🎞️my film survived TEN x-ray scanners in CHINA🇨🇳😱🫣

I recently went on a trip to China🇨🇳 and they really love their x-ray scanners there! It wasn't just at the airport but also at places like train stations, subways and museums. Every time I entered the subway, my bag had to go through the scanner 😱 Museums, too!

This trip, I brought my film camera with me for the first time. While I was prepared for the airport x-ray scanners, I didn't expect all the other scanners! I couldn't help but worry about the impact of these repeated scans on my precious film😬 Would it survive the ordeal unscathed? 

✋🚫Admittedly, I didn't ask for a handcheck as I didn't want to hold up the queue. I also wasn't sure if the officers were familiar with handchecking film, especially at non-airport locations. Plus, my Chinese sucks, so explaining would have been a hassle. So, with a mix of trepidation and resignation, I watched each time as my bag passed through the scanners.

🧐I also noticed that most of the scanners had a "film safe" sticker. That provided some reassurance, but I was still nervous when I developed the rolls. Miraculously, despite enduring at least ten rounds of x-ray scrutiny, my film emerged unharmed! 🎉

📷I used a Kodak M35 camera and Kodak ColorPlus 200 film. Btw, ISO200 and below films are usually quite safe going through airport scanners!

And now, for #MyTop3 hacks for avoiding the scanners:

1️⃣Pocket It🧥

Put your film camera into your jacket pocket. They only want to scan your bag, not your person, so put the film camera in your jacket or pants pocket and collect your bag on the other side hassle-free!

2️⃣ Visual Check👀

If you have a small bag, let the officer do a visual check! Open your bag and show them the contents. If it's okay, they'll let you through. This worked mainly for the subways, but I didn't see anyone do it for museums. My UNIQLO moon bag was compact and perfect for this!

3️⃣ Take the Bus🚌

It's often overlooked, but taking the bus can be a lifesaver. It's much easier to just hop on a bus to your destination, especially if the bus stop is nearby. Unlike the subways, there are usually no stairs to navigate, and during off-peak hours, you can often snag a seat. Best of all, no X-rays to worry about!

While there are X-ray proof bags available on Shopee, I opted not to purchase them because I deemed it too trivial a problem. So, there you have it—some handy tips for navigating China's X-ray-laden landscape hassle-free! 🚌

cheers, SY

#filmphotography #travel #china #filmcamera #tipsandtricks