Thursday, September 12, 2013

The Truth About Film and Airport X-Ray Machines

When I went to Africa recently on honeymoon, I took with me my new bride, and a load of film. I was a bit concerned about the effects of X-ray machines at airports, but apart from keeping it in my had luggage I didn't have much choice but to put them through (I did speak to a photography shop about lead lined bags, but was advised that they didn't work, and may just result in technicians requesting that the film canisters go through again). In total they went through thirteen, yes, thirteen, X-ray machines, at places as big as Heathrow and Paris Charles de Gaulle right down to Inhamebane, one of the smallest airports I have ever used in my life.

The set below is a film which I took with me, but didn't use at the time. I mention this particular film because it is particularly fast, at ISO 1600, and as far as I can see shows no ill effects of all those X-rays.

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