Dear Anita,
As an
avid semi-professional photographer, I usually carry 20 to 40
rolls of odachrome 64 on international trips. How safe will that
film be when it goes through the new security devices? If I put it
in lead-lined bags, will the large, bulky packages trigger an
alarm, or will the x-rays simply be zapped up to higher intensity
to see what's in them? I am traveling to Norway this summer for
two months, so I need to know what my options are. Thanks for your
help.
Frederick G.
Northfield, MN |
Dear Frederick,
As a fellow photography enthusiast, I know how precious film is. Film
manufacturers are warning photographers that the new enhanced screening
procedures for carry-on and checked baggage are capable of damaging
unexposed film.
For example, the new CTX-5000 security scanners send high dosage CAT
scan-like beams through luggage to better identify dense masses. This
scanning beam can leave a stripe or line on slide, print, and motion
picture film that remains after the film is developed, even after just one
pass through the equipment.
If you want to check your film, you can use the protective lead pouches,
which will withstand high levels of x-rays. However, this may not be
enough protection as the screening equipment could do even higher
intensity scans that could damage the film. My best advice is that you
request a hand inspection of your film. Just keep in mind that because you
will be carrying so much film, it may take extra time for security
personnel to go through it all. Consider getting to the airport well in
advance of your departure.
I hope I've been helpful. Happy travels!
Anita Dunham-Potter
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