To those who fly abroad with V-System Blads...

ted_smith · Apr 16, 2016

Hi

A question to those of you who have travelled abroad with a V-System Hasselblad....

I am due to fly out to Italy from the UK in May. I have already read much about X-Ray'ing film, but eventually concluded that a) it was best to just take some Fuji Pro 400H which is below the ISO800 'danger range' and I have decided to just let it go through, having heard much do's and don't about whether to ask for it to be hand checked. Apparantly European airport machines are generally OK, and if it's 800 or lower, there's no notable issue. And yes, I have tried contacting the airports already about arranging for hand scans....nobody ever replies to me.

Anyway, my question is about the Hasselblad itself. I assume that if it is in my bag with the lenses, despite the fact that it is is metal, it will probably just go through without any major issues? Or will it set off a hundred alarm bells? I'm having worries that some guard is going to say "what's this?" and "you can't take that through" just because it's some weird metal thing that nobody has ever seen.

Do those of you who travel on planes with a Blad have any advice or tips on the subject? Is it fine to take it through as part of your hand luggage? Have you done so, and was it all OK, or did you have issues?

Thanks

CropDusterMan · Apr 16, 2016

I have traveled around the world with metal cameras-Leicas, RZ's and Blads and never had a problem.
As long as they are in a camera bag or back-pack style system, you'll be fine. I'm sure you know already, but
only carry your film on-board...the xray for checked bags going under the plane is much more intense.

Ask for a hand-check, I was able to get it through Heathrow and CDG as well as Brussels (might be diff. now!) not too long ago. The middle east was another story...I had AK-47's pointed at me in Quatar when I asked them to hand search it. What helps is to have the un-boxed film in clear zip-locks...here in the U.S, we can have our beloved and highly motivated and efficient (the sarcasm is thick here) TSA do hand searches...and usually there is no problem.

When it comes to the cameras...have a back up plan...go and buy a rolling checked-bag style case in the
event they ask you to check it, and have some bubble-wrap as added security...I doubt you'll have an issue though.

A good bag is this one:

Think Tank PhotoAirport International LE Classic

ted_smith · Apr 16, 2016

Thanks CropDuster....thanks for the assurances. That is a comfort.

Can I ask...when you say "What helps is to have the un-boxed film in clear zip-locks" I assume you mean have the film unboxed but still wrapped in the foil (for 120), or do you mean unboxed and unwrapped out of its foil?

And for the 35mm (I am taking my Nikon F5 as a backup), I assume you mean unboxed and not in it's plastic cartridge?

And lastly, what do you mean by "clear zip locks"?

BrianShaw · Apr 16, 2016

The camera, all the accessories, and film less than 800 will not only be fine, but they won't even bat an eyelash. My experience in USA and UK and parts of EU.

BrianShaw · Apr 16, 2016

Only time a Hassy even raised an interest in my travels was in a very small airport where the TSA guys were both bored and photo enthusiasts. The screener misidentified it as a Mamiya and asked if he was correct or not.

Other than that, screeners know what they are looking for and have seen plenty of cameras, film, and photographers... Unless it's their first day on the job.

CropDusterMan · Apr 16, 2016

ted_smith said:
Thanks CropDuster....thanks for the assurances. That is a comfort.

Can I ask...when you say "What helps is to have the un-boxed film in clear zip-locks" I assume you mean have the film unboxed but still wrapped in the foil (for 120), or do you mean unboxed and unwrapped out of its foil?

And for the 35mm (I am taking my Nikon F5 as a backup), I assume you mean unboxed and not in it's plastic cartridge?

And lastly, what do you mean by "clear zip locks"?

Zip lock bags...you know, zip lock sandwich or freezer bags. Generally, I have the film out of the foil too
and 35 film loose. I have those cool "Japan Camera Hunter" film holders that I load my film into once the
security guys are done...keeps the film organized and protected...they make them for 35mm and 120.

Oh ya, forgot to mention....

one other thing...grab a roll of out-dated 120 and un-seal it...put a rubber band around it so you can show them what a roll of 120 film looks like...as dumb as it sounds, I've had guys want to xray only the 120 because they'd never seen it before.

