 Patricia Marroquin |
Airport Scanning Equipment: How Safe Is My Film? I will be going on vacation soon and I'll be taking lots of film with me (Kodak MAX rolls) as well as my digital camera with Compact Flash and Smart Media cards. Can unexposed film or exposed film be damaged or ruined by the airport scanners? I read one Q&A that said Compact Flash cards would be safe, but I wonder about film? I have no idea if airports' scanning equipment is much stronger than it used to be pre-Sept. 11 and if it could therefore damage or destroy exposed or unexposed film. Thanks in advance for your help.
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Bernie Klaich |
Just had a bad experience with a SmartMedia card after going through airport x-ray a couple of time. I never had a problem with this camera until now. After viewing a couple of the 150 photos I had on this SmartMedia card I received the notification that the card was not formatted and I was unable to view nor open on the camera or a card reader. I tried 4 photo editing programs, 2 different version of windows, none would open or let me explore what was on the card. I jumped on line and talked with a couple of software sites. The folks at LC Technology were very helpful with info on the subject. They did point out that static electricity is the worse problem for these digital media card. They did state that there has been more problems since the x-ray scanners at the airports have increased their power. LC Tech's suggestion is to find a lead lined case for both film and the digital cards (both SmartMedia and compact flash). Let me tell you its a really terrible feeling to see all your vacation photos disappear. I was able to finally open and save my photo's will the help of a freeware (Digital Image) which was the only software that worked.
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Don |
I don't know what kind of x-ray scanner was used. Smart Media cards have much higher data density than floppy disks. I have tested floppy disks at radiation doses much higher than carry on scanners used in the U.S. produce without problems. I doubt that x-ray scanners can disrupt data because x-rays interact with matter inefficiently when compared to charged particles or neutrons. I also tested with strong magnetic fields without effect. Before you blame x-ray scanners Smart Media cards should be tested. I would be glad to do so but am retired and no longer have access to the equipment necessary. It would be easy to do and the manufacturers could do this easily. Just run the cards through baggage checkers multiple times testing cards after each exposure. A practical solution is just carry the cards in your pocket.
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Tania Ballestrin |
I have just read in The Australian Photography magazine about x-ray warnings. Due to the increased high-intensity scanning equip. for check-in luggage, Kodak has advised photographers that they should always pack film & one-time use cameras in a clear plastic or mesh bag to carry on board. People shouldn't pack unprocessed film or cameras with film in them into baggage intended for check-in as the stronger x-ray units would be highly likely to fog their film. My advice would be to ask if you can have your films and camera gear checked by hand when putting your hand luggage through the x-ray.
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Patricia Marroquin |
Thank you, Bernie, Don and Tania, for all your helpful information. Yes, I think the solution is to ask if they can do a hand-search of my photographic equipment and/or buy a lead-lined case. Appreciate your help.
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Terry R. Danish |
Last week I flew to Kentucky (from PA). After the XRAY machine scanned my digital camera, I found that the XRAY "zeroed out" all my digital settings, as well as date, time, etc. Fortunately, the pics on my IBM Microdrive were not affected but I did have to reset my settings. Not that big a deal but on the way home, I asked if they can manually check my camera (then proceeded to explain what happened last time around.) They took me over to the side, and sniffed me with a bomb sniffer! Had to take my sneakers off and submit them to a check. Apparently, if one asks to have something manually checked, that sets off some kind of signal to them that a closer check of this person may be in order. Being that I am not a basement bomb builder that was not a problem but just be prepared that if you ask for special consideration, you just may get a little more than you expected! :o)
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