Forced to put 16mm through x-ray machine after hand test failed

[Darius Mackenzie]

I'm traveling internationally for a shoot, and I was just forced by TSA at LAX to send my 5 400ft rolls of 250D through the X-Ray machine (specifically the rapidscan 620dv). I had them hand check the film like usual but shockingly the result of the swab came back positive for a "potentially explosive substance." So even after begging and pleading my only choice was to let them send it through the X-Ray machine. Luckily they agreed to not send it through the newer scanners that Kodak confirms effect all motion picture films (https://www.kodak.com/global/en/service/tib/tib5201.shtml). I even brought a changing tent but they refused to check the film in there saying that they need to have a visual on the film. The film is 250D and I am wondering if anyone else has had 16mm 400ft rolls go through an airport x-ray machine, specifically this type. Was there damage? If so, did you have any luck correcting it in post? Do you have video example of the damage? Thanks. 

[Jeff Bernstein]

 

[Robert Houllahan]

Hopefully it will be ok if not put through the new CT scanner machine.

We have been seeing more travel film which has been put through the CT machines and it is mostly a very elevated base fog and not stripes or lines like some of the old Soviet X-Ray machines.

The CT machine damage is somewhat correctable in post but far less than ideal.

 

[Daniel D. Teoli Jr.]

On 2/19/2025 at 1:41 AM, Robert Houllahan said:

Hopefully it will be ok if not put through the new CT scanner machine.

We have been seeing more travel film which has been put through the CT machines and it is mostly a very elevated base fog and not stripes or lines like some of the old Soviet X-Ray machines.

The CT machine damage is somewhat correctable in post but far less than ideal.

 

Is that you Robert? At least put on a white lab coat and get some nerdy glasses. You don't look professional at all. I'd never send you any films to scan with that avatar. I guess that is how things are done nowadays. 

This is how the dye transfer printers dressed for work back in the day. I used to work with him.

Edited February 21 by Daniel D. Teoli Jr.

[Daniel D. Teoli Jr.]

OP...

Edited February 21 by Daniel D. Teoli Jr.

[Stephen Perera]

In my experience with Gibraltar airport and believe it or not Royal Gibraltar Post, they both go through safely in the hand luggage x-ray machine. As we all know the one in the hold WILL mess up our film. I dont know the brand we have over here.

How about you message the manufacturer

https://www.rapiscansystems.com/en/products/rapiscan-620dv

[Rhys Scarabosio]

I had some 200T go through LAX’s x-ray last year and the scans came out totally clean.