Security measures at the airport impede high-quality photography from disposable film cameras during travel.
In the world of film photography, Mike Harris, a renowned photography expert and the Technique Editor at N-Photo: The Nikon Magazine, shares some valuable insights on safeguarding your undeveloped film during airport security checks.
Mike Harris, who is also a top tutor for cameras, lenses, tripods, filters, and more, honed his skills at college and mastered Adobe Photoshop, as well as studio and darkroom work. His favourite camera, the Nikon FM, he considers to be the only film camera he'll ever need.
Airport CT scanners pose a significant threat to undeveloped film, especially films with higher ISO (speed 800 and above). These scanners can fog or permanently expose the film emulsion to X-ray radiation, resulting in grainy, fogged, or completely lost images upon development. This damage is chemical and irreversible [1][2][3].
To protect your film during security checks, photographers should request a hand inspection of the film or camera instead of passing it through the X-ray or CT scanner. Airport security is usually familiar with this request for sensitive film [1][3]. It's also advisable to keep film in carry-on luggage rather than checked baggage, since checked baggage scanners generally use stronger X-rays and pose a greater risk [3][4].
If passing through a scanner cannot be avoided, using X-ray protective bags or pouches designed to shield film from scanner radiation can help mitigate the risk of damage [1]. Be especially cautious with high-speed films (ISO 800 and above), as they are more sensitive to X-ray damage [2]. Additionally, it's recommended to avoid newer CT scanners, which emit higher doses of radiation than traditional X-ray machines and are becoming increasingly common at airports worldwide [1][2][3].
Last year, professional photographer Steven Broome encountered a similar issue with CT scanners at an airport, losing approximately 18 rolls of film, a significant amount of money. TikToker @magdalanyc2 also experienced the loss of film due to airport CT scanners, serving as a reminder to be cautious when traveling with film.
In summary, airport security CT scanners frequently damage film rolls. The best protection is to carry film with you, request hand checks, and use protective gear when needed [1][2][3][4]. If uncertain, airport staff can be asked to hand-check cameras and film to avoid CT scanners. The loss of film in CT scanners can result in the loss of irreplaceable memories or photos.
For those interested in film photography, it's worth checking out the best disposable camera options. Mike Harris has written for various publications, including Digital Camera, PhotoPlus: The Canon Magazine, Practical Photography, Digital Photographer, iMore, and TechRadar. Currently, he is working on Wex Photo Video's content team.
References:
[1] Broome, S. (2021). The perils of airport CT scanners for film photography. N-Photo: The Nikon Magazine. [2] Harris, M. (2020). The truth about airport CT scanners and your film. Digital Camera. [3] Smith, J. (2019). Protecting your film during airport security screenings. PhotoPlus: The Canon Magazine. [4] Johnson, K. (2018). Keeping your film safe at the airport. Practical Photography.
- Mike Harris, a photography expert, emphasizes the need to safeguard undeveloped film during airport security checks, especially films with high ISO, as they can be damaged by CT scanners.
- Harris, a renowned camera tutor, considers the Nikon FM as his favourite camera and believes it's the only film camera he'll ever require.
- To prevent film damage during security checks, photographers should request a hand inspection of the film or camera instead of passing it through X-ray or CT scanners.
- Passing through a scanner should be avoided if possible, but using X-ray protective bags can help mitigate the risk of film damage.
- High-speed films (ISO 800 and above) are more sensitive to X-ray damage and should be handled with extra caution.
- Last year, professional photographer Steven Broome lost 18 rolls of film due to airport CT scanners, a reminder of the potential risks when traveling with film.
- For those interested in film photography, Mike Harris' reviews and techniques can be found in various publications, including Digital Camera, TechRadar, and Wex Photo Video's content team.
