Warning to film photographers
Nov 13, 2006, 3:35 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Olympia, WA
Programs: AK, DL,UA
Posts: 360
Warning to film photographers
Just FYI to you photographers out there:
Just got back from a month in Argentina.
Unlike anywhere else I have traveled (26 countries), the airport security in Argentina has a "no exceptions" rule against hand inspection of film.
All film must be x-rayed with hand luggage. I went through 7 airports within Argentina, and was unable to get any relief, even with printed information from the TSA website stating that exposure to 5 or more x-ray passes may result in damage to film of any speed.
I did not have any lead bags with me so I had to take a chance. Just crossing my fingers now.
Just got back from a month in Argentina.
Unlike anywhere else I have traveled (26 countries), the airport security in Argentina has a "no exceptions" rule against hand inspection of film.
All film must be x-rayed with hand luggage. I went through 7 airports within Argentina, and was unable to get any relief, even with printed information from the TSA website stating that exposure to 5 or more x-ray passes may result in damage to film of any speed.
I did not have any lead bags with me so I had to take a chance. Just crossing my fingers now.
Nov 13, 2006, 3:43 pm
#2
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Florida
Posts: 2,872
I am so sorry to hear that. I fear your photos are probably ruined if they went through seven x-ray machines. I learned the hardway to always carry a lead bag just in case. Did you have any digitals which would enable you to at least salvage some photos from your trip?
Nov 13, 2006, 4:01 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Newport Beach, California, USA
Posts: 36,062
Unless you are using very high-speed film, it should be fine. Even high-speed film should yield salvageable images -- there may be some loss of contrast as well as color shift.
Nov 14, 2006, 1:37 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Newport Beach, California, USA
Posts: 36,062
Originally Posted by donnyb
I will post results after processing even though results can vary.
Should also note it was all ISO 50 & 100 slide film.
Should also note it was all ISO 50 & 100 slide film.
Nov 14, 2006, 5:08 pm
#6
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,481
Originally Posted by donnyb
Just FYI to you photographers out there:
Just got back from a month in Argentina.
Unlike anywhere else I have traveled (26 countries), the airport security in Argentina has a "no exceptions" rule against hand inspection of film.
All film must be x-rayed with hand luggage. I went through 7 airports within Argentina, and was unable to get any relief, even with printed information from the TSA website stating that exposure to 5 or more x-ray passes may result in damage to film of any speed.
I did not have any lead bags with me so I had to take a chance. Just crossing my fingers now.
Just got back from a month in Argentina.
Unlike anywhere else I have traveled (26 countries), the airport security in Argentina has a "no exceptions" rule against hand inspection of film.
All film must be x-rayed with hand luggage. I went through 7 airports within Argentina, and was unable to get any relief, even with printed information from the TSA website stating that exposure to 5 or more x-ray passes may result in damage to film of any speed.
I did not have any lead bags with me so I had to take a chance. Just crossing my fingers now.
Nov 14, 2006, 5:09 pm
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Newport Beach, California, USA
Posts: 36,062
Originally Posted by muddy
probably a dumb question, but why couldnt you just put the film canisters in your pockets?
Nov 16, 2006, 12:58 pm
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Olympia, WA
Programs: AK, DL,UA
Posts: 360
Originally Posted by Flyingmama
I am so sorry to hear that. I fear your photos are probably ruined if they went through seven x-ray machines. I learned the hardway to always carry a lead bag just in case. Did you have any digitals which would enable you to at least salvage some photos from your trip?
http://www.i3a.org/pdf/I3AFilmXrayTestReport.pdf
Nov 28, 2006, 12:08 am
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Olympia, WA
Programs: AK, DL,UA
Posts: 360
processed film arrived today
Happy to report all appears to be normal, no fogging, bands, or other issues.
FYI shot 40 rolls of Fuji slide films, ISO 50 & 100.
Nonetheless a warning to others who still shoot film, plan ahead for this issue, especially if you travel thru numerous airports within Argentina, especially with higher speed films (400 or higher).
FYI shot 40 rolls of Fuji slide films, ISO 50 & 100.
Nonetheless a warning to others who still shoot film, plan ahead for this issue, especially if you travel thru numerous airports within Argentina, especially with higher speed films (400 or higher).