1. An X-ray imaging device for imaging a sample, wherein the sample is within an X-ray shielded volume comprising: a) an X-ray source capable of emitting an X-ray beam within a beam path to illuminate the sample; b) a source beam shield connected to the X-ray source; c) an X-ray detector connected to an exit shield shielding an X-ray beam emerging from the sample; d) a first volume shield defining an elongated generally convex receptacle for receiving a first portion of the sample, and having therein a transverse elongated shielding portion slidably coupled to said source beam shield; and e) a second volume shield defining an elongated generally convex receptacle for receiving a second portion of the sample, and having therein a transverse elongated shielding portion slidably coupled to said exit shield; whereby the sample may extend beyond the first and second volume shields, and whereby these shields may be brought into contacting opposition to provide an x-ray shielded volume containing at least a portion of the sample, the emitted x-ray beam and the emerging x-ray beam.