Frank53 · Apr 16, 2016

ted_smith said:
Hi

A question to those of you who have travelled abroad with a V-System Hasselblad....

I am due to fly out to Italy from the UK in May. I have already read much about X-Ray'ing film, but eventually concluded that a) it was best to just take some Fuji Pro 400H which is below the ISO800 'danger range' and I have decided to just let it go through, having heard much do's and don't about whether to ask for it to be hand checked. Apparantly European airport machines are generally OK, and if it's 800 or lower, there's no notable issue. And yes, I have tried contacting the airports already about arranging for hand scans....nobody ever replies to me.

Anyway, my question is about the Hasselblad itself. I assume that if it is in my bag with the lenses, despite the fact that it is is metal, it will probably just go through without any major issues? Or will it set off a hundred alarm bells? I'm having worries that some guard is going to say "what's this?" and "you can't take that through" just because it's some weird metal thing that nobody has ever seen.

Do those of you who travel on planes with a Blad have any advice or tips on the subject? Is it fine to take it through as part of your hand luggage? Have you done so, and was it all OK, or did you have issues?

Thanks

Since about a year I have a Hasselblad set and I airtravelled 3 or 4 times with it since then.
You can expect to be picked out for a handcheck. But as soon they see what it is, it's ok. No problem at all.
If you travel through Gatwick, take some extra time. They seem to use outdated machines and more luggage is picked out for a handcheck than anywhere else. They take their time for that. On the other hand it's all for our safety
Frank

RalphLambrecht · Apr 16, 2016

ted_smith said:
Hi

A question to those of you who have travelled abroad with a V-System Hasselblad....

I am due to fly out to Italy from the UK in May. I have already read much about X-Ray'ing film, but eventually concluded that a) it was best to just take some Fuji Pro 400H which is below the ISO800 'danger range' and I have decided to just let it go through, having heard much do's and don't about whether to ask for it to be hand checked. Apparantly European airport machines are generally OK, and if it's 800 or lower, there's no notable issue. And yes, I have tried contacting the airports already about arranging for hand scans....nobody ever replies to me.
That's te only how poor TSA employees can afford having a Hasselblad.Just don't duck when they ask you to take it out of the bag

Anyway, my question is about the Hasselblad itself. I assume that if it is in my bag with the lenses, despite the fact that it is is metal, it will probably just go through without any major issues? Or will it set off a hundred alarm bells? I'm having worries that some guard is going to say "what's this?" and "you can't take that through" just because it's some weird metal thing that nobody has ever seen.

Do those of you who travel on planes with a Blad have any advice or tips on the subject? Is it fine to take it through as part of your hand luggage? Have you done so, and was it all OK, or did you have issues?

Thanks

Ashfaque · Apr 16, 2016

Ted, you should be fine with your Hasselblad inside your hand luggage. You don't want to put such a mechanical camera in your checked-in luggage regardless of security checks. The way luggages are thrown into a baggage belt, it can screw up the camera big time, especially if the bag is not too strong and/or, you don't wrap the camera around properly.

Re films: Don't take your 120 films out of their foils. Humidity, dust and certqinly light leaks will be an issue. Keep your films in a zip lock and transparent bag and in your hand luggage. You should be fine.

Also, if you're using those polyester based films, for e.g., Adox CMS 20, Rollei RPX 25, Retro 80s, Retro 400s, Rollei IR etc, you need to keep them always inside those black plastic canisters or some light tight bags. Otherwise light leaks will be an issue - both pre- and post-exposure.

Bests,
Ashfaque

ted_smith · Apr 16, 2016

Thanks gents...this is all very helpful to me. I am a nervous traveller anyway so this is all good advice.

The film holders are not hugely expensive but they're about a fiver each for the 120 film holders and require shipping from China.

