Film Photography Travel Packing Tips

Photography Tips  •  Travel Photography

In this recent video, Jonathan Paragas shared his insights on how to travel with film photography gear. He covered topics like protecting your gear, making sure your film gets hand-checked at airports, and more. In this blog post, we will summarize the key takeaways from the video for those who are planning to travel with their film photography equipment:

Tip 1: Use a protective bag or case

Film cameras are often more delicate than their modern counterparts, so it’s essential to use a protective case or bag when traveling with them. Jonathan recommends using a camera-dedicated bag, like the Brevity bag or an Evergreen camera case, which has customizable compartments and is carry-on approved.

Tip 2: Carry your valuable gear as a carry-on

To minimize the risk of lost or stolen gear, carry all your valuable equipment as a carry-on item. This way, you can keep an eye on it and have better control over its safety.

Tip 3: Use film storage cases

Protect your film by storing it in film storage cases or lead-lined bags. Evergreen also offers waterproof cases specifically designed for film storage, which are a great option.

Tip 4: Hand check your film at airports

When going through airport security, ask TSA officers to hand-check your film instead of passing it through X-ray scanners. This can help prevent potential damage to your film caused by the scanners.

Tip 5: Take your gear apart

When packing your gear, separate your lenses from the camera bodies and store them in individual compartments. This can help minimize damage in case of an accidental drop.

Tip 6: Use soft cases within protective cases

For extra protection, use soft cases or pouches for individual lenses and camera bodies before placing them in your protective bag or case. You can even use socks as makeshift soft cases!

Tip 7: Don’t bring multiples

Try not to bring multiple cameras or lenses that offer the same results. Instead, focus on bringing a variety of lenses that will provide different shooting experiences.

And remember, sharing travel tips with the photography community can make everyone’s adventures more enjoyable and successful.