XL1 S and Travel

Kevin Burnfield · March 5th, 2003, 04:35 PM

I'm going to go for the Kata Case for my XL1S. I can't bring myself to check it for a cross country flight.

I'm finding the Kata XL1 case for about $234.00 (US) --- anyone know any places I should specifically look?

Simon Plissi · March 5th, 2003, 04:57 PM

<<<-- Originally posted by Don Libby : Kevin - Simin - X Have you considered an extre large hard cases that some folks use for fishing equipment? I've seen some around that sound be large enough yet not too large as to cause undue damage to the tripod. Of course that will have to go in the belly of the beast. -->>>

Don, interesting idea, I'll look into that.

I figure most of you who fly with their kit end up paying extra at check-in, what with the film gear and regular luggage. One should also take a change of clothes!

Mick Jenner · March 6th, 2003, 02:33 AM

During the last five years I have been fortunate to travel all round the world the last four with an XL1 ,I never put it in the aircraft hold but take it as hand luggage. With the exception of tapes ,batteries ,extender every thing else including tripod and Pag light is pack in our normal cases.
For the camera I use a softish camera case . I break the camera down and wrap each part with bubble wrap.
To date I have had no problems even in the US

Regards
Mick

Don Libby · March 6th, 2003, 06:06 AM

Just be careful packing tapes in your cheched luggage. The CTX machines used at US airports to x-ray checked luggage will harm film. There are signs at each screening location.

Someone posted earier a very good suggestion of putting your film in a plastic baggy and taking that with you as you undergo screening at the passenger checkpoint. So far, the machines in use there will not harm fim or computer drives.

Whenever flying, be safe and call the airline you are traveling and let them know what you have and get their suggestions for their airport.

Jeff Donald · March 6th, 2003, 07:02 AM

Don, you seem to refer to video tape as film

Quote:

Just be careful packing tapes in your checked luggage. The CTX machines used at US airports to x-ray checked luggage will harm film. There are signs at each screening location.

Are you saying the video tape is possibly harmed by x-rays?

Don Libby · March 6th, 2003, 08:20 AM

Jeff - I would not take the chance of sending DV tapes through the machines used to screen checked baggage. I just double checked with my partner who agree with this recommendation. You'll see notices posted at all these machines to remove film from you checked baggage prior to screening. I'd add tapes as well. These machines are way more powerful than those at the passenger checkpoint. These machines may disrput the tape itself to the point that it could be damaged (blank or not). My primary day job has beeb security related items for the past 31 years - I've always insutructed my people to plan/train for the worse case. I believe that shipping DV tapes (for that matter any type of film/tape) in checked baggage nowdays is like playing with fire - I simply just would not do it. Remember times have changed now - all checked baggage is screened using more powerful x-ray machines. These machines must be powerful enough to penetrate heavy packed bags normally associated with checked baggage.

Jeff Donald · March 7th, 2003, 09:32 PM

Don, don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to challenge you, but this is kind of startling. The general consensus is the X-rays do not damage video tape. Video tape is an entirely different process and is not sensitive to various wave lengths of light (non visible like X-ray). Do you have any information or personal experiences you can share on this topic?

Don Libby · March 8th, 2003, 06:43 AM

Jeff, Up till last Aug I was the Sr Special Agent for the FAA's Civil Aviation Security Division in the Great Lakes Region (covers 7 states). Now I am the training coordinator at Midway Airport in Chicago for the TSA. Everyting I've heard from the manufactors of the CTX machines was that they could damage any type of photographic film/tape. Give a little while to do more research on the subject of DV and I'll post here shortly. Prior to us doing 100% baggage screening this was never a real problem - now it might be due to the type of machines being used. Again let me call some people who know some people.

Simon Plissi · March 8th, 2003, 11:10 AM

<<<-- Originally posted by Bob Safay : ... I also carry a very cheap piece of electrical gear such as a hair dryer (my wifes, not for me). I use this to "test" the current. The first night I was in Nirobie I did this and fortunately for me I blew the hair dryier instead of the charger... -->>>

Great idea. Adding this to my list.

I also saw these in a mail order catalogue:
http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProdu...%2Eotection%2F

http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProdu...%2Eotection%2F

Looks like a good idea to use to remain protected after "testing" the current.

Steve Clodfelter · March 8th, 2003, 04:08 PM

<I'm finding the Kata XL1 case for about $234.00 (US) --- anyone know any places I should specifically look?>

Kevin,

If you mean the Kata CCC-1, I think that's a real good price. It's $249 at B&H Photo.

If you mean the Kata CCC-10, B&H has it for $189.

Kevin Burnfield · March 20th, 2003, 12:12 PM

Just bought the CCC-10.

