Travel With a Camera - Film & Voltage Converters

Getting Electricity Overseas - Airport Screening Can Damage Film

Aug 1, 2009

Photographers who fly should take steps to protect undeveloped film from the damage that can be caused by X-rays during security screenings at the world's airports,

X-rays do not harm processed photos and photo products: prints, slides, CDs and DVDs. They do not damage the digital age's memory cards either. However, they can ruin undeveloped film.

The X-rays used to screen checked baggage are more powerful than the ones used to inspect carryon items. Photographers should carry undeveloped sheet and roll film and single-use cameras onto the airplane. If the traveler is told at the airport that he or she has to check the bag containing the unexposed film, the film should be removed from the bag before checking it.

Ask For a Hand Inspection to Avoid Overexposure of Film to X-Rays

Note that even if the traveler puts the film in a carryon bag, more than five X-ray exposures might damage the unprocessed film. At airports in the United States, the photographer may ask for a hand inspection. Photographers going abroad should find out beforehand whether the airports they will be using allow hand searches. It helps the screeners if photographers who want a hand inspection carry the film in a clear plastic bag. If possible put 35mm film in clear plastic canisters instead of the opaque ones. For more information about X-rays and how they adversely change film, read what the Kodak company has to say.

To prevent damage to film during the screening process, photographers can buy a lead-lined bag from a photo store. Since the protective qualities of the bag differ by manufacturer and the X-ray power used at airports varies by country, it cannot be said which lead-lined bag guarantees no harm to film. To learn what films and under what circumstances a manufacturer guarantees protection of film, read the product's description or contact the manufacturer.

Voltage Converters and Plug Adapters

Traveling to other countries frequently requires a voltage converter. Some countries like the United States and Canada use 110 to 120 volts. Others use 220 to 240 volts. Converting a 110-volt camera for use in a 220- volt setting is said to be a "step up." In this situation, unless the voltage is converted first, the camera, battery charger or other electronic device will be irreparably damaged. Converting a 220-volt device to 110 volts is a "step down," and also requires the use of a voltage converter.

Before buying a voltage converter, however, the photographer should read the owner's manual for the electronic device to learn if it can operate in both 110-volt and 220-volt situations. Some cameras and battery chargers can.

Whether the photographer needs to buy a voltage converter or not, he or she will probably need a plug or socket adapter, which allows for plugging into different wall outlets. Since there is no worldwide standard for wall outlets, photographers traveling to other nations must have the appropriate plug to use any electrical outlet. Multiple-plug types are often sold in a single adapter unit. This is a good investment. Although many countries have more than one outlet type, certain types of outlets are widely used in specific countries. Consult a list of types of plug adapters by country.

The copyright of the article Travel With a Camera - Film & Voltage Converters in Travel Photography is owned by Linda N. Riggins. Permission to republish Travel With a Camera - Film & Voltage Converters in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.