Only semi-related ...
I tape audio and record video and have traveled overseas with my equipment at least 100 times over the years. Several years ago, I acquired a nice little mono-pod for my videocam. It was collapsible down to around 8-9". That thing triggered the x-ray machine operator every time I went through the security check. In spite of my desire to keep all of my gear together in one carry on bag, after going through that maybe a half dozen times, I just started packing it in my checked bag.