Thanks to everyone who suggested bags and solutions.

I'm still a little nervous about having to deal with the rocket scientists at the security check at the Newark airport but thanks to you all I've got a good idea that it should all be okay.

Now that this is out of the way I can sit back and plan what stock footage of Arizona I'm going to shoot and how I can use it later.

Don Libby · March 21st, 2003, 06:27 AM

Kevin - You'd be suprised at the education level of some if not most of the screeners that are currently employed by the TSA. I know I have been. BTW there is at least one retired rocket scientist at work at an airport in MI. Just goes to show you never know .....

Jeff Donald · March 21st, 2003, 06:46 AM

I agree with Don. I know several people who have left mid level management jobs for positions with the TSA.

Kevin Burnfield · March 24th, 2003, 12:46 PM

I got my KATA CCC-10 today and -- Wow.

This is a fantastic bag. I can't believe how well my XL1S fits in it and how sturdy it is.

I moved around the dividers inside to give a little distance from the camera in the front and back and have room for a pile of batteries,filters, tapes, my portabrace weather cover for the camera and more. And that's only on the inside.

Outside there is a nice pocket at each end and one on the side.

The material and workmanship is EXCELLENT.

I would recommend this bag to ANYONE.

This reduces my stress about traveling with my XL1S by about 200%.

Rating it for Bang for the Buck, I would give it a 10 out of 10. (I'll see if I feel the same when I return in a week.)

Kevin Burnfield · March 31st, 2003, 01:30 PM

Hey from Arizona,

just to give you an update on the flight from Newark to Pheonix:

I was all ready with a charged battery to fire up the XL1S to show them but they ran my CCC-10 through the regular xray machine and didn't even open ask me open the bag. (shrug)

We'll see how they do going the other way.

The major problem here in AZ is that it's incredibly windy and all I brought was a Monopod and I'm having to do stuff like sit up against the car and do static shots or I'm getting bounced all over the place.

VERY ANNOYING.

But getting some good stock footage.

March 6th, 2003, 06:06 AM	#19
Don Libby Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Tucson AZ Posts: 48	Just be careful packing tapes in your cheched luggage. The CTX machines used at US airports to x-ray checked luggage will harm film. There are signs at each screening location. Someone posted earier a very good suggestion of putting your film in a plastic baggy and taking that with you as you undergo screening at the passenger checkpoint. So far, the machines in use there will not harm fim or computer drives. Whenever flying, be safe and call the airline you are traveling and let them know what you have and get their suggestions for their airport. __________________ Don Libby www.ironcreekphotography.com

March 6th, 2003, 08:20 AM	#21
Don Libby Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Tucson AZ Posts: 48	Jeff - I would not take the chance of sending DV tapes through the machines used to screen checked baggage. I just double checked with my partner who agree with this recommendation. You'll see notices posted at all these machines to remove film from you checked baggage prior to screening. I'd add tapes as well. These machines are way more powerful than those at the passenger checkpoint. These machines may disrput the tape itself to the point that it could be damaged (blank or not). My primary day job has beeb security related items for the past 31 years - I've always insutructed my people to plan/train for the worse case. I believe that shipping DV tapes (for that matter any type of film/tape) in checked baggage nowdays is like playing with fire - I simply just would not do it. Remember times have changed now - all checked baggage is screened using more powerful x-ray machines. These machines must be powerful enough to penetrate heavy packed bags normally associated with checked baggage. __________________ Don Libby www.ironcreekphotography.com

March 7th, 2003, 09:32 PM	#22
Jeff Donald Warden Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 8,287	Don, don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to challenge you, but this is kind of startling. The general consensus is the X-rays do not damage video tape. Video tape is an entirely different process and is not sensitive to various wave lengths of light (non visible like X-ray). Do you have any information or personal experiences you can share on this topic? __________________ Jeff Donald Carpe Diem Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Where to Buy? From the best in the business: DVinfo.net sponsors

March 8th, 2003, 06:43 AM	#23
Don Libby Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Tucson AZ Posts: 48	Jeff, Up till last Aug I was the Sr Special Agent for the FAA's Civil Aviation Security Division in the Great Lakes Region (covers 7 states). Now I am the training coordinator at Midway Airport in Chicago for the TSA. Everyting I've heard from the manufactors of the CTX machines was that they could damage any type of photographic film/tape. Give a little while to do more research on the subject of DV and I'll post here shortly. Prior to us doing 100% baggage screening this was never a real problem - now it might be due to the type of machines being used. Again let me call some people who know some people. __________________ Don Libby www.ironcreekphotography.com

March 8th, 2003, 04:08 PM	#25
Steve Clodfelter Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Golden, CO Posts: 43	<I'm finding the Kata XL1 case for about $234.00 (US) --- anyone know any places I should specifically look?> Kevin, If you mean the Kata CCC-1, I think that's a real good price. It's $249 at B&H Photo. If you mean the Kata CCC-10, B&H has it for $189. __________________ Steve

March 5th, 2003, 04:35 PM	#16
Kevin Burnfield Major Player Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Princeton, NJ Posts: 363	I'm going to go for the Kata Case for my XL1S. I can't bring myself to check it for a cross country flight. I'm finding the Kata XL1 case for about $234.00 (US) --- anyone know any places I should specifically look?

