Buying film online.

I am considering to start buying my film online from places like

B&H. Since probably every FedEx package has to go through an X-

Ray/Radiation machine, I was wondering if that could degrade the

quality of the film. Any experiences/opinions on the issue? Thank

you!

Lots of us do it. Fear not.

Don't worry. I buy all my film from B&H, never a problem.

The film I have bought recently from B&H, delivered by Fedex 2-day, so

I assume it goes by air and is scanned, has been fine with no evidence of radiation damage on processing (mailed-out to Fuji in Phoenix, AZ, another trip by air, BTW). I wouldn't worry.

<i>...Since probably every FedEx package has to go through an X- Ray/Radiation machine...</i><p>

Not true. Though FEDEX won't officially discuss security it has been reported (rather reliably) that only suspicious stuff is scrutinized. Normally, packages are not X-rayed which makes FEDEX the only recommended carrier for unprocessed film.

Andrew,

No worries, I've bought hundreds of rolls of film from B&H, shipped FEDEX, with no ill effects. If you are really worried, order one roll, you will see that all is fine :)

Best regards

Thank you everyone for responding. Though it looks like I should not have problems with the film, Canon Elan 7E that was shipped in the same order is a complete lemon. In fact it looks like B&H Photo shipped a previously returned camera to me (there is a serial number of a lens that is crossed out on the warranty card). I don't have much experience with those guys. Would be a good test of their reputations. I will keep you posted. Thank you!

Andrew, I'm surprised you had a problem like that with B&H. In my opinion, and that of most others, B&H is the most reputable. I'm sure if you bring your problem to their attention they will take care of it immediately. It has to be a mistake. <p>Did you know that Henry Posner of B&H is a member of this forum and often offers his help with problems and complaints when he sees them?

"Did you know that Henry Posner of B&H is a member of this forum and often offers his help with problems and complaints when he sees them?" No, I was not aware of that. It looks like he has not posted anything here for about 9 months now...

Here is the description of the problem that I am sending them along with the equipment:

"1. �Command dial� does not function properly:

· It�s impossible to change zone modes.

· When switching between modes, LCD screen does not reflect the changed mode.

· Once battery is installed and the camera is turned on, it�s impossible to turn it off with the command dial.

2. �Function� button does not function. It does not move the arrow the full spectrum of options, including the ability to check the speed of the film.

3. It appears that the lens that was shipped with this package may partially cause the specified problems. Additionally, it appears as the lens acts �confused� at times even in good light conditions.

4. The camera body warranty card has a serial number written on it that has been crossed out. It is as if the body has been previously sold as a kit (there were also 3-4 particles on the camera�s mirror that would show in the viewfinder)."

They agreed to exchange the product but refused to replace the ruined film. This is my first purchase from them...

Related to the original question, I've been FedEx-ing my exposed

film to Fuji processing in Arizona, rather than sending through

the U.S. mail, with the understanding that the postal service

WILL x-ray/irradiate the package AND that this will damage my

exposed but not yet processed film. Am I going to needless

expense by using FedEx??

So far I have not had any problems with shipping the film either by FedEx or by UPS from Adorama. I even continue sending slides over USPS to be developed.

I once ordered three bricks of film and some paper from B&H. It was in August in New Mexico, and when the package was delivered FedEx threw the box over the adobe wall around our yard and left it in the blazing sun. By chance I was in the yard and saw the missile crash land. Otherwise it could have laid in the sun all afternoon and been cooked to death.

 

I emailed B&H about the matter asking how future orders would be protected. They replied that I should take it up with FedEx. I sent an email to FedEx and they never replied. So I no longer buy heat sensitive material on the web. It�s cheaper, but I just don�t what the possible problems of having heat damaged materials that no one would stand behind. After all, I�m using these materials for my work. It�s worth the extra cost to be sure that the materials I�m using are not damaged.

 

Good luck,

 

Joe Stephenson

Came across this interesting info on the Kodak's website:

"Because your pictures are important to you, this information is presented as an alert to travelers carrying unprocessed film. Over the past two years new FAA-certified explosive detection systems have been used in more than 50 U.S. airports to scan (x-ray) checked baggage. This stronger scanning equipment is also being used in many non-US airports. The new equipment may fog any unprocessed film that passes through the scanner.

 

Suggestions for Avoiding Fogged Film

X-ray equipment used to inspect carry-on baggage uses a very low level of x-radiation that will not cause noticeable damage to your film. However, baggage that is checked (loaded on the planes as cargo) sometimes goes through equipment with higher energy X rays. Therefore, take these precautions when traveling with unprocessed film:

 

Don't place single-use cameras or unprocessed film in any luggage or baggage that will be checked. This includes cameras that still have film in them.

 

 

If an attendant or security personnel informs you that your carry-on baggage must be stowed with the checked luggage or go through a second scan, you should remove your unprocessed film.

 

 

Have your exposed film processed locally before passing through airport security on your return trip.

 

 

If you're going to be traveling through multiple X-ray examinations (more than 5 times), request a hand search of your carry-on baggage. FAA regulations in the U.S. allow for a hand search of photographic film and equipment if requested. (See Note below for further FAA information.) However, non-US airports may not honor this request.

 

 

If you're asked to step aside for a more thorough search of your carry-on baggage, you should be advised that film could be harmed and you should take it out of your luggage.

 

 

Lead-lined bags, available from photo retailers, will weaken the x-radiation on film and reduce potential harm. However, the effectiveness of any particular lead bag depends on the intensity and electric potential of the X-ray generator, the lead's thickness, and the film speed. If you use a lead bag, check with the manufacturer for the effectiveness of their products with airport X-ray devices. The inspection process may be triggered by a lead bag on the scanner screen. In a typical airport surveillance situation, the baggage may be pulled aside for additional inspection.

 

 

Consider shipping unexposed or exposed film through an expedited carrier, but first check with the carrier to determine what package examination procedures they are using.

 

 

Be polite, helpful and patient. Please remember that security personnel are trying to protect the traveling public.

 

 

 

 

Note: The FAA provides air travelers in the United States the right to request a non-X-ray inspection of photosensitive products (FAA Reg. 108.17-AIRPLANE OPERATOR SECURITY). The complete regulation is very informative, but section Part 108.17e is most important to travelers carrying film. Click here to go to the FAA Web site: FAA , or to view that regulation: FAA Reg. 108 . Remember that this only applies to air travelers in the United States."

 

Here is the link: http://www.kodak.com/global/en/service/tib/tib5201.shtml