ISO 800 film okay to go through carry-on x-ray machines?

crbrown24

New Member
Is film with ISO 800 okay when put through the carry-on x-ray machines at the airport? Does it matter if the film has actual pictures on it or if it is an empty role? I was wondering if anyone took film this speed through and can tell me that it was alright when it got developed. Thanks!:veryconfu
 

CAPTAIN HOOK

Well-Known Member
I'm led to believe (by airport staff) that UNEXPOSED film up to 1600ASA is safe through a Xray machine. I don't know about EXPOSED film - presumably this is still in the camera ? - If the photos are precious I would remove/develop and start with new unused film for the Disney trip.
To be on the safe side, I always wrap each film cartridge with tinfoil (aluminium foil) and replace it back into the plastic container
 
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DisneyPhD

Well-Known Member
Last year I asked the Security man to hand check my flim. He told me that unless it was 800 or above it should be fine. He did say don't check it, but put it in your carry one since those machines are not as strong.

You could have them hand checked if you are concerned. I did not this time and everything was fine. (it was 400 speed.)
 
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crbrown24

New Member
Original Poster
I am really more worried about getting all my Disney pictures home in one piece. Are the security officials at Orlando Airport pretty easy to get along with when it comes to this stuff or have they forced people to put their film through x-ray. (I've heard some horror stories about some airports)
 
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DivineMadness7

New Member
My photo professor told me to put film in CLEAR cases instead of black ones and to have the guards hand check them just to make sure the film would not be ruined. It's better to be safe than sorry!

PS- the film should come in the black cases. If you don't have the clear cases, try a local photo lab and ask them for some (private ones are usuaully willing to do this, I worked at one :p )

Good luck and happy photographing!

Also, this is just my personal opinion but I find film with an ISO 400 to be fine for everyday Disney pictures. You might want 800 if you are planning on taking pictures of fire work shows or taking the majority of your pictures at night time. Other than that, the 400 is of a better quality! (in my opinion....)
 
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PhotoDave219

Well-Known Member
Yes, 800 speed film is fine to go through carryons. As is digital cameras, memory cards, laptops, etc.

According to the TSA you can request a hand check of your camera equipment, but iv'e never felt the need to do so.

Lil film cases really arent necessary, usually my rolls of unexposed film (back when i shot film) were always in a pocket in my bag. They have no effect on xray machines.


TSA Security in orlando is a Joke, IMO as compared to up here at dulles. They had a metal dectetor not work right and still sent people through. As for the photo gear, they had no trouble identifying it on the xray table and didnt ask me to open up the bag.

In short, your film will be fine, but if youre really worried, go to a local camera store and buy an xray shield.

And what ever you do DO NOT put the film in your luggage. That will fry it.
 
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Worldphile

New Member
I've always asked for a hand inspection of my exposed and unexposed film that is 800 and greater.

In order to make it easier on everyone, I take the rolls of film out of the little black canister and put them all in a clear Ziploc bag. Sometimes, the TSA agents will just visually inspect the bag, and other times I've had TSA agents swab each and every roll of film. So, budget a little extra time to get through security if you are going to ask for a hand inspection.

I've never had a problem with getting a hand inspection at a security checkpoint in the U.SA. Internationally, however, I have had to argue for it to get it. That was pre-9/11 though. Other countries may not even do them now.
 
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PhotoDave219

Well-Known Member
800 is pretty safe for Xray on checked bags, but anythign faster you want a shield for. Ive never run into problems and havent heard of too many people who had problems... except those who put it in their luggage.
 
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I've put exposed and unexposed film though in the past with no problem. You can ask for a hand inspection per the rules. It is my understanding that you need to be more concerned about the magnets in the motors that drive the conveyor belt than the x-rays.
 
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