Camera Question

[Kirsty]

Well..it's not really about the camera! But I was wondering if anyone has had any problems with bringing home rolls of film through the airport scanners. Someone has suggested to me that I could mail home some of the rolls of film as I go along, that way nothing gets damaged or lost. Any ideas...tips...anything??!!

[Eagle]

Kirsty,
I'm assuming you are referring to exposed but undeveloped Film? I would strongly advise transporting film only in carry-on luggage, as the scanners used for checked luggage are extremely powerful! Some people carry film in a zip-loc bag so that it can be easily inspected.
With regard to mailing film home, I saw this comment on another board: "The USPS were irradiating some post for a while - using a system sufficiently powerful it was melting developed film". You may find it useful to check the web site of the author of that comment - adrianwarren.com/faq/ - as you might get a few tips on the best way to approach this problem (I hope he doesn't mind my recommendation, but I figure that's what the web is for, sharing information for all of our benefit).
Have you thought of using a Digital Camera? They are coming down in price all the time. Digi-Cams also present a few unique "quirks" during travel, such as data storage when the cards become full. Just thought I'd make the suggestion.....
Good luck with this. Cheers!!!

[Kim]

Definately avoid mailing your film - the mail system can be a nightmare in some countries and you may never get it.

We got a lead lined bag for ours (you can get them in most camera shops) and put the rolls of film in that, then took it with us in our carry on. You don't want to check it in case your bags get lost as that is something irreplaceable.

We had 7 months of film in those bags and had no problems.

Kim

[BigRay]

I was quite worried about this for a long time, but I am pleased to say that I have never had any problems putting film through scanners, both in my carry-on luggage and with checked-in luggage. I have seen signs recently on X-ray machines (for carry-on luggage) saying that they will not damage film, computers, and a bunch of other electronic things.

That said, I still get nervous, and now primarily use a digital camera. I can take more pictures and not have to worry about the developing costs. I remember one trip I took using a normal camera and the price to develop all the rolls of film I had was enough for a digital camera with all the bells and whistles and a fancy dinner to boot!

As for mailing film, I know some people who have done this with no problems. But this can be risky, too. The bad part about carrying lots of film with you is the small chance you can lose it. I had close to three months worth of pics stolen when someone stole my backpack at the train station in Valencia, Spain. Man, I was bitter!

One other possibility is developing the film abroad, and sending the prints back home. Most places will also give you the option of having your pictures placed on CD-ROM in addition to the prints. Personally, I find it much easier to hang on to CDs than to negatives.

Ray

[jennifer]

Hi!
Well, Im a traditional girl, still want the rolls of film and the 35 mm camera!
I must say I was having bad dreams at night about all this film business! I was so scared my 20 rolls of film would be destroyed and Id lose the only proof of my travels I had!
But, I did as the people on this board told me, I just carried them on me nearly at all times and took all my films as a carry on! If you travel in summer, keep the films out of the heat!
Then, when I got home and got them processed, I realized that I worried for nothing! I have the most beautiful set of pictures!
If you are careful, nothing will happen!
xoxo
Jen

[LHR02]

Best advice at this time is to hand carry your film and not check. If it is under 800ISP the scanners at security will not hurt it...no need for hand checking. However, the super dooper scanners now used for checked luggage CAN damage your films...so unlike in past years, best to take it carry on and not check it nowadays. Agree that mailing is not a great idea...they do scan mail now, plus the mail system from Europe can often leave much to be desired. I did however on my last trip UPS about 20 rolls home from Italy...took a long time but they arrived just fine...this in 2002 though so can't swear to it's safety these days. My best advice, carry it with you! Again, if you are using less than 800 ISP either B&W or color you should be safe.

[Kirsty]

Thanks everyone!
I feel much better about this now!!