Camera PV 2007 » Digital Camera » Question please—-
Question please—-
Question:
> I don’t do a lot of flying but am leaving on the 23rd of Feb. to go to > Hawaii. Someone told me not to pack film in my suitcase because the > x-ray machines will ruin the film. Do any of you know anything about > this and if so how do you suggest I pack it? > Thanks and have a great day! > ~Jean~
There are a handful of airports that use a type of x-ray machine on some proportion of checked baggage that might damage your film. Following 9/11 the number of airports and the percent of baggage scanned with this type of machine will increase. You cannot ignore the risk. You have three choices: One is to buy your film in Hawaii and have it processed there before you return, since x-ray machines won’t harm processed film or prints. Another option (and the one I suggest) is to pack your film in your carry-on bags. The x-ray machines used to inspect carry-on bags are very low power and won’t harm low speed film when you only make a few passes through the machine. (Film speed less than ISO 1000, and say a dozen passes through the machines. The lower the speed, the less the risk.) DON’T put your film in your checked luggage. The third option is to take a digital camera.
Response:
> I don’t do a lot of flying but am leaving on the 23rd of Feb. to go to > Hawaii. Someone told me not to pack film in my suitcase because the > x-ray machines will ruin the film. Do any of you know anything about > this and if so how do you suggest I pack it?
Yup, do not pack film in checked luggage, either exposed or unexposed. The x-ray scanners that are used to inspect some checked luggage can ruin film. Just carry your film on the plane with you. If the film is under 1600 speed, it can be safely passed through the carryon insection machines two or three times, no problem.
Response:
I don’t do a lot of flying but am leaving on the 23rd of Feb. to go to Hawaii. Someone told me not to pack film in my suitcase because the x-ray machines will ruin the film. Do any of you know anything about this and if so how do you suggest I pack it? Thanks and have a great day! ~Jean~