Re: urgent question!

[Bertha Adamson <badamson@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

George L Smyth wrote:
> 
> --- Ben Kreunen <ben@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> > At 01:28 PM 3/22/00 -0500, you wrote:
> > >In a message dated 3/22/00 10:23:03 AM Pacific Standard Time,
> > >map@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx writes:
> > >
> > The best way is to hand check everything. Explain the problem with the IR
> > cannisters and be prepared to open one of them (let them pick which one) at
> > each check to keep them happy. Cooperation will usually get you through
> > without a fuss.
> 
> But Why???  The x-rays used with carry-on loggage will NOT harm your infrared
> film.  So why destroy a roll?  What if they want to examine two?  Three?
> 
> Just let it go through and you'll be fine.  Like I've said, I've done this
> numerous times without any fogging problems.
> 
> george
> 

This is too late for the original poster, but for general consumption . . . 

George is right, you can just send it through.  In the US I ask for a
handcheck because I carry fast films as well. (That is, 800 and above. The
reports I've read is that one pass is probably okay, but the effect can be
cumulative. The Ilford Delta 3200 specifically says do not x-ray.)

I just returned from a trip where I got handchecks. At the first airport they
opened canisters but when I called attention to the "Open can . . . in total
Darkness" label, they did the swipe test instead.  They wipe a cloth with a
substance that detects explosives on the canisters. On the return they did not
open individual canisters, they just did the swipe test on the entire baggie.
So you can either let it go through or be prepared to spend a few extra
minutes for a little personal attention.

In other countries, just forget about asking for a handcheck and run it
through the carry-on x-ray. I just don't take really fast film and I have had
no damage. OK, some technologically poorer countries may have unreliable or
malfunctioning machines that may not be properly set, but you probably have
other worries in that situation.

Once again, DO NOT put any film in checked baggage! I had to go over to a
customer service counter for a question and they had a couple of the new x-ray
machines set up (for some reason some bags were being checked there).  There
were BIG signs all over the machines warning people to remove ALL FILM from
the bags.  Danger! Danger, Will Robinson! (Okay, now you know how old I am.)

To summarize:
1) IR film is under no more danger than most films going through carry-on x-ray.
2) You only have to have a handcheck if you are carrying (very) fast films.
3) If you can't get a handcheck, buy the fast films when you get there and
have them developed there, too.
4) Never, ever put film in checked baggage

Bertha
-- 
Email:  badamson@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
http://www.netcom.com/~badamson/
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