Harman Red 125 Film Review: Paint the Town Red
When it comes to color film, Harman Technology’s recent releases have ignited a spark of excitement among photography enthusiasts. Following the success of Phoenix 200 in late 2023, the newly launched Harman Red 125 is carving its own niche in the realm of 35mm color negative film with its distinct redscale features. Curious about this innovative film that claims to transform everyday scenes into dystopian masterpieces? Let’s dive deeper into its intricacies.
The Unveiling of Harman Red 125
Harman’s introduction of the Harman Red 125 builds on its predecessors while promising a visually arresting experience. What sets this film apart is its redscale design. In essence, you’re shooting through the back of the film, exposing your image through its base and red-sensitive layer first. This process yields a mesmerizing red hue that varies dramatically based on your exposure settings and lighting conditions.
With a processing requirement of C41 chemicals, this UK-based brand, also known for their Ilford products, ensures high-quality results that are quite the contrast from the previously released Phoenix 200, which offered a wine-infused tone.
Experimenting with the Film
Harman generously provided me with three rolls of pre-production Red 125, creating a tapestry of possibilities in my photography. The true challenge? Deciding what to shoot with this strikingly rouge film. Inspiration struck as I found myself at a skate competition in the Netherlands, perfectly timed to test the film’s capabilities in both artificial light and natural settings.
The film arrived just as I was leaving for a skate competition in the Netherlands, so naturally, I took it with me.
Light and Exposure: The Balancing Act
One of the defining features of the Harman Red 125 is its exposure range, which spans from 50 to 400 ISO. However, the company’s recommendation for optimal results rests between 100 and 200 ISO. During my shooting spree, I opted to push the film to ISO 400, a maneuver that increased my shutter speed, a crucial adjustment for the dim arena where the skate competition took place.
Harman highlights that underexposure can produce grainier textures and more pronounced reds, while overexposure can lead to finer grains and softer shades. My experimentation showed that different settings offered varying interpretations of the film’s unique red hue.
The Results: A Stunning Collection
Capturing images indoors amidst fluorescent lighting muted the radiant reds of the film, still delivering a vintage vibe I found appealing. However, under natural light, the results were exquisite, with outdoor shots almost appearing sepia-toned due to the overcast conditions of the Netherlands. The subtle play of light and shadow offered a unique charm, reminiscent of apocalyptic imagery.
The skate competition was an ideal opportunity to see how the film fared under pressure.
During this experimentation, I couldn’t help but lean into the film’s apocalyptic potential. Armed with my camera and a roll of Harman Red 125, I explored an abandoned factory. The juxtaposition of decay and vivid color made for a striking narrative in the photos.
Conclusion: Is It Worth Your Attention?
Harman Red 125 is undeniably a treat for photographers with a penchant for experimentation and creativity. Its unpredictable tones, depending on exposure and lighting, mean no two images will ever be the same. For those daring enough to embrace the uncertainty and beauty this film offers, the results can be transformative.
Should You Buy It?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a film that encourages creativity and experimentation, Harman Red 125 won’t disappoint. It captures unique landscapes, stunning portraits, and offbeat festival moments with ease and flair. With its exceptional ability to bring mundane scenes to life, it’s a film worth exploring in various settings.
A special shoutout to PPP Film Lab for expertly processing the rolls, enhancing the final images’ brilliant luminosity.
Image credits: Photographs by Matt Growcoot
