One-time use cameras...checked baggage or carry on? X-rays?

[theplaceofh]

I've heard that you shouldn't let any undeveloped film go through an x-ray machine. Has anyone had any experience with one-time use cameras, especially the waterproof kind? We're taking waterproof cameras for snorkeling/diving days. Should I take them out of all my bags when going through security, just check them, put them in my carry on, or what?

 

First time flying and cruising. Only 4 more days! :)

 

Thanks!

[pms4104]

Absolutely do not put cameras with undeveloped film in checked luggage ... the x-ray equipment is much stronger than that used for carryons, and it is highly likely your film will be damaged/ruined.

 

Recently, we decided to go with all digital. But, before that, when we had film, we did not even leave it in our carryon bags. Took it out and requested a hand inspection. The TSA people kept saying that the equipment used for carryons would not damage lower ASA rated film, just over 800 ASA or so ... however, I always insisted on hand inspection, as the TSA website used to (and maybe still does) indicate it was my privilebge and perogative to request such. Sometimes I had to press my point, but I never ever sent my film thru the carryon x-ray equipment. Repeated passes thru those machines will fog film.

[cherylandtk]

I agree with the above post--my personal experience is that one pass through the carry-on machine is OK but more than that will fog the film. Either get the film developed before flying or ask for a hand inspection.

[Essiesmom]

I always carried undeveloped film in lead shield bags in my carryon. Sometimes it went through eight or ten xray machines before I got home to have it developed. Later, when cruising, I had it developed onboard. Probably my biggest expense on the ship! Now, some ships do not have the equipment to develop film, everything is digital. EM

[theplaceofh]

We're taking our digital camera, but we don't have an underwater case for it, hence the disposable underwater cameras for our diving days. There will be only a couple of them, so I'll just take them out of the carry on before it goes through security, then put them back in before boarding the plane. Shouldn't be a problem.:)

 

Thanks.

[Suebee42]

We haven't had a problem yet... first cruise we developed on the ship because we wanted to see the pics, second year we brought them home and sent them in to Snapfish (cheaper). I think the second year's pictures came out better! LOL!

 

I prefer the Fuji underwater cameras over Kodak (and I live in Rochester... that's practically illegal LOL), and always pack them in our camera bag, which we carry on the plane. :)

[theplaceofh]

I prefer the Fujis too! I think the underwater ones are easier to use than Kodak, and the pictures turn out great!

[Prphan2]

We always take a few one time use ones along with our digital, and have never had a problem with the going through the xray machines. We buy them before the trip and develope when we get home, and the pics are always perfect.