March 5th, 2003, 04:57 PM	#17
Simon Plissi Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: London, UK Posts: 105	<<<-- Originally posted by Don Libby : Kevin - Simin - X Have you considered an extre large hard cases that some folks use for fishing equipment? I've seen some around that sound be large enough yet not too large as to cause undue damage to the tripod. Of course that will have to go in the belly of the beast. -->>> Don, interesting idea, I'll look into that. I figure most of you who fly with their kit end up paying extra at check-in, what with the film gear and regular luggage. One should also take a change of clothes!

March 6th, 2003, 02:33 AM	#18
Mick Jenner Major Player Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: West Sussex England Posts: 843	During the last five years I have been fortunate to travel all round the world the last four with an XL1 ,I never put it in the aircraft hold but take it as hand luggage. With the exception of tapes ,batteries ,extender every thing else including tripod and Pag light is pack in our normal cases. For the camera I use a softish camera case . I break the camera down and wrap each part with bubble wrap. To date I have had no problems even in the US Regards Mick

March 8th, 2003, 11:10 AM	#24
Simon Plissi Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: London, UK Posts: 105	<<<-- Originally posted by Bob Safay : ... I also carry a very cheap piece of electrical gear such as a hair dryer (my wifes, not for me). I use this to "test" the current. The first night I was in Nirobie I did this and fortunately for me I blew the hair dryier instead of the charger... -->>> Great idea. Adding this to my list. I also saw these in a mail order catalogue: http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProdu...%2Eotection%2F http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProdu...%2Eotection%2F Looks like a good idea to use to remain protected after "testing" the current.

March 20th, 2003, 12:12 PM	#26
Kevin Burnfield Major Player Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Princeton, NJ Posts: 363	Just bought the CCC-10. Thanks to everyone who suggested bags and solutions. I'm still a little nervous about having to deal with the rocket scientists at the security check at the Newark airport but thanks to you all I've got a good idea that it should all be okay. Now that this is out of the way I can sit back and plan what stock footage of Arizona I'm going to shoot and how I can use it later.

March 21st, 2003, 06:27 AM	#27
Don Libby Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Tucson AZ Posts: 48	Kevin - You'd be suprised at the education level of some if not most of the screeners that are currently employed by the TSA. I know I have been. BTW there is at least one retired rocket scientist at work at an airport in MI. Just goes to show you never know ..... __________________ Don Libby www.ironcreekphotography.com

March 21st, 2003, 06:46 AM	#28
Jeff Donald Warden Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 8,287	I agree with Don. I know several people who have left mid level management jobs for positions with the TSA. __________________ Jeff Donald Carpe Diem Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Where to Buy? From the best in the business: DVinfo.net sponsors

March 24th, 2003, 12:46 PM	#29
Kevin Burnfield Major Player Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Princeton, NJ Posts: 363	I got my KATA CCC-10 today and -- Wow. This is a fantastic bag. I can't believe how well my XL1S fits in it and how sturdy it is. I moved around the dividers inside to give a little distance from the camera in the front and back and have room for a pile of batteries,filters, tapes, my portabrace weather cover for the camera and more. And that's only on the inside. Outside there is a nice pocket at each end and one on the side. The material and workmanship is EXCELLENT. I would recommend this bag to ANYONE. This reduces my stress about traveling with my XL1S by about 200%. Rating it for Bang for the Buck, I would give it a 10 out of 10. (I'll see if I feel the same when I return in a week.)

March 31st, 2003, 01:30 PM	#30
Kevin Burnfield Major Player Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Princeton, NJ Posts: 363	Hey from Arizona, just to give you an update on the flight from Newark to Pheonix: I was all ready with a charged battery to fire up the XL1S to show them but they ran my CCC-10 through the regular xray machine and didn't even open ask me open the bag. (shrug) We'll see how they do going the other way. The major problem here in AZ is that it's incredibly windy and all I brought was a Monopod and I'm having to do stuff like sit up against the car and do static shots or I'm getting bounced all over the place. VERY ANNOYING. But getting some good stock footage.