Harman Phoenix II - 120 Medium Format Colour Negative Film
The sequel, now in medium format. Experimental colour film meets larger negatives.
Harman Phoenix II is an entirely new second-generation colour film with completely redesigned emulsion, new dyes, new couplers, and an experimental layer construct—now available in 120 medium format for photographers who want that distinctive Phoenix character with the benefits of larger negatives. Building on the original Phoenix's experimental spirit, Phoenix II offers improved contrast, finer grain, better sharpness, more accurate colour palette, enhanced highlight detail, improved shadow retention, and easier scanning. This is ISO 200 C-41 colour film from Harman Technology (the people behind Ilford) in medium format, bringing genuine innovation to your Hasselblad, Mamiya, or Rolleiflex. If you loved the original's unpredictability, Phoenix II offers a more refined version. If you found Phoenix I challenging, this addresses those concerns while keeping the experimental character.
What's New in Generation Two (Now in 120)
ISO 200 - Medium speed for versatile shooting. Works in good daylight, handles overcast conditions, and gives you enough flexibility for general photography without requiring perfect light.
Medium Format Excellence - The improved grain structure, sharpness, and tonal range that make Phoenix II special are even more impressive with 120's larger negative size. More detail, smoother gradations, and that experimental colour palette