Aaaaagghhh - Jet-lag + stupidity = film checked through...

[deldridg]

Hi all,

I've just had the horror of realising that I've managed to forget to take my film out of my checked bag and it's just flown from LA to Calgary. Film included:

- 2 x 4x5 Velvia 100F (20 pack)
- 1 x 4x5 Portra 400 (10 pack)
- 5 x 120 Tri-X 400 rolls
- assorted other 120 rolls, either ISO 100, 160 or 400.

So I'm assuming there must have been damage and will shoot a few frames of the Velvia, Portra 400 and the Tri-X and have them processed to see what's eventuated. However, I have the feeling that I won't have full confidence in them now. Any thoughts???

Of course the cost is sad but sadder is the potential waste of such a precious commodity.

Cheers,
Silly David

[Otto Seaman]

At least it sounds like it was all unexposed, that's the bright side. And you learned your lesson!

[vinny]

I know a Canadian who checked 75+ sheets of exposed 8x10. All toast. At least you didn't shoot yours.

[deldridg]

Yes, unexposed is something of a blessing. The shame of it is that the US guys on X-ray were very happy to hand-check, so it would have been a complete breeze to get them in untouched.

Oh well - maybe the ISO100 has survived - will do a few test shots tomorrow and report once developed.

Thanks for responding!

Cheers,
David

[Tim Meisburger]

Hmmm... I unthinkingly checked through all my shots (ASA100) from a month in Indonesia (about 40, I think), and all were ruined by banding. Sorry, but I guess your film is ruined. For a while after that I was so traumatised I traveled with chemicals and developed on the road. I don't do that anymore, but i do remember to carry on all my film.

PS: You don't have to hand check, just send it through the carry on scanners. I've never had a problem with that.

[SergeiR]

Dont fret on it. Just try a sheet or two out of the batch.

I had my film in luggage on transatlantic flights - exposed and not and never had issue.

[Kevin Crisp]

I don't think they x ray every single bag. Do try a sheet from each box, you my have lucked out.

[Ray Van Nes]

Hello. The Camera Store in Calgary should be able to help you replace most of what you require. This is not a plug but helping you get on with what is important - taking pictures.
Cheers
Ray

[IanG]

You may be lucky. I've accidently left film in checked baggage when the airline wouldn't let me take my small backpack as carry on luggage. Initially i didn't use the film but decided to process a sheet when processing some different film - it was fine.

In many airports checked luggage gets scanned by the same types of scanners as carry-on but gets diverted to deeper X-ray inspection if there's anything suspicious.

Ian

[BrianShaw]

In many airports checked luggage gets scanned by the same types of scanners as carry-on but gets diverted to deeper X-ray inspection if there's anything suspicious.

... and some of the newest CT equipment does this 2-level scan automatically (or semi-automatically). The first stage is an xray of hte level experienced in the carry-on screening devices. It is the second CT phase that kills film. There is some hope that the film wasn't damaged but, as others have said, only testing will tell for sure.