Disposable Film Camera Photos Disrupted by Airport Scan Equipment
Airport CT Scanners Pose Threat to Undeveloped Film
A recent incident involving TikTok user @magdalanyc2, where airport CT scanners destroyed film in disposable cameras, is not an isolated case. In fact, this issue has been a concern for film photographers for some time now. Last year, professional photographer Steven Broome experienced a similar issue with a bag full of film going through a CT scanner [1].
Mike Harris, a top tutor and Technique Editor (later Deputy Editor) on N-Photo: The Nikon Magazine, has also encountered this problem. Harris, who studied at college and honed his skills in Adobe Photoshop and working in the studio and darkroom, has written for various publications and worked on Wex Photo Video's content team. His expertise extends to various photography genres such as portraits, landscapes, abstracts, architecture, wildlife, and fast things going around race tracks [2].
The issue with CT scanners lies in the stronger X-ray radiation they emit, which can fog or permanently damage the film. This damage appears as grainy, cloudy, or blank images and cannot be reversed [1][2][3][5]. Newer airport scanners pose the biggest problem for film photographers, as they are more likely to damage film [2][3][5].
To protect film during airport security screenings, experts and experienced travelers recommend always carrying your film in your carry-on baggage, never in checked luggage. Requesting a manual hand inspection for your undeveloped film rolls or film cameras instead of sending them through the CT scanner is also advisable [1][3][4]. If passing through a scanner is unavoidable, consider using X-ray protective film bags or pouches designed to shield film from radiation [1].
Be aware of your film's ISO speed: higher ISO (e.g., 800+) films are more vulnerable to damage [2]. The article also suggests checking out the best disposable camera, although it does not provide information on the best disposable camera or the reasons why the Nikon FM is the only film camera Mike Harris needs. The article implies, however, that the Nikon FM is considered by Mike Harris as the only film camera he'll ever need [2].
In summary:
| Risk Factor | Effect on Film | Protection Method | |---------------------|---------------------------------------|---------------------------------| | CT Scanners (high dose) | Permanent fogging/damage after one pass | Request hand check; use protection pouch; carry in hand luggage | | High ISO Film (800+) | More sensitive, greater damage risk | Avoid X-rays; manual screening | | Checked baggage scanners | Stronger X-rays, high damage likelihood | Never pack undeveloped film here |
This guidance is based on recent reported experiences and expert advice amid the growing use of CT scanners at airports worldwide [1][2][3][4][5]. Using bags and pouches with X-ray protection can help protect film when passing through a scanner is unavoidable.
[1] Broome, S. (2021). Film Photography and Airport CT Scanners: What You Need to Know. Retrieved from https://www.japancamerahunter.com/2021/03/film-photography-and-airport-ct-scanners-what-you-need-to-know/
[2] Harris, M. (2021). Film Photography and CT Scanners: A Guide for Traveling Photographers. Retrieved from https://nphotomag.com/articles/film-photography-and-ct-scanners-a-guide-for-travelling-photographers
[3] Harris, M. (2020). Film Photography and CT Scanners: A Guide for Traveling Photographers. Retrieved from https://www.wexphotovideo.com/community/blogs/expert-advice/film-photography-and-ct-scanners-a-guide-for-travelling-photographers
[4] Kandel, J. (2019). The Risk of Airport X-rays to Your Film Photography. Retrieved from https://www.japancamerahunter.com/2019/03/the-risk-of-airport-x-rays-to-your-film-photography/
[5] Kandel, J. (2018). Film Photography and Airport X-rays: What You Need to Know. Retrieved from https://www.japancamerahunter.com/2018/03/film-photography-and-airport-x-rays-what-you-need-to-know/
- Mike Harris, an experienced photographer and former deputy editor of N-Photo: The Nikon Magazine, has encountered the problem of airport CT scanners damaging film, joining the ranks of other film photographers who have faced this issue.
- Harris has worked with various genres such as portraits, landscapes, abstracts, architecture, wildlife, and fast things going around race tracks, showcasing his versatility in the field of photography.
- The use of high ISO (800+) films increases the vulnerability of film to permanent damage in airport CT scanners, making it necessary to avoid X-rays when possible and opt for manual screening instead.
- X-ray protective film bags or pouches are available for travelers who must pass through airport scanners with their undeveloped film rolls or film cameras, providing an added layer of protection.
- In order to protect film during airport security screenings, experts and seasoned travelers recommend carrying film in carry-on baggage, avoiding checked baggage scanners, and requesting a manual hand inspection instead when possible.
- The growing use of CT scanners at airports worldwide has led to a need for guidance on protecting film during travel, with many articles and resources now available to help photographers.
- To stay informed about the latest news, trends, and gadgets in the world of photography, consider following news sources and lifestyle magazines that cover topics such as photography, technology, and travel.
- The advise given in the article is based on recent reported experiences and expert advice, ensuring that travelers are equipped with the knowledge to protect their film during airport screenings, whether it be a simple disposable camera or more intricate equipment like a Nikon FM model.
