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| PICA Photo Travel Warning |
A note of caution today for people planning on air travel during the upcoming busy Easter
holiday season.Those intending to travel should be aware that increased security procedures have resulted in a new generation of baggage x-ray equipment that can ruin the colour quality of undeveloped rolls of film. The warning has been issued today by the Photo Imaging Council of Australia (PICA) - the peak industry body representing all the major camera manufacturers and distributors. Executive Director Paul Curtis says even though more and more consumers are buying digital cameras (1.6 million were sold in Australia last year), film remains a popular choice for many photographers. In fact, 24.5 million rolls of film were sold in this country in 2004. Mr Curtis says: "All undeveloped film should be removed from baggage that is checked in and added to carry-on luggage. The x-ray machines examining checked baggage are very powerful and can even damage film in a single screening. "The x-ray inspections of carry-on luggage are usually performed at a lower dosage and a single pass will not spoil film with a speed under ASA/ISO 800. But the effects of x-rays are cumulative and undeveloped film of any speed that is subjected to five or more x-ray inspections is at risk of being spoilt." The Council has issued the following guidelines to assist travellers: ~ If in doubt, ask for hand inspection of undeveloped film; ~ Hand carry all undeveloped film in a transparent container or plastic bag for easy access and identification. Special lead-lined bags, once sold for carrying undeveloped film through airports, are not recommended as their use sets off alarms during the screening process. ~ A single x-ray inspection of hand luggage will not affect undeveloped film with a speed under ASA/ISO 800; ~ Film of any speed that is subject to x-ray surveillance more than five times may be adversely affected; and ~ All professional grade film, motion picture film, medical and scientific film should be hand inspected. Mr Curtis says machines used to screen checked baggage or carry-on luggage will not affect digital camera images or film that has already been processed, slides, photo compact discs or picture discs. |
About Photo Imaging Council Australia (PICA)
PICA is a national association of the senior management of companies actively involved in importing, manufacturing and distributing photographic and imaging equipment. Its objective is to grow the imaging business. It continually examines ways in which companies in competition with each other can work together for the benefit of the industry as a whole.
PICA has acquired a solid based working capital from the profits it makes from industry show organisation. The monies raised are invested back into the industry. A management board meets to execute the wishes of the membership. The board is assisted by a part-time secretary and a consulting executive director.
