2 Times Through Airport X-Ray OK?

hoffy · Sep 27, 2013

Thought I'd dig this up again. I'm currently travelling through Asia and had all my bags scanned through a bigger machine when going through customs in Kota Kinabalu. Are these machines bigger versions of the hand luggage machines, or are they more akin to the checked in machines?

Cheers.

BrianShaw · Sep 27, 2013

hoffy said:
Thought I'd dig this up again. I'm currently travelling through Asia and had all my bags scanned through a bigger machine when going through customs in Kota Kinabalu. Are these machines bigger versions of the hand luggage machines, or are they more akin to the checked in machines?

If the machine was big it is probably what you are calling a "checked in machine". If the equipment said "Invision" on the side, then it is a CT (or two-phase X-ray and CT if they have newer equipment).

BrianShaw · Sep 27, 2013

pbromaghin said:
Well, then where's the new stuff?

This is why I generally stopped participating in these kinds of threads. Few will either put up data (or even valid looking information) and most seem to have little clue about the technology or security screening marketplace.

Some data is better than no data... and date alone doesn't determine validity.

If anything, the situation for air travelers has been trending toward less risk of film exposure to xray/CT than more.

hoffy · Sep 27, 2013

BrianShaw said:
If the machine was big it is probably what you are calling a "checked in machine". If the equipment said "Invision" on the side, then it is a CT (or two-phase X-ray and CT if they have newer equipment).

Its too late now, but do you think I should be concerned?

BrianShaw · Sep 27, 2013

hoffy said:
Its too late now, but do you think I should be concerned?

Yes, you should be concerned but since it is too late... don't lose any sleep over it. It is impossible to know if CT was applied to your bag, which would most likely affect your film. There have been enough self-reports by folks who put film in checked luggage with no detrimental effect to convice me that the newer two-phase screening equipment is reducing the probability of problems... but only processing the film provides evidence of YOUR film getting CT or no CT exposure. If all your film got was x-ray, there is little to worry about. Since it is too late, though... don't lose any sleep over it.

hoffy · Sep 27, 2013

BrianShaw said:
Yes, you should be concerned but since it is too late... don't lose any sleep over it. It is impossible to know if CT was applied to your bag, which would most likely affect your film. There have been enough self-reports by folks who put film in checked luggage with no detrimental effect to convice me that the newer two-phase screening equipment is reducing the probability of problems... but only processing the film provides evidence of YOUR film getting CT or no CT exposure. If all your film got was x-ray, there is little to worry about. Since it is too late, though... don't lose any sleep over it.

Agreed. I am just annoyed at myself that I didn't think fast enough. The machine was just a big stainless box, that I fed my luggage through before I cleared customs (they made us put all our bags through, including carry ons). I now need to decide if I keep using the film (I have 4 exposed rolls, 10 un-exposed). I might get a C-41 roll developed in Penang when we get there in 2 days.

hoffy · Oct 1, 2013

Update - I'm in Penang now and have had a roll processed. The negs look Ok with no funny lines. The prints they gave me have colour casts, but I would put that down to average scanning. I think I am satisfied to keep shooting.

While I am here, is there any more risk with pushed films? I plan to go to some markets tonight and want to push some HP5 to 1600.

Cheers

DanielStone · Oct 2, 2013

if you can, carry the film on your person(like in pockets) if possible. A friend of mine does that, and goes through the metal detector machine w/o any delays, most of the time

shutterbug101 · Dec 15, 2013

Use an x-ray bag. There really easy to buy. If that's not enough, ask for what I call "the cotton swab treatment", aka a hand check. However, don't ask for this in Canada, because they insist on opening the back door of the camera.

Sirius Glass · Dec 15, 2013

Two times is not a problem as long as the ISO in less than 800. I do not have experience with ISO 800 film and x-rays. I have not had problems with ISO 400 film and multiple trips through the airport.

2 Times Through Airport X-Ray OK?

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