Taking film to Japan this Christmas - good or bad idea?

[xxloverxx]

I've heard of people taking film on vacation, but the authorities refusing to hand-inspect it.
Haven't tried this in Hong Kong, but I guess they'd hand inspect it if I ask…anyone know what happens in Japan?

I'm planning on taking a few rolls of 400, maybe 1 roll of 800 (probably not), and it'll only be x-rayed twice (hopefully) (to Japan, and back to Hong Kong)

Is it safe to put it through the x-ray, or should I request a hand search? What're my chances of the people actually doing a hand search on request?

Quite reluctant to get a lead bag, as I've heard that they just crank up the power of the x-ray even more to see through it.

Would my best option be to put the film itself in a clear bag and have it hand inspected? How much time would this add?

Any suggestions much appreciated…I've got until xmas to decide what to do.

[swampler]

Straight from the source (Kodak): Baggage X-ray Scanning Effects on Film

[Latinbob]

I have used the lead bags before, but this was about 15 years ago when security wasn't like it is today. If I were traveling with film, I would put it in a clear bag and request a hand inspection. Higher speed film and x-rays isn't a good mix anyway. Don't put it in your checked luggage, that gets a much more powerful x-ray zap.

Bob

[cyclohexane]

Japan's X-rays are super weak. There are giant signs that say "film safe up to ISO 1600" on their X-ray machines... EVEN FOR CHECKED BAGGAGE.

They're not like the US, which cranks up the X-rays to see through everything, and signs stating that checked baggage cannot have film it.

Unfortunately I do not have any idea about Hong Kong.

[xxloverxx]

Thanks for all the help guys!
I think I'll request a hand inspection in both airports, but with the knowledge that if they refuse, there probably won't be too much damage.

I never put any camera gear into checked baggage; too easy for things to go wrong.
I can get by with one less pair of jeans or so, but I can't get by with one less camera (there might not be an extra camera)