rays that is safe for film rated at 800 ISO or lower.
While CT scanners pose a significant risk to unprocessed film, traditional X-ray scanners used for carry-on luggage are generally considered safe for film under 800 ISO. However, it is always recommended to request a hand check to ensure the safety of your film, especially if your trip involves multiple flights or airport transfers.
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TSA agents will usually accommodate requests for hand-checks
When travelling with film, it is recommended to ask a TSA agent for a hand-check at security checkpoints. TSA agents will usually accommodate requests for hand-checks, especially if you are prepared and have your film easily accessible and out of its packaging. It is also recommended to use a ""Do Not X-Ray" film pouch, which is more durable and clearly labelled, making your request easier for TSA agents to understand.
In the United States, TSA agents are usually happy to help with hand-checks, and most U.S. agents are more than willing to accommodate requests. However, it is important to note that the willingness of TSA agents to accommodate hand-check requests may vary internationally, but it is always worth asking.
To ensure a smooth process, it is recommended to remove film from all canisters and packaging ahead of time and have it easily accessible in a ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" film pouch. This will make it easier for TSA agents to conduct the hand-check and demonstrate that you are prepared and aware of the potential risks to your film.
While some sources claim that airport x-ray machines will not harm film with an ISO rating of 800 or lower, others have reported damage to film with an ISO of 400 or lower after going through x-ray scanners. Therefore, it is always best to play it safe and request a hand-check whenever possible, especially if your trip involves multiple flights or airport transfers.
By politely requesting a hand-check and following the recommended preparation steps, you can help ensure that your film is protected from potential damage caused by airport x-ray scanners.
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Film should be easily accessible in a ziplock bag or 'Do Not X-Ray' pouch
If you're travelling with film, it's important to take precautions to ensure it isn't damaged by airport security scanners. While traditional X-ray machines at most airports have a low level of radiation and are unlikely to affect film stocks ISO 800 and lower, or processed film, the newer CT scanners use multiple radiation beams to create a 3D image, emitting a higher radiation dose that can seriously damage unprocessed film.
To avoid this, you can politely ask a TSA agent for a hand-check when bringing film through TSA checkpoints. Most U.S. agents are more than willing to accommodate this request, and it's always worth asking internationally, too. Having your film out of its packaging and easily accessible in a ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" pouch will make this process smoother and faster. These pouches are ideal for travel as they are durable, clearly labelled, and come in different sizes.
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. If you're travelling through multiple airports, it's a good idea to check what type of scanners are used at each one, as this will influence the likelihood of your film being damaged.
Overall, while airport X-ray scanners may not ruin your film, it's always best to play it safe and request a hand-check whenever possible, especially if your film is above ISO 800.
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Checked-in baggage uses high-intensity screening that will ruin film
It is important to note that checked-in baggage uses high-intensity screening technology that will ruin your film, regardless of its ISO. Therefore, it is recommended to always travel with your film in your carry-on bags. Carry-on X-ray scanners generally use lower levels of radiation and are unlikely to harm film under 800 ISO. However, it is still recommended to request a hand check to be safe, especially if your trip involves multiple flights or transfers.
The traditional X-ray machines used for carry-on luggage in most airports have a low level of radiation and are unlikely to affect instant film, film stocks ISO 800 and lower, or processed film. However, the risk of damage is always present, especially for film above ISO 800, as they are much more sensitive. Airports can set their machines to different strengths, increasing the chances of damage.
CT scanners, which are becoming increasingly common in airports, are a different story. Unlike traditional X-ray machines, they use multiple radiation beams to create a 3D image, resulting in a higher radiation dose. This added strength can cause serious damage to unprocessed film, even with a single pass through the scanner. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid putting your film through a CT scanner if possible.
To ensure the safety of your film, you can politely ask a TSA agent for a hand check when bringing it through TSA checkpoints. Most agents, especially in the US, are accommodating of such requests. Additionally, you can use a "'Do Not X-Ray' film pouch" to make your request clearer to the TSA. These pouches are durable, clearly labelled, and ideal for travel.
By following these precautions and being aware of the potential risks, you can help ensure that your film remains undamaged when travelling through airport security.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the film's ISO and the type of x-ray machine being used. Traditional x-ray machines used for carry-on luggage are unlikely to harm film rated at 800 ISO or lower. However, newer CT scanners use stronger x-rays that can damage film.
The safest way to protect your film is to request a hand-check or manual inspection. TSA agents are usually accommodating of such requests, especially if your film is easily accessible and not in its packaging.
Yes, you can use a film mailer service that allows you to bypass airport security and send your film directly to a lab for developing. This option is currently only available in the US.
It is recommended to use a clear "Do Not X-Ray" bag to carry your film. These bags are more durable and clearly communicate your request to TSA agents. Lead-lined film bags are not recommended as they are ineffective against CT scanners.
If your film is ruined, you can try to get it developed as soon as possible to salvage any usable photos. You can also switch to using a digital camera to avoid the risk of x-ray damage in the future.
