An interesting note. One of the advantages of digital that has been stated on this website (and others) has to do with the increased danger of sending film through the mail (x-rays and the such). Just announced by the CompactFlash Association (CGA): "semiconductors used in electronic systems, including CompactFlash and CF I/O cards will be irreparably damaged if subjected to the irradiation process that is now being used by the US Postal Service to sanatize mail. Such damage will not only cause loss of data stored on the cards, but the cards may no longer be operable." Interestin.

-- Bob Todrick (bobtodrick@yahoo.com), March 20, 2002

Answers

Bob,

I don’t think this CF news will slow the digital juggernaut. There’s no need to mail CF cards. If you’re traveling you’d certainly carry your card(s) on your person. And if you do have to mail images you’d burn them on CD and mail the CD. And of course you can send images electronically if you’ve got the bandwidth.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m a fan of film and plan to be shooting it right up till I’m planted. I keep hoping the USPS will find some better way to handle the terrorist threat. That would be good news for us dinosaurs.

Cheers,

-- Jeff Stuart (jstuart1@tampabay.rr.com), March 20, 2002.

I completely agree with you Jeff. And Phil, I just found it interesting because one of the arguments that has been, since 911, brought up in numerous forums is that with the more powerful x-rays being used, it was safe to send digital media through the mail, but not film. I always wondered why you'd not just e-mail the files.

-- Bob Todrick (bobtodrick@yahoo.com), March 20, 2002.

Reference Jeff's question about film safety and USPS irradiation. Here's a thread from A&I's FAQ. The response was from the USPS.

Discussion Thread --------------------------------------------------------------- Response (JoAnn Williams) - 01/30/2002 08:49 AM Thank you for visiting our website. Companies may continue to ship film and photographic enlarging paper anywhere in the country UNLESS the ZIP Codes start with 202, 203, 204, or 205 (all mail sent to these ZIP Codes get sanitized before delivery). Only mail going to these zip codes is being irradiated. This process is safe, however the sanitation process can affect film. The USPS is working with the mailing industry to develop procedures to ensure that sanitizing the mail will not damage sensitive items. Thank you for your inquiry. We hope this information is helpful.

Customer (Steevens Alconcel) - 01/29/2002 03:42 AM I ordered some FILM and PHOTOGRAPHIC ENLARGING PAPER from an online photography store. I am now worried that my paper or film may be x-rayed whilst in transit, and thus be unfit for use. I sent this through air parcel. What is the likelyhood that my package got x-rayed or treated during its trip?

-- George C. Berger (gberger@his.com), March 20, 2002.

Thanks George. Last I read the USPS was not saying the extent of their plans.

I wonder, do they think the protected ZIPs include the only people worth protecting? Or the only people worth attacking?

Happily my Kodachrome mailers and I are in a different ZIP axis altogether.

Cheers,

-- Jeff Stuart (jstuart1@tampabay.rr.com), March 20, 2002.

Just curious, where are the 202, 203, 204, or 205 zip codes?

-- Richard (rvle@yahoo.com), March 20, 2002.

Richard,

These zips are in the District of Columbia vicinity.

-- Tod Hart (tghart@altavista.com), March 20, 2002.