These look good and available from one of my film retailer : http://www.ag-photographic.co.uk/light-proof-bags-320x500mm-3633-p.asp Do you think they'd be OK? Or, there are these from Silverprint : http://shop.silverprint.co.uk/Silverprint-Light-Proof-Bag-9x15-Inch-10-Pack/product/2004/ANBAG159/

Also, one other thing....I have one of those strong and waterproof "Storm Pellicase" cases for my camera and lenses with foam cut out inside. I could fit it into my checked luggage bag (obviously I'd still take the film through the hand luggage because of the X-ray strength) and in that case, even if the suitcase did get thrown about, the Blad would be fine. I wonder if that would be better because then a) it will already be checked in by the time I go through the security hand luggage area avoiding any of the "Oh, you'll have to check that in" problem that you referred to and b) it means all I have to worry about then is the films. What do you think? Or is that a really bad idea?

paul_c5x4 · Apr 16, 2016

I've been to Italy a few times with cameras. Always with a 5x4 kit, and on a couple of occasions, a Bronica SQ-Ai - Have always packed the camera gear in my hand luggage and only the tripod has ever been in the checked luggage (they won't normally allow tripods as hand luggage). I would agree with other posters - Do not trust delicate and valuable equipment to the care of baggage handlers.

Film will be fine going through the hand luggage scanners a few times - if in doubt, you could try secreting a couple of rolls in your trouser pocket.

MattKing · Apr 16, 2016

ted_smith said:
Thanks gents...this is all very helpful to me. I am a nervous traveller anyway so this is all good advice.

The film holders are not hugely expensive but they're about a fiver each for the 120 film holders and require shipping from China.

These look good and available from one of my film retailer : http://www.ag-photographic.co.uk/light-proof-bags-320x500mm-3633-p.asp Do you think they'd be OK? Or, there are these from Silverprint : http://shop.silverprint.co.uk/Silverprint-Light-Proof-Bag-9x15-Inch-10-Pack/product/2004/ANBAG159/

Also, one other thing....I have one of those strong and waterproof "Storm Pellicase" cases for my camera and lenses with foam cut out inside. I could fit it into my checked luggage bag (obviously I'd still take the film through the hand luggage because of the X-ray strength) and in that case, even if the suitcase did get thrown about, the Blad would be fine. I wonder if that would be better because then a) it will already be checked in by the time I go through the security hand luggage area avoiding any of the "Oh, you'll have to check that in" problem that you referred to and b) it means all I have to worry about then is the films. What do you think? Or is that a really bad idea?

Don't expose your camera to theft by using a "Storm Pellicase" case.

And the last thing I would do is carry things in my hand luggage that are stored in opaque plastic bags. To me, they scream "I am hiding something".

Carry the film in the foil wrapping. Make sure you carry one where the wrapping is open, to satisfy curiosity. And find something like a clear plastic pencil case to provide extra physical protection for the film - something like these: http://www.staples-3p.com/s7/is/image/Staples/s0386594_sc7?$splssku$

Sirius Glass · Apr 16, 2016

I have traveled to Europe with a Hasselblad without any problems. Just bring it and the film with you as carry-on.

Kevin Caulfield · Apr 16, 2016

Some X ray operators are confused by the Hasselblad image and may ask for a manual inspection but the experienced operators know what they're looking at. I'd recommend requesting a manual inspection for all film. The TSA people in the USA are generally extremely cooperative and understanding. Just allow yourself an extra ten or fifteen minutes.

TheFlyingCamera · Apr 16, 2016

I was just in Italy in October of last year, traveling with 150-ish rolls of 120 of varying flavors including some Portra 800. That was in my #1 carry-on bag. In my #2 carry-on bag was my Rolleiflex, my Tele-Rolleiflex, the Belair X6-12, a Sekonic meter, some accessories including a cable release. The cable release was the only thing that attracted any attention, and that was on my way TO Italy from Washington DC, where they wanted to take it out and look at it, and asked me what it was for. I explained it, they put it back and I was on my way. I left all the film in the original manufacturer boxes. There was never any hassle with it at any point along the way, to or from Italy, even with going through checkpoints in Paris (I flew Air France, so I connected through CDG and that was my entry and exit point for EU customs). If my Rolleiflexes don't elicit any strange reactions from airport security, your Hasselblad system certainly won't.

