What Airport CT Scanners Really Do to Film

Summary

In this video, the creator shares a personal experience with airport CT scanners and their effects on film. After a road trip with various rolls of film, the creator encounters issues at TSA in Atlanta, where the new CT scanners damaged the film. The video highlights the importance of requesting a hand check for film, as these scanners cause base fog and increased grain. The creator also offers practical advice for travelers, including removing packaging from film canisters and being polite to TSA agents. Ultimately, the video serves as both a cautionary tale and a guide for handling film during air travel.

Takeaways

• 😀 Always ask for a hand check when traveling with film at TSA security checkpoints to avoid damage from CT scanners.
• 🎒 Pack your film in a clear Ziploc bag and remove any unnecessary packaging to make hand checks easier for TSA agents.
• 🛫 The new high-power CT scanners at airports can cause base fog, grain, and other damage to film, especially more sensitive types.
• 📷 While it’s best to avoid CT scanners, if your film goes through one, it may still be usable, but the quality may be compromised.
• 🧳 When flying with 120 film, remove it from its boxes and wrappers to speed up the hand check process and make it more efficient.
• 💡 Not all films are affected equally by CT scanners—films like Kodak Portra 400 and HP5 show significant grain and fog when scanned.
• 🛑 If you're not sure whether your film will be damaged, consider testing it by shooting a few rolls and developing them afterward.
• 🛍️ If you run out of film, consider looking for local stores (such as Walmart or local camera shops) to replenish your supplies during your trip.
• 🌍 When traveling internationally, be proactive about requesting hand checks, as different airports may have varying levels of awareness of film risks.
• 📚 Remember, the TSA agents are doing their job to ensure safety—being courteous and asking for a hand check is a simple and effective solution.

Q & A

What is the main issue discussed in the video?

The video primarily discusses how the new high-power CT scanners at airport security checkpoints affect photographic film, causing damage like base fog and increased grain.

Why did the speaker choose to bring a Nikon F2 instead of a medium format camera?

The speaker initially wanted to bring a medium format camera, but the lenses were too bulky to fit in the camera bag. After encountering this issue, they decided to bring the Nikon F2 instead, which was more manageable for the trip.

What types of film did the speaker bring on the trip?

The speaker brought several types of film: Kodak Pro Image 100, Kodak Portra 400, Kentmere 100, Ilford HP5, and one roll of Orwo Wolfen with an ISO of 3.

What happened when the speaker went through the TSA security checkpoint at Atlanta airport?

At the Atlanta airport TSA checkpoint, there was confusion around the security machines, and the speaker forgot to request a hand check for their film. As a result, the film went through the new CT scanner, which likely damaged it.

What did the TSA agent say about handling film at security checkpoints?

The TSA agent explained that agents are aware of the issues the CT scanners cause with film and encouraged the speaker to always ask for a hand check to avoid damage. They emphasized that it's part of their job and that travelers shouldn't hesitate to ask.

What types of damage were observed on the film after it went through the CT scanner?

After the film was scanned by the CT scanner, the speaker noticed base fog and increased grain on several films. Kodak Pro Image 100, Kodak Portra 400, and Ilford HP5 were notably affected, with the HP5 showing the most significant damage.

What steps did the speaker suggest to avoid film damage during airport security?

The speaker recommended placing film in a clear Ziploc bag, removing packaging and containers, and asking for a hand check at the TSA checkpoint. This makes the process easier for both the traveler and the TSA agents.

How did the speaker respond after realizing their film was likely damaged?

Despite the frustration of losing potentially valuable film, the speaker remained optimistic and decided to test the effects of the CT scanner by developing the affected rolls of film. They hoped to use this as a learning experience.

What did the speaker find at the Walmart in Kalispell, Montana?

The speaker was pleasantly surprised to find fresh Fujifilm 400 at a Walmart in Kalispell, Montana. This allowed them to continue shooting without needing to find a specialized camera store for film.

Why does the speaker recommend removing the wrappers from film rolls when traveling?

Removing the wrappers from film rolls makes it easier for TSA agents to inspect the film quickly during a hand check. This helps speed up the process and minimizes delays at busy airports.

What advice does the speaker offer for future travelers with film?

The speaker advises travelers with film to always request a hand check at TSA checkpoints, especially at airports using CT scanners, as this can prevent film damage. They also recommend being polite and patient with TSA agents.