3200 ISO through airport x-ray?

[James Ballard]

Hi all,

Has anyone ever taken 3200 film through airport hand luggage x-rays and had it survive? I'm going to Tokyo in 3 weeks from now, and have been eager to use this trip to try out some Ilford 3200.

In the past I've never fussed about film and just ran it through the x-ray along with my hand luggage. On one occassion when I had a connecting flight all my films went through 6 times and came back fine. Although, I've typically only taken 100 ISO film and slides before.

I understand the x-rays for hand luggage isn't as strong as those for the main luggage, but even so, is 3200 going to get baked in there?

Ideally I think I should buy it over there and get it processed before I leave, but I can't remember ever seeing it on sale in Tokyo.

Best,
Jim

 

[joxby]

I think 3200 is a bit tricky, its very sensitive, I have some that's been x-rayed but its also out of date so...I dunno, I'd shoot it at 1000 and see what happens.
Can't we wrap them in tinfoil...or something

 

[purpleclouds]

You probably wouldn't get away with requesting your hand luggae to be hand searched with them being sealed...who knows what you could keep in a film reel...

Probably worth taking a bit, and keeping a very keen eye out for some when you're there!

 

[del69]

Hey Jim...

Why not post it to the location were you are staying in Tokyo........just an idea.

OR............ get some roofing lead and rap it in that (Don't over do it mind),that should do the trick or stick it were the sun don't shine

Del.

 

[Mattfeliks]

Simple solution would be to put the films in a small bag, say you don't want them x-rayed and they can search them by hand- helps if it's one of those clear plastic bags they give you for toothpaste etc. I've never had any problem requesting stuff be searched by hand.

 

[dolomitefan]

This is something that doesn't come up much these days. It clearly states on the packed avoid x-rays. Any sensible person will allow it to be hand searched although if you leave the free world and go via the US this may not be possible.