And a third +1 for the "NEVER put your camera gear in checked baggage" comment. That's the #1 way to get it damaged irreparably and/or stolen.

Poisson Du Jour · Apr 16, 2016

MattKing said:
Don't expose your camera to theft by using a "Storm Pellicase" case.

And the last thing I would do is carry things in my hand luggage that are stored in opaque plastic bags. To me, they scream "I am hiding something".

Carry the film in the foil wrapping. Make sure you carry one where the wrapping is open, to satisfy curiosity. And find something like a clear plastic pencil case to provide extra physical protection for the film - something like these: http://www.staples-3p.com/s7/is/image/Staples/s0386594_sc7?$splssku$

A New Zealand customs officer thought my silver-foiled and sealed Delta P3200 120 rolls were firecrackers (!). I was asked to open it (amidst the bright glaring lights of security) so he could inspect it, then swab it carefully before giving it back to me — with a smile and a wave of the blue-gloved hand. Some Customs officers are very young and by that once can deduce, reasonably, they don't encounter 120-format film in "unusual" (to them) packaging. I don't have any difficulties with my Hassie or Pentax 67, just the sheer amount of stuff I cart around.

Photographic equipment by notable big wigs is regularly trotting around Australia on Qantas as checked-in baggage marked as FRAGILE INSURED (case-within-a-case) and treated as such. I did that for New Zealand and it was first-loaded and first-unloaded. Not a mark anywhere.

Terry Breedlove · Apr 19, 2016

I took 10 rolls of tri-X to Vietnam shot them and then took them home before developing them. I carried them on with me and went tnrough 7 scans. They all look beautiful absolutly no problems.

Terry Breedlove · Apr 19, 2016

Oh and another thing make sure your carry on is under weight. I was over and had to quickly re arrange some stuff. Luckily I had an empty day pack for hiking with me and used that to carry on my camera and film the other bag with travel things went in the hold.

BrianShaw · Apr 19, 2016

Terry Breedlove said:
Oh and another thing make sure your carry on is under weight. I was over and had to quickly re arrange some stuff. Luckily I had an empty day pack for hiking with me and used that to carry on my camera and film the other bag with travel things went in the hold.

That is a very good point. To expand on it just a bit: ensure that the carry on also conforms to the current size limits. In the US they aren't quite as adamant about size limits unless it is a small plane (or all seats booked and occupied) but my experience in EU is that they are more observant of those rules.

I'll never forget the day when I was in line behind s guy who was told his carry on was too big and had to be checked. There were language barriers but I thought I heard him explaining that he was a diamond merchant and could not check the bag. It took quite a bit of discussion before the gent was escorted away from the gate. I was very glad that my camera bag was the right size!

telletdl · Apr 21, 2016

In the US I was pulled aside because the x-ray guys couldn't identify the Mamiya C330 TLR in my carry-on. Once I opened it and they saw it was a camera they did a quick swab and I was on my way. I don't think you will have a problem - just be sure to stay calm and courteous. And I wouldn't check any equipment you don't want stolen or damaged. I've had damage just from TSA opening up checked baggage.

goros · Apr 22, 2016

All what has been said is full of sense. When I travelled more often, it could happen that a batch of film went through 6, 7 or even 10 scanners and never had a problem. I never asked for a hand inspection, just put the film in the hand baggage, either in the camera bag or in a separate back pack. I have just arrived from a trip to Japan, with the Hasselblad and 20 rolls of HP5+. They didn't get any special care or attention from the security people neither in Frankfurt nor in Tokyo airports, although in other ocassions, I had to open the camera bag, but more for the filters and shutter cable than for the camera itself. In one occasion I had to shut the camera in front of the officer.

jeffreyg · Apr 22, 2016

I have traveled with Hasselblads to and from Europe using a camera backpack as carry-on with no problems. Delta 400 out of the boxes and wrapper in a ziplock bag also with no problems. If not rushed I will ask for a hand check also with no problems. Actually once in Italy I asked for a hand check and the agent said it was safe x-ray but the guard noticing (and recognizing the Delta 400) said it was high speed film and to hand check ... you never know when you will run into a photographer.
A friend recently told me that some destinations are now weighing carry-on bags so check before leaving. He was over so he took a camera out and carried it over his shoulder and placed it in a bin for the x-ray

http://www.jeffreyglasser.com/

RalphLambrecht · Apr 22, 2016

ted_smith said:
Hi

A question to those of you who have travelled abroad with a V-System Hasselblad....

I am due to fly out to Italy from the UK in May. I have already read much about X-Ray'ing film, but eventually concluded that a) it was best to just take some Fuji Pro 400H which is below the ISO800 'danger range' and I have decided to just let it go through, having heard much do's and don't about whether to ask for it to be hand checked. Apparantly European airport machines are generally OK, and if it's 800 or lower, there's no notable issue. And yes, I have tried contacting the airports already about arranging for hand scans....nobody ever replies to me.

Anyway, my question is about the Hasselblad itself. I assume that if it is in my bag with the lenses, despite the fact that it is is metal, it will probably just go through without any major issues? Or will it set off a hundred alarm bells? I'm having worries that some guard is going to say "what's this?" and "you can't take that through" just because it's some weird metal thing that nobody has ever seen.

Do those of you who travel on planes with a Blad have any advice or tips on the subject? Is it fine to take it through as part of your hand luggage? Have you done so, and was it all OK, or did you have issues?

Thanks

my Blad travelled around the world with me several times as carry-on.They aways check to see what's in the bag but never an issue. the cable release is always of most interest?

guangong · Apr 23, 2016

It all depends on what the tsa worker knows about cameras， One checker insisted that i turn on my leica m4 and couldnt understand why that was impossible，anothrr time the manager had to be called was when i was carrying a 16 mm movie camera，Minox 8x11 cameras really bother them，But you can get through， Also handy to have a wife who can watch you belongings while explaining to authorities，

ted_smith · May 31, 2016

By way of an update to all those who contributed, I thought I'd share my experience for the benefit of others.

My trip to Italy was conducted this past weekend just. On the way out from the UK and back from Italy, I packed the film in my wife;s hand luggage and my Hasselblad and Nikon F5 in my own hand luggage. I didn't even try and ask for a hand check on the way out because the airport was heaving, we only just caught our flight as it was, and the airport staff didn't look happy with anyone! So I shudder to think what they would have thought if I'd had asked them to inspect 40 rolls of film! So it got X-Rayed on the way out, once. My hand luggage, that contained the Hasselblad did, as many predicted, get pulled over for hand inspection after the X-ray. But it was OK once they had rummaged through it.

On the way back, I did the same. So the bag with the film got X-rayed again, just the once. My hand luggage containing th Blad got X-rayed twice! And then pulled over for a hand check! Same thing applied...after a quick check he just said "Ok, Bye".

The lesson I learned from this was to put your film in one hand luggage and your equipment in another. Because its your kit that will cause the multiple X-raying by the looks of it! I'm hoping that the film will be OK as many of you have suggested, because the fastest film I had was ISO400 (Fuji Pro 400H), which apparently is generally OK (anything less than or equal to ISO800).

Anyway, so the film has been posted off today...I will wait eagerly for the results. As always, thanks to all those who gave me advice on the matter of foreign travel with Hasselblad gear!

To those who fly abroad with V-System Blads...

ted_smith

CropDusterMan

ted_smith

BrianShaw

BrianShaw

CropDusterMan

Frank53

RalphLambrecht

Ashfaque

ted_smith

paul_c5x4

MattKing

Moderator

Sirius Glass

Kevin Caulfield

TheFlyingCamera

Membership Council

Poisson Du Jour

Terry Breedlove

Terry Breedlove

BrianShaw

telletdl

goros

jeffreyg

RalphLambrecht

guangong

ted_smith

To those who fly abroad with V-System Blads...

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