The Ultimate X-Ray Shield
Every day the public is misled into believing that all film rated at 800 ASA or lower is perfectly safe for airport X-ray machines. However, Spectra’s direct observation is that any film rated 200 ASA or higher is actually at substantial risk of fogging from these harmful machines. This is where Domke Filmguard lead bags can be the difference between a successful shoot and a ruined project.
Lead is known as one of the most effective elements in the periodic table for blocking high energy X-rays. Domke Filmguard bags utilize dense lead impregnated into durable vinyl to help block the X-rays that could damage film. Unlike older X-ray bags (which are stiff and rigid), Domke bags are extremely flexible due to updated construction materials. These bags have a similar flexibility to a layered Cordura marine canvas allowing for easy packing and storage.
Airport Procedure: FilmGuard is not intended for use in checked luggage which is exposed to significantly higher X-ray doses. Instead, film should be passed through a carry-on check point where items are normally subjected to lower X-ray doses.
When approaching the carry-on check point, it is always recommended that you ask airport security agents to “hand check” your film to completely avoid an X-ray. Only if a mandatory X-ray is required, should you need to use a Domke Filmguard lead bag.
Be aware that if X-ray settings are unnecessarily maximized by an over-enthusiastic TSA agent, a lead bag may not always block 100% of the damaging rays. But, you can be certain that the effective shielding a Domke bag provides will significantly reduce more serious damage that might have occurred otherwise (similar premise to wearing some sun screen vs. no sun screen at the beach).
Board your flight with confidence, knowing that your film has a protective shield that greatly diminishes anything the TSA agents try to throw at it. Be extra safe with a Domke bag!
Bag Specifications:
- Application: Protects film from potential X-ray exposure when shipping or boarding planes
- External Dimensions: 10.5″ X 12″
- Weight: 1 lbs
- Protective Material: Flexible lead-impregnated vinyl sheet. Smooth, 420 Denier nylon packcloth interior.
- Resilient Construction: Incredibly strong! Durable, triple-layer. Water-resistant ballistic nylon outer shell.
- Bag Seal: Heavy duty Velcro
- Capacity (holds up to any one of the following examples): 1 X 35mm 400′ can. 3 X 16mm 400′ cans. 8 X 16mm 100′ containers. 12 X super 8mm 50′ boxed cartridges. 35 X 35mm rolls of 36 exposure still film.
- Lead Safety: Lead is impregnated into Vinyl sheets and sewn into protective bag lining for maximum safety.
- Warranty: Two-year warranty against manufacturing defects
- Country of Origin: Made in the USA
Important Note: In addition to protective Domke Filmguard bags, a supply of inexpensive “Do Not X-ray” stickers are recommended for use on all international and domestic film shipments. These stickers were co-designed with Kodak to provide proper wording and symbols to TSA agents and shippers, warning them of potential damage caused by exposure to Xrays.
