“Do Not X-Ray” Pouch Saves Your Film From Airport Security Scans

If you’ve ever had your film fried by airport security scanners, you know the heartbreak is real. Photographer Sissi Lu has teamed up with Roberts Distributors to help you prevent this. They launched an upgraded version of her Do Not X-Ray Film Pouch, designed to make life easier for traveling film photographers.

Sissi Lu has been producing and selling variations of this pouch independently for some time. According to Roberts, demand hasn’t stopped growing. With a fresh design and the backing of a major distributor, this version is headed to camera stores across the U.S. starting April 21.

What makes this pouch stand out is its clear, multilingual message. The words “Do Not X-Ray” are emblazoned on the outside in seven different languages — English, Traditional Chinese, French, German, Spanish, Italian, and Filipino — accompanied by universal image icons. Inside, a safety card expands the message with 20 more translations, giving you a good shot at being understood no matter where you’re flying. It’s pretty spatious, fitting between 15 and 20 rolls of film, so one of these should have you covered for an entire vacation, and probably more than that.

Now, it’s worth noting that most modern film stocks are rated to handle some level of airport scanning. However, more sensitive emulsions, especially ISO 800 and above, can be visibly affected after just one scan. And as security upgrades with newer, more intense CT scanners, even lower ISO films aren’t safe anymore. TSA says hand-checking is an option, but it can be hit or miss depending on the airport and agent.

This pouch is designed to help encourage and facilitate a hand-check. Not that it’s not X-ray-proof. It would need to be lead-lined, and those often aren’t allowed through security for obvious reasons. But it is a polite, professional way of requesting your film stay out of the scanner. It’s see-through, so the security agent can, in fact, see that you’re carrying film.

With a $15.99 price tag, the Do Not X-Ray Pouch is a pretty affordable addition to your travel kit. It’s lightweight, EVA-built, and doesn’t try to be more than it is: a simple, well-designed pouch to help safeguard your film and avoid unpleasant airport situations. The included sticker set is a charming bonus, at least in my book.

Where to Get the Do Not X-Ray Pouch?

The pouch officially launches April 21 and will be available via Sissi Lu’s website and photography retailers across the U.S. So, wherever you’re headed, this little pouch might save you a lot of film grief and a few arguments at airport security.

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