Xray effects on film

David Nardi

Member
Joined
Feb 11, 2007
Messages
87
Location
Ontario, Can
Format
4x5 Format
I am currently traveling in Europe and realized that my films were scanned at least 2 or 3 times by baggage scanners for "Left Luggage" depots at train stations. My films are all colour reversal 100 and 400 speed in 35mm and 120 formats. I also have a few 1600 speed colour neg. They were scanned in Barcelona and Madrid while in Spain. Protective measures have been taken since then.

I know the damage has already been done, if any, so I'm just curious about anyone's experience with similar situations. Perhaps it can put me at ease.
 

Merg Ross

Subscriber
Joined
Mar 16, 2006
Messages
368
Location
San Francisc
Format
Large Format
I have just returned from Europe with 20 rolls of exposed TMY-2/400 speed. Three scans: San Francisco Airport, Eurostar in Paris, and at Heathrow Airport. I was able to get hand checked at Eurostar in London.

All film has been processd and no sign of any X-ray damage. You should be fine, at least up to ASA-400. I would not worry, but avoid as many scans as possible since there may be an accumulative affect.

www.mergross.com
 

John NYC

Member
Joined
Aug 29, 2009
Messages
61
Format
Multi Format
I think he is talking more about dropped off baggage, not carry on. The scanners used for carry ons are much weaker than that for checked luggage. While I've never heard (or had) problems with the former, I have heard of problems with damage from the latter. That is why I've never put film in checked luggage.
 

Merg Ross

Subscriber
Joined
Mar 16, 2006
Messages
368
Location
San Francisc
Format
Large Format

Oh, perhaps I misunderstood, not being familiar with the term "left luggage depot". I assumed a carry-on type scanner as used at train stations, which are much weaker than the checked luggage scanners. I have also heard of problems with the latter, as you suggest.
 

Ian Grant

Subscriber
Joined
Aug 2, 2004
Messages
23,267
Location
West Midland
Format
Multi Format
Merg, you didn't miss understand I think John NYC did though, the OP says left luggage depot at railway stations.

Here in Turkey the same scanners are used at shopping centres. I buy most of my film in the UK and fly with it, often flying later with it again, or joining my wife on a cruise ship where it gets scanned twice first time I board then daily for a week. Despite many multiple scans I never have an issue and I know film I took to Chile & Peru 3 years ago was scanned about 20 times, again no issue.

In fact checked luggage goes through identical scanners and only baggage needing further object identification gets the more intensive dosages using different machines, usually because some objects can look ominous when placed together in baggage.

The Kodak information is so far out of date it's meaningless, airport and other hand luggage scanners are all now film safe for many multiple passes.

Ian
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Menu
Log in
Register
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn more…