Taking Film on an Aeroplane?

[Omega]

Well as the title will no doubt as, is it possible to get 4x5 sheet film threw the TSA on the way out from America. What i am worried about is the film getting hazy due to the X-Ray machines used to scan carry on luggage. So is it possible?

The films in question are:
- Kodak Ektar 100
- Fuji Velvia 100
- and passably some Porta 160 and Fuji Provia 100F

Would these film survive the X-Rays from a carry on Scanner, or would it haze up the film.
Also from what i understand, the film is safe as long as the packets inside the box stays sealed. Am i correct about this?

Also worst case, if i (well actually my mother) do take some film threw the TSA, how would i prevent a unknowing TSA agent from ripping open the bag of film?

Or should i have the film shipped via FedEx or some other postal service?

I am also asking since i want to take a 4x5 camera (and some medium format) + film from Germany to the us next year.

Oh, and if you guys want to know how many X-Ray machines the film will most likely pass threw, the answer is a possible maximum of 6. And ideally only 1 (best case)

Also if, you the reader is wondering why i would like to buy film from the US, instead of Germany (were i currently reside). The answer is very simple, sheet film is quit expensive in Germany, a box of Velvia 100 costs about 100 euros + shipping, were a box of velvia 100 from the US costs about 60 euros. (more or less) other example Ektar 100, 50 euros per box in Germany, and about 20 from the US.

If it is too risky i will order the film from a German dealer instead of getting it from the US via B and H.

[Kirk Gittings]

Having had some issues that I felt could only have come from xrays, I send my film separately via Fed Ex-no problems since.

[chris_4622]

You could ship it via FedEx but you will have to look into the cost. I thought it would be better to ship film to Italy when I went and it ended up costing me a lot. Not only to ship but Customs Officials charged me a lot, as much as it cost to ship it. For what it cost me in shipping and duties I could have bought it in Italy and not have the headaches. Next time I will just carry it with me.

If you carry the film, don't put it in a lead bag. The last time I carried it on I told the TSA agent as I was putting it on the cart that it was film. I haven't had any problems with 100 iso.

[Drew Wiley]

We're having nightmares with FedEx around here. TSA handlers just steal stuff. Fed Ex seems to think that air shipment means throwing you box out of a plane
from seven thousand feet up.

[Nicolasllasera]

Take it with you. Seriously. Customs at Italy have a name for making stuff disapper. Also the cost of importing. I've gone around the world with film and never had problems.

[Nicolasllasera]

I live in Spain and travel from the USA to Spain with film. Also my Florida family brings film to me when I need it. Just let them know that scanning is ok. But not opening it. Always travel with new boxes as new seals give TSA officers a good vibe.

[Hugo Zhang]

Have you considered this?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...G&Q=&A=details

[rcmartins]

Is it a bad option to put the film inside a lead bag within the luggage that goes on the belly of the airplane?
raul

[Omega]

8I have actually considered getting one or two of them to protect the film while in the actual Aeroplane. However my concern is that the TSA might want to open the film boxes if i were to store them inside a opaque bag (for the X-ray machine).

Knowing how much radiation is present at transatlantic flight.

[Rayt]

For roll film I usually ask for hand inspection in countries that allow it. For sheet film I just let them go through the carry on scanner. I don't want to be in a position where I need to explain to some security personnel someone who has never see sheet film why I can't open up the box for inspection.