Re: [Leica] Thoughts about cameras and the new aviation rules

["Sonny Carter" <sonc@sonc.com>]

I have a couple thoughts, even though I haven't flown under the "new aviation,"  I
have been to a couple of airports in Europe and Asia during some high security times.

Nathan is correct on the issue of unloading the cameras.  The security people will
probably want to see if the camera is operable.  If you have a flash unit, be sure
you have batteries, and can make the flash go off.  Ditto for any other electronic
item.

Sometimes they will want to see a laptop or a gameboy start-up, so make sure your
batteries are topped off.

For a number of years, I've taken all my film from the boxes, and put it into clear
zip-lock bags, and when it comes x-ray time, I simply pull the bag of film out of my
camera bag and hand it to the folks for hand inspection.

The rest of my gear gets the x-ray treatment.  As an aside, in Hong Kong, and
Germany,  I left the Fuji 800 in my camera, and noticed no effect on the negatives.

I think you would see a greater effect if you sent your film in checked baggage,
since (I understand) they use higher doses of Xray on checked baggage.

I hope this helps.  Bring plenty of reading material, I understand the waiting times
are high!  Have a good and safe trip, and let us know how it goes!

Regards,

Sonny
http://www.sonc.com







From: "Nathan Wajsman" <wajsman@webshuttle.ch>

> Adam,
>
> I do not believe that U.S. airports have bought new scanning machines, the new
> security precautions have to do with more thorough identity checking,
> prohibition against any sharp objects, etc. I doubt that your camera bag will be
> scanned any differently than before, the main difference will be that presumably
> the scanner operator will be paying more attention to what s/he sees on the
> screen. So I would not worry about taking higher speed film. Maybe you should
> consider taking film out of the cameras before heading for the airport, in case
> they ask you to open them.
>
> Nathan
>
> Adam Bridge wrote:
>
> > I'm flying on Thursday and desire to take my cameras to my daughter's
> > college parent's day. I assume everything will be hand-checked. I assume the
> > x-ray machines will be set "up" so I'm taking 100 ASA film and a flash.
> >
> > But if anyone has braved the new security and has suggestions for doing
> > things right and easier I'd love to hear suggestions.
> >
> > Adam Bridge
>
> --
> Nathan Wajsman
> Herrliberg (ZH), Switzerland
>
> e-mail: wajsman@webshuttle.ch
>
> Photo-A-Week: http://www.wajsman.com/
> General photo site: http://belgiangator.tripod.com/
> Belgium photo site: http://members.xoom.com/wajsman/
>
>
>
>