Fujifilm has become the latest film manufacturer to warn about possible damage to unprocessed film from the new CT hand luggage scanners.
It follows guidance from both Kodak Alaris and Ilford that film should not be carried through the new CT scanners, which can apparently damage film after just one pass.
The new Fujifilm warning was released earlier this week, following guidance from both Kodak Alaris and Ilford that film should not be carried through the new CT scanners. The scanners can apparently damage film after just one pass.
The new scanners were first noticed by Los Angeles photographic retailer Freestyle Photographic in October, and the possible issue highlighted by Kosmo Foto. Some 145 airports across the US are to introduce the new machines, but they are also expected to be rolled out internationally as well.
CT, or computerised tomography, uses much more powerful x-rays from different angles to form a 3D image of the scanned object. It is already used to scan hold luggage.
Kodak issued updated guidance for those travelling with film after testing some of its emulsions with one of the new scanners at New York’s JFK Airport, while Ilford also announced it was working with London’s Heathrow Airport to make sure the scanners it
A Fujifilm USA statement reads: “New and enhanced scanning technology at various airports in the United States is proving to be more damaging to unprocessed film than previous generations of scanners.
“Photographers and the International Imaging Industry Association (I3A) increasingly report undesirable effects of new airport scanners on images produced by both color [sic] and monochrome film that has undergone such scanning, including “fogging,” distortion in shadow areas, and generally poor image reproduction. This can happen after just one pass through the new scanners.
“To protect your valuable film and photographs, Fujifilm encourages you to: • Never pack unprocessed film in your checked baggage – this includes both exposed AND unexposed film, movie film, INSTAX instant film and film included in One-Time Use cameras.
- Always carry your film in your carry-on baggage and always ask for hand inspection when going through airport security. We recommend that all film be placed into a clear plastic bag for TSA inspectors, who are trained to check all types of film, including instant film and the film included in One-Time Use cameras.
- When carrying large amounts of unprocessed film, contact the airline prior to your flight to arrange for a special baggage inspection.
- When practical, send film to your destination ahead of your flight, using a parcel or cargo carrier that will certify that the film will not be x-rayed.”
I'm a New Zealander who has been living in London since the mid-1990s, shooting film seriously since the year 2000. Kosmo Foto was launched in 2012 and has since become a film brand, with the release of my first films Kosmo Foto Mono 35mm (2017) and Kosmo Foto Mono 120 (2019).
I’m doing everything I can to promote film photography in the 21st Century, and help it survive and thrive. If you want to write something for Kosmo Foto, please drop me a line at foto.dowling@gmail.com.
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Thanks for pointing out the erroneous spelling of the word “color”. I would have been confused had you not done that. 😉