Re: [Leica] Film x-ray protection bags

[Wilber Jeffcoat <jeffcoatphoto@sumter.net>]

Ted this is excellent info. When I last did a trip to Germany, I put all my
exposed and unexposed film in round Tupperware containers (kept these in the
top of my camera bag) at the check station I would open the Tenba, ask for a
hand inspection of the film and let them run the bag through the machine. Not
once did I run into any problems with this. I had more grief from my travel
agent brother who kept telling me that thing won't hurt your precious film. In
8 days the film never went through an x-ray scanner.
What I did have trouble with was a stew. (no disrespect meant) with a commuter
in Colorado. On the hope up to Durango they let me keep the bag on the floor
between my feet. Not a word. On the way back they had a fit and I had my bag
taken from me and put in the baggage compartment. I know she was doing her job,
but that is the last flight I do with those folks. Any thoughts on this (I did
buy a smaller bag, but it's one body and 2 lens and that's it.
Cheers Wilber GFE OAO2

Ted Grant wrote:

> > > From: Bill Satterfield <cwsat@cyberhighway.net>
> > >
> > > We have already visited the subject of film protection for carry ons
> > > when going through a foreign airport- no way to avoid it. Now does
> > > anyone have any recommendations on the best film protection bag? I
> > > understand there are some new types out......It really takes a lot of
> > > planning and research to get out of the USA. When I was younger, I just
> > > went. Now, I plan!<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
>
> Bill,
> Best plan?  Throw all the plastic containers away or re-cycle,  throw
> all the film in zip lock freezer bags, carry on the plane. Any of those
> new fangled bags are only a means to grab your money!
>
> When you check in be pleasant,  put the bags out for hand check and be
> prepared for a small lecture that the film is safe in the machine etc
> etc etc, as it's only the high speed 1600 and over that can be effected.
>
> One of the failings in teaching "security people" appears that they have
> no idea about accumulative x-ray effects. They only relate to their one
> little machine and rarely think beyond the 10 feet past the gate. If
> you're on a long transit flight with several stops and potential for a
> number of x-rayings before reaching destination, every check you can
> avoid the scanning the better off you're film is.
>
> But you may well run into locations where no matter if you're the Queen
> of England or the Pope your film is going through the machine! And you
> can smile all you want it isn't going to do one damn thing!
>
> If you use the plastic containers  then throw them into your luggage and
> refill them at the other end.
>
> And whatever you do don't under any circumstance pack film in your
> checked luggage as it's probably going to be fried alive by the time you
> get it unpacked.
> ted