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/
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