Harman Phoenix II 200 Film Review

Here is our Harman Phoenix II 200 Film Review. We shot a roll in our Contax G2. So, take a look at our film review and see what you think.

At the end of 2023, Harman brought out a brand new colour film: Harman Phoenix 200. It was the first colour film made entirely in the UK, from emulsion to cassette, at the Harman factory. As a true first effort, it had the unmistakable traits of an experimental film, and Harman made it clear from the start that it was just the beginning. Now, as promised, the updated version has landed. Welcome to Phoenix II!

Of course, we wanted to try it out. For our Harman Phoenix II 200 film review, we put a roll in our Contax G2 and took it out around the City of London.

Finer Grain, Sharper Results

Compared to the first iteration, Phoenix II still has plenty of personality, but with improvements across the board. You’ll notice finer, smoother grain, improved sharpness, better highlight and shadow retention, plus more controlled contrast. The halation is still present in the highlights, giving bright areas that glowing, slightly otherworldly feel. But the overall look is more refined this time around.

Colours are still far from “true to life” (you’ll find hints of pink and green in the midtones) but they’re more subtle and better balanced than before. That distinct palette gives Phoenix II its character, and if you shoot with that in mind, you can get some really striking results.

The Journey Continues

We were really happy with how Phoenix II performed, and we’re excited to see where Harman takes this next. It’s rare to see a brand-new colour film hit the market, especially one built from the ground up in the UK.

As with the original Phoenix, sales of this film will help fund future improvements. Harman aims to keep refining their colour film with each new release, and we’re here for it.

So if you’re curious about what comes next, play your part and shoot a roll or two!

Film: Harman Phoenix II 200
Format: 35mm
Rated at: 200 ISO
Shot on: Contax G2
Location: City of London
Developed and Scanned: Photofusion