Film & X-Ray??

H

hmfilmer

Active member
I was wondering what the best opion is for taking 16mm film on airplane? They have go through x-rays, and how would you take it? thanks hmfilmer
 
I've had them hand inspect still photo film countless times. I don't see any reason you can't do that with motion film.
 
yeah i know that, but isn't motion film more senceitive against light and what will cover it when they need to see what in it, wouldn't it ruin it? i am just thinking about this, any experiences are welcome thanks
 
I heard that the x-ray's wont ruin film lower then 800 speed.. So what is the deal with something like 16mm film? going through with xrays?
 
It all depends on the calibration of the xray machine. Not worth the risk - all film should be hand inspected. On the positive side, I shot a documentary in Europe and the terrorist attack on the PanAm jet over Lockerbie had just happened. When I asked for the hand inspection, the guys at Heathrow Airport in London said, "If it doesn't go through the xray machine, it doesn't get on the plane." It went through and I worried about it all the way back to the States. End of story - it was ok. If you are able, though, have the film processed before getting on the plane; then there is no risk whatsoever.
 
So basically get your film hand inspected if you can or get it processes before putting through the x-ray.

How about sending the film back, once your done. or is that not a good idea?
 
from what i've seen they are NOT hand inspecting motion picture film - there's a difference between a 35mm still and 400ft core in a can - they want to see whats in the can .. i too have heard them state X ray or check it in ...from what i understand if they do X ray checked in luggage it uses more X ray ( gamma or whatever they call it ) .. perhaps if you shoot 100 ft daylight spools they can open the can and roll out several ft of film ?

perhaps film that has been X rayed once just might be different then film that has been X rayed 4 times ???

( based on travel USA west coast )
 
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So how do you flimer guy do it? If you go across to europe or some where you have to fly; how do bring your motion flim??? on the plane, if they have to hand inspect then the light will ruin the flim, it ruin it through x-rays, i know that it want ruin any film under 800 for regular film, i am talk'ing 16mm film "motion"... sorry i am just clueless
 
I know in the ad business, when we shoot a spot anywhere, we process the neg. before shipping. Even if it means going to a crappy lab. Per donatello's warning about the cumulative effects of xray - that is, in fact, very true. The damage builds up with each exposure. At first, you may not see any effect, or maybe a slight flashing effect where the contrast is affected (it lessens the contrast - flattening out the picture). But with additional exposure to xrays, it's like exposing the film to more and more light. That is, until you finally process it and thereby lock the image onto the celluloid.
 
(USA) ..for exposed film - we either have the neg processed locally or we ship FedEx to lab ...

for Raw stock we either Fedex to location ( hotel or to nearest Fedex office for will call pick up) or have Kodak ship it to us on location ...
 
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