Harman Phoenix 200 II – A New Chapter in Color Film

Harman Photo has released the second generation of its color negative film: Phoenix 200 II. This is one of the most exciting developments in modern film photography – a thoughtful evolution of the wild, experimental Phoenix 200. While the new version retains much of the original’s bold, artistic character, it brings noticeable improvements in performance, consistency, and versatility. The original Phoenix 200 was known for being hit or miss, but when it worked, the results were pretty good – earning it a cult following among photographers drawn to its distinctive, one-of-a-kind aesthetic.

Introducing Phoenix 200 II – Refined, Yet Still Unique

Released on July 16, 2025, Phoenix 200 II is more than just an update – it’s a complete reworking of Harman’s first attempt at color film. While it keeps the artistic edge that made the original stand out, this new version addresses many of its technical challenges, making it more forgiving, versatile, and better suited for a wider range of shooting styles. It’s still uniquely Phoenix – but now it’s more usable than ever.

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• More forgiving exposure latitude: Much easier to meter and handle in varying lighting conditions
• Improved shadow detail: Better exposure latitude and lower contrast make it more versatile
• Refined grain: While still noticeable, the grain is less harsh than before
• Subtler color rendering: Still unique but more balanced, especially in skin tones
• New color palette: Slight magenta shift helps offset the original’s extreme warmth

This new version is better suited for portraits, with more natural skin tones and smoother tonal transitions. It retains a unique character but is now more accessible to a wider range of photographers.

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Side by Side Comparison: Phoenix 200 vs. Phoenix 200 II

In our blog, you’ll find a dedicated section comparing side by side results from the original Phoenix 200 and Phoenix 200 II, including both 35mm and 120 format images.

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While taste will always be subjective, our team prefers Phoenix 200 II – especially in 120 format, where the results are even more refined and consistent.

Feature	Phoenix 200 (Original)	Phoenix 200 II
Exposure Latitude	Very low	Significantly improved
Contrast	High	Lower, more balanced
Skin Tones	Harsh and saturated	Softer, more natural
Color Palette	Warm, funky, high-sat	Cooler magenta tones, subtle
Grain	Coarse	Finer (still very noticeable, but better)
Shadow Detail	Limited	Still low but much improved

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A Brief History and Why It Matters

When Harman Phoenix 200 first launched in late 2023, it marked a major milestone: the first brand new color negative film created entirely from scratch in over a decade. Developed by Harman – the same company behind the iconic Ilford black and white films – Phoenix 200 wasn’t just a repackaged emulsion. It was something completely original.

What made the original Phoenix 200 stand out was its bold and experimental character. It featured:

• High saturation with a strong lean toward warm tones
• Very noticeable grain for a 200 ISO film
• Low exposure latitude, making accurate metering essential
• Funky and unpredictable color shifts that some photographers loved – and others didn’t

For many, Phoenix 200 was a hit or miss film. But when it hit, it created images unlike anything else being made. Its wild, artistic look quickly found a cult following among photographers who love pushing creative boundaries.

But perhaps what matters most is that Harman didn’t stop there.

Even if Phoenix isn’t your go to film, it’s hard not to admire what Harman is doing. The fact that a major film manufacturer is actively researching, developing, and releasing new color film in 2025 is a huge win for the film photography community. Every new version they release is a reminder that film is not just surviving – it’s evolving.

This kind of innovation and dedication gives us hope that film photography has a bright future ahead.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been thinking about trying Phoenix 200 II, now is a great time to jump in. This second-generation color negative film from Harman builds on the bold, experimental legacy of the original while offering real improvements in exposure latitude, shadow detail, and overall usability. Whether you’re shooting portraits, landscapes, or just exploring creatively, Phoenix 200 II delivers a look that’s unlike anything else currently being made. It’s expressive, atmospheric, and a little unpredictable – in the best way. And thanks to the Film Photography Project, you can pick it up FilmPhotographyStore.com for less than any other retailer online.

We’ve been working closely with this film since the original version launched, and over time we’ve fine-tuned our development and scanning process to help bring out its best qualities. All Phoenix 200 II rolls developed at The Darkroom are scanned on our Noritsu HS-1800. Whether you’re new to Phoenix or giving it another shot, we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the results.

This film might not be for everyone, and it’s definitely not a “safe” choice – but that’s what makes it special. In a world of polished, predictable stocks, Phoenix 200 II stands out. It’s a reminder that film photography is still evolving – and that companies like Harman are investing in its future. If you shoot a roll, don’t forget to tag us on Instagram @thedarkroomlab – we’d love to see what you create.