Travelling with 120 film.

[KenR]

I too have never had a problem with scans at the carry on luggage scanner with ISO 100 and 400 film. My film has received multiple scans, in the US, China and Peru without any fogging or streaking. Some years ago, I requested hand inspection of film while in Italy, which was politely refused by a guard who pointed an Uzi type machine gun at me while shaking his head "no". I didn't think it wise to insist, and after finding the film in fine shape, have never requested hand inspection again.

 

[mouren]

I always ask for hand check. It doesn't usually take them that long. i have brought 35mm, 120, and 100' bulk rolls. All hand checked. It doesn't take them that long. I haven't had a problem so far, knock on wood.

 

[2F/2F]

Hi,

Theses are some standard procedures you can follow to prevent damage:

Rule number one is to never check your film. Carry it on with you. The checked baggage scanners are much, much stronger than the carry-on scanners, and there is really no question about whether or not your film is at risk: it is, and will probably be ruined. If you must check your camera stuff, carry a Holga or something in your carry-on bag, so you can show those ignorant of medium format film that yes, it really is film made to go into a real camera.

Then, try to get a hand inspection whenever possible. But if for some reason you cannot, don't fret. Film of any speed (even IR film, which is very sensitive to mishandling) easily survives repeated checked baggage x-rays just fine, as long as the machines are not ancient.

Rule number three is to not use any sort of radiation-shielded container to store your film. It will just arouse attention, and may even get the strength of the scanner jacked up by screeners trying to penetrate the shield.

Finally, get your processing done on the road whenever possible. That way there is no possible way that exposed film (the most important and the most sensitive kind of film) can be put at risk from x-rays. This is extreme, and not really necessary, but if there is a good pro lab in a place where you will be staying for a few days, I would go ahead and do it.

So, basically: 1) don't check your film, 2) request hand inspection (but don't worry if you don't get it), 3) don't try to shield your film with lead or whatever else, and 4) process your film if you can, rather than having traveling with it after exposure.

I follow all of these except number 2. I just scan the film. I am more scared of hand inspections ruining my film than x-rays from carry-on machines.

 

[ambaker]

According to the TSA web site. ASA 800 and below are good for 5 trips through the carry-on scanner. They do not recommend sending film through checked baggage. They also do not recommend the lead bags for US travel, as they will have to hand inspect it, if you use one. Sounds like a plan to me. Lead baggie, so they wind up hand inspecting it either way. And, the film stays protected.

 

[film_man]

I never check film in.

I have traveled with 135 and 120 film from all speeds up to 3200 (Delta) BW/C41/E6 and never had problems getting it scanned (hand luggage) on the way there and back. I've also traveled with stuff up to 800 (Portra) that has been scanned 4 times and never had an issue either. And I'm pretty sure I might have had some rolls scanned 6-8 times as I don't always use everything I take with me, again with no issues.

 

[film_man]

Oh, as for lead bags and getting hand inspection...to be honest I try to get in and out of the airport as quickly as possible. I just cannot imagine asking them to take more time with my stuff...

Some more stats: I've done probably 10-12 trips in the last 12 months. I'd say about 200 rolls in total, maybe a bit more, of E100G/VS, Portra (160/400/800), Delta 3200 and TriX in 135/120. Never had a problem.

 

[rhubarbcrumble]

I've put all my film in sandwich bags and labelled and dated the bags. I'm with family so i'll probably just ask for hand inspection to make it all easier. Will keep you all updated with how it goes!