Travelling with BIG cameras (e.g. RB67)

mustanir

mustanir

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I just want to compare experiences with anyone else who travels with camera gear.

For the past few years now I have generally taken my RB67 with me when going abroad, both short and long haul. Up until recently I never had trouble with it, I just stuffed it into my hand luggage. It got through scanners and checks without trouble.
On my last trip around Europe I was asked when going through security on two occasions to remove the camera from my bag for scanning (like you would a laptop). On both occasions, I asked specifically if I needed to take my camera out and both times was told I didn't have to. Only after my bag had been scanned did the now rather grumpy security people moan at me for not taking it out and scan my stuff again, camera out this time. I suspect they weren't expecting a camera like the RB67 when I enquired.

Has anyone else travelled and had similar experiences?
 
Why do you have to remove the camera at all, does it block too much scan area or something ?
 
joxby said:
Why do you have to remove the camera at all, does it block too much scan area or something ?
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I doubt it's that. It's probably, as said, they weren't expecting a monster camera like the RB. Also, lots of metal in the RB, so they probably can't see inside it with other layers around it.

As for traveling with a large camera, I've only traveled to Scotland from heathrow with an RB via easyjet. No issues at all. I'm yet to travel with LF, but can't see why it'd be an issue :)
 
Mixed responses from a variety of airlines tbh regardless of large or small cameras.

Sometimes straight though no issue at all, othertimes almost completely emptying the kit bag.

Ironically it's been analogue light meters and old style shutter release cables that have caused most concern with recent flights
 
The past 3 times Ive flown, both long haul and short, Ive had to take the camera out of the bag, don't know why though.

Phil
 
Whether you have to remove stuff from your bag or not depends on which airport you're going through and how fussy the security staff are feeling. There's one check at Amsterdam where I have to remove everything pretty much every time I fly through there (which until last year was an average of 4 times a week so it was a real pain), sometimes they'll do a spot check but for the most part they'll just scan it and leave you alone.

You should be absolutely fine flying through most airports around the world, and at the end of the day it isn't the end of the world if you only have to take it out on an occasional flight. :)
 
I've travelled regularly with a Hassy and a Rolleiflex, which are not as big as an RB67 but are bound to look bizarre on an x-ray. They have usually gone through, no questions asked.

I keep it in the bag, since it usually is kept in its own compartment and thus unlikely to obscure anything else. A few times at a few airports, it has been subsequently hand inspected, but never much hassle.
 
Ship it freight to the hotel in advance, more space for duty free Whisky then!

(y)
 
^^^^^^^

I believe he may well have been in Balmoral over the festive period.
 
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I think he said he was second shooter with the DoE, not sure it was quite the gig he expected...
 
Musicman said:
Keeping him well away from the Royals enjoying Xmas at Sandringham?

:)
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Exactly right,Roberts love affair of the 50's and 60's with Philip's knowledge always meant that he(Roberts) would be held in high regard. The long lasting agreement is that Roberts always had the empty residence at Christmas.
 
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