Protect Analogue Film: Stop Airport X-ray Damage!

 

 

 

 

Image used from Carmencita Filmlab

Imagine scanning your film and seeing the image on the right instead of on the left.

Every day, photographers worldwide, amateurs and professionals, are seeing this happen to undeveloped film damaged beyond repair by airport security scanners.

New high-powered CT X-ray machines, now installed in airports across Europe and beyond, are not safe for undeveloped film. According to Carmencita Film Lab and film manufacturers like Kodak, just one scan can cause fogging, color shifts, and loss of image quality — especially with higher ISO films.

Most airports no longer label X-ray machines, and security staff often don’t know the risks, forcing us to put our undeveloped film through scanners that ruin them. Photographers/travellers, people who request hand checks are frequently refused or dismissed, simply because there’s no clear protocol. The staff is unaware of the risks of the machines and often have been told by superiors to tell us that the machines are fine, even when they clearly aren't.

 

Damage on film can be seen above - image from Hand Check Film

 

We're are calling on airport authorities, airlines, and security agencies to take action to protect photographers, artists, and travellers worldwide.

We’re asking for:

• Mandatory staff training on how to handle requests for film inspection.
• Manual hand-check options for undeveloped film, especially at CT scanner-equipped airports.
• Clear signage at security checkpoints warning passengers of potential film damage.
• We would like Kodak and other big companies like Ilford to help out to create awareness and spread this message, so the more signatures we have the more chance we have at creating change! 

This isn’t just a niche request — it’s backed by labs like Carmencita, film companies like Kodak and Ilford, and tens of thousands of film shooters worldwide. It’s about protecting a medium, respecting creative tools, and empowering travellers to make informed choices.

Let’s keep film alive — fog-free and beautiful.

Sign now to protect undeveloped film from airport X-rays.

Images and information from :
Carmencita Filmlab
Silvergrain Classics
Hand Check Film