Re: [Largeformat] Large Format film and xrays

[TeriAnn Wakeman <twakeman@cruzers.com>]

>I'm planning a trip to Mexico next week and want to bring my 4x5.  I'm a 
>bit worried about how to handle the film.  I can bring sealed boxes on the 
>way down and have them hand checked.  The problem is on the way back.
>
>I'll have exposed negs in a box that is not sealed.  The film I'm bringing 
>is Plus-X, Tri-X and probably a chrome.
>
>Should I worry about the hand carry xray?  Anything else I should be 
>concerned about?

I have NEVER had a gate inspector willing to pass 4X5 film on a hand 
inspection of the film box.  This includes multiple trips through San 
Francisco , Heathrow, De Guall. Frankfurt and Hannover airports and once 
each through Berlin, Stolkholm and Rotterdam airports.

EVERY time I have presented 4X5 film or packaged 120/220 film, the 
inspector has ALWAYS insisted on opening the box to look inside.  They 
don't understand that film can come in anything except  a 35mm roll and 
they do not trust the label on the box.  Every time I have tried large 
format hand inspection for an international flight I have been left with 
the option of having the inspector open them up to see the box contents 
in ambient light or running it through the x-ray machine.

I have gotten to the point where I wear a coat with the film in inner 
pockets through inspection (real obvious during a hot summer day, but 
there are not many hot days in SF.

DO NOT put film in checked bagage.

If you hand carry your large format camera & gear be prepared for a show 
& tell session at security.  The person looking at the x-ray pictures 
seem to find wooden boxes with brass bits and the double cone shape of 
lenses suspicious.  This seems particularly true in Heathrow.

Best of luck and keep that film out of checked baggage.

TeriAnn Wakeman               If you send me direct mail, please
Santa Cruz, California        start the subject line with TW - 
twakeman@cruzers.com           I will be sure to read the message

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