Film Cameras

[Pamela Sutcliffe]

We are off to Tobago in 10 days time.
We have bought a underwater single use camera. It has an 800 asa film in it.
Can anyone advise if airport X-Ray security machines will affect the film?

[Steve Wooler]

Hmmm! Interesting one. I think modern xray machines are pretty safe with all film. Hopefully someone will be able to post a definitive answer.

[Jane H]

We've never had any problems with film fogging after going through airport x-ray machines. We usually have 200 or 400 asa both loaded in cameras and separately in cannisters - and have travelled with it in hand luggage, and in cases in the hold.

Hope you get some good underwater shots!

Jane

[David Watkins]

Pamela,security "x-rays" will have no effect on photographic film or electronic devices,they are of very low intensity and do not emit particles only "radio"waves,
Regards David

[Pamela Sutcliffe]

Thanks Everyone.
David are you suggesting they use penetrating radar.?
The Virgin Atlantic web page suggests not to put 800 asa and above films through the machines.
My camera is a "One Time Use" underwater camera made mainly of plastic and has an 800 asa film.

[Jean Sampson]

The higher the ASA rating the more likely the film is going to be affected. The more times your film passes through an x ray machine the more it increases the chance of the film being affected. Film is sensitive to heat so always keep your camera out of the sun and in as cool a place as you can. If you are really worried about it then purchase a lead bag which a stockists like Jessops can get for you. They are not expensive and doing so will put your mind at rest. I took lots of film in Africa using high speed ektachrome. They went through umpteen x ray machines and the film was protected in several lead bags. It worked!
Have a great holiday.

[Ray Vanner]

You could always ask to have the camera hand checked. I always try this with film at the airports-it doesn't work every time though. If you use a lead bag the x-ray operator will just turn up the intensity! I know this from my partner who works for Heathrow security-as an x-ray operator! Hope this helps.

Ray (not x-ray)

p.s. if you are interested in underwater photography check out my website below-especially the photo competition page.

[Ray Vanner]

Pamela

I've just had an idea . I have a simple point and shoot underwater 35mm camera which I only use as a back-up and you are welcome to borrow it. You load your own film in (400asa recomended, and I find Fuji okay) put 2 AA batteries in for the flash and drive and away you go! It's a Sea&Sea MX5 rated down to 36 metres (I had one implode at 47 metres). I have the manual, but it's easy to use.

Contact me if you are interested. You never know, you may get hooked on U/W photography

Ray

[Pamela Sutcliffe]

Thanks All for your info.
Ray, thankyou very much for the offer of your camera.
We have never been snorkling before and when we saw 2 U/W cameras for £9.00 at Argus we thought we would try some U/W photography.
We will try to get them hand inspected, but if they have to go through the machines we will take pot luck.