Topic: customs & film in eastern europe?

[gregor]

I'll be travelling in eastern europe, lithuania specifically, in september. I'll be coming into Vilnius via either Helsinki  or Copenhagen. Has anyone experienced any issues with film checked through customs at any of these airports?

I'll be toting  about 50 rolls of 120 & 220 in a carry on bag. carrying on cameras as well - unloaded.

thanks!

[Francois]

I don't think it will be any problem if you keep the film in transparent cans and into some large Ziploc bags

[Ed Wenn]

Nope, I've not had a problem...even in Albania. Like you, I usually take the film through as hand luggage ('carry on') as I've heard the checked luggage scans are more powerful. This may be utter rubbish though as I have no factual evidence to back it up.

I'll be in Poland for a long weekend at the end of September...shame we'll miss each other 

[Heather]

http://www.heathrowairport.com/portal/page/Heathrow%5EGeneral%5EPlan+and+book+your+trip%5ETravel+advice%5EAdvice+for+photographers/42d3e9df2e8f3010VgnVCM10000036821c0a____/448c6a4c7f1b0010VgnVCM200000357e120a____/

and

http://www.kodak.com/global/en/service/tib/tib5201.shtml#SEC44

specifically "X-ray equipment used to inspect carry-on baggage uses a very low level of x-radiation that will not cause noticeable damage to most films. However, baggage that is checked (loaded on the planes as cargo) often goes through equipment with higher energy X rays."

That's probably where you got it from, Ed  

[Ed Wenn]

Cool, thanks for the research, Heather! Seems like we were all right all along.
Hurrah for us!

 

[Francois]

However, baggage that is checked (loaded on the planes as cargo) often goes through equipment with higher energy X rays."

So that's why it's not recommended to fly UPS 

[Heather]

However, baggage that is checked (loaded on the planes as cargo) often goes through equipment with higher energy X rays."

So that's why it's not recommended to fly UPS 

Only if you want your fillings to glow green afterwards 

[gregor]

Thanks all. Ed, yes too bad. A meet-up would have been nice but it looks like our dates are at opposite ends of the month.

Anyone who wants to stop by Vilnius let me know. We have an apartment for 10 days that is base camp...

Also, taking orders for obscure Russian & Polish cameras & glass as I'm sure I'll pop into every camera shop I come across.   Alas, I won't be looking for LCAs!

[Mil Mascaras]

Also, taking orders for obscure Russian & Polish cameras & glass as I'm sure I'll pop into every camera shop I come across.   Alas, I won't be looking for LCAs!

Polish cameras? I'm intrigued. I only know about the TLR's.

I'd be very grateful if you could post your findings and recommended camera places to visit as I will visit Lithuania and her sisters in a few months for work.

[gregor]

here's but a few:

http://members.iinet.net.au/~beatajacek/kolekcja.htm

a friend has been using the Ami for a few years - shots are quite like a holga but less vignetting.

I'd like to find a few of the start tlrs for myself.