Air Travel with B&W Dev & Fix?

[Jon Butler]

A few days ago I posted the thread What Powder Fixer? Since then I've been told that I can't take ANY photographic chemicals on flight from the UK! I have been doing just that for the last 26 years. I am off to Greece for month and must dev my film as I go, to make sure I get it right. I spend most of the year printing other photographers work and these trips are the only real time I can concentrate on my own imagery, my aim is is to compleat my Fellowship panel for the RPS. Without the means of developing my film as I go my aims would be a bit of a lottery.

Thanks JON

 

[Cheryl Jacobs]

Jon, I always send my film / chems before I fly when I leave the country. If you know an address where you'll be staying, they'll generally be more than happy to accept the package and keep it if it arrives before you.

 

[FrankB]

Alternatively, contact the maufacturer and ask for a list of their dealers in the area you'll be visiting.

I did this when I wanted to use some Delta 3200 in Florida a few years back. Ilford quickly gave me the details of a very good dealer in Orlando who was happy to supply the visiting Brit with film, dev, stop, fix, wet and a decent set of grads ('cos I forgot to pack mine!). He even gave me a discount because I'd come over from the UK!

The advantage of this approach is that you can restock if you run low, or conditions are not as expected.

Hope this helps,

Frank

 

[dancqu]

... I've been told that I can't take ANY photographic
chemicals on flight from the UK! ... Thanks JON

No surprise here. The very minimum of chemicals needed
are three; metol, sodium sulfite, and sodium thiosulfate. Add
sodium carbonate and you will be able to brew several
variations of a few developers on the spot.

Those chemicals are very likely available in Greece. I very
seldom suggest the spoon method but it may work well
with what you NEED TO DO. Dan

 

[blackmelas]

Dear Jon,
There are quite a few APUGers in Greece, though I see from your other thread that you won't start your trip in Athens. We could help you with locating some of the chemicals. I could even mail a couple packs of Ilfofix and some developer to get you started where ever in Greece you will be. Send me a PM.
I have found that sometimes you can find a small photo shop in little towns that still have a packet of this or that tucked away in a dusty corner. Also many photographers who now do 1 hour developing still have their intact darkroom in the back now used as a storeroom. Lastly get in touch with the artists and photographers-- there are several photographers here in Corinth, and in other towns I'm sure that have no access to internet or APUG but would be happy to offer help. Greeks love to be hospitable to foreigners.
Best regards,
James