Re: [Largeformat] Large Format film and xrays

[Larry Stein <lstein@fapo.com>]

Thanks Pete and everyone else for their comments.  I changed my
flight to enter/exit the US through San Diego instead of Tijuana. 
I've taken my tripod to Cabo a number of times but it's in a Bogen bag so
it isn't so obvious.

I'll let you know in a couple of weeks how it went and if I had any
problems.

Thanks,
Larry



At 4/21/00 07:45 AM, you wrote:
Greetings,

FWIW, I was in Mexico last month.  First, you should be concerned
about 
theft.  Second, when you fill out your entry visa it specifically
states 
that you are only allowed to bring 12 rolls of film - more must be
declared. 
  I haven't a clue how they count sheet film!  There is also a
monetary 
limit on the photo equipment you bring.  Additionally, a tripod
requires a 
government permit.  As this was my first time in Mexico, I didn't
want to 
create any problems, so I didn't take the LF camera.  I brought my
120 and 
about 40 rolls of film.  I didn't know about the 12 roll limit at
the time.

Going through US x-ray was no problem.  I politely requested a hand

inspection and it was granted.  BTW I've had similar success with
4x5, but I 
always carry a junk sheet so I can show them what's inside; this strategy

has worked numerous times for me.

X-ray upon entry to mexico was the first obsticle.  I took my
chances with 
400 speed film and let it go - I didn't want to bring attention to my

camera, lenses and all the film I had.  Luckily, the film was not
exposed by 
the x-ray.  No detectable rise in fog as determined by my
densitometer.

Leaving Mexico and re-entry into the US both required additional
x-ray.  At 
both locations I requested hand inspection and it was granted. 
Perhaps I 
was lucky, with the Mexican authotities granting a hand inspection. 
I tend 
to think it like anything else, if they're not busy, you ask politely and

show respect, they'll reciprocate.. You attract more flies with honey,
than 
vinegar.

My recommendation would be to check with the authorities before you
go.  A 
4x5 and tripod is going to raise attention.  If you need, I can
recommend a 
pro lab in Mexico City - I reearched them and got numerous recommedations

before I went, but I didn't need to use them personally.

Good Luck...Regards,  Pete

>Subject: [Largeformat] Large Format film and xrays
>Date: Tue, 18 Apr 2000 12:27:16 -0700
>
>Hello,
>
>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?
>
>Thanks,
>Larry
>***************************************************************
>Larry A.
Stein                 
Phone: (858)292-2742
>eFax (503) 905-7130
>***************************************************************
>