Trevor:
Checked luggage with photographic film and / or paper will most
certainly be affected by the scanners that work on checked
luggage. The x-ray machines for this process have an extremely high
power to allow looking at dense objects and they are sometimes rolled
back a forth several times before the inspector decides.
For carry-on luggage, hand inspection is the way to go with
film. I've not heard of any experiences with packaged photo
paper. It is much less sensitive than even the lowest speed film, on
the order of ISO 1 or 2 for example. However, the inspectors will
have familiarity with roll film but not with packaged paper. I'm
guessing that they may require you * your friend ) to open the
package so they can see inside. A couple of years ago, a friend here
in town went on a photo trip with his 4x5 outfit and came back with
many film holders containing exposed but undeveloped film. The
inspector made him open both sides of each one before allowing him on
the airplane. No amount of explanation sufficed to make the
inspector understand what would happen to the film.
You might have your friend drop down to the airport with a sample and
inquire about what their procedures might be in that specific case
and ask for suggestions about handling photo papers. But I wouldn't
have very high hopes of getting it through. After all how different
would a slab or something nasty look if it were packaged in a photo
paper box and re-sealed carefully?
James
At 03:02 AM 9/21/2006 -0700, you wrote:
Ok, I've had many rolls of film destroyed by both checked and
carry-on x-ray machines. Hand inspections are the only way to avoid
this. This is plenty ok for film...but what about paper? Is the
less sensitive emulsion less susceptable? Any
thoughts/experience? I can't get monochrome paper here and a friend
is coming to visit...just looking for advice.
James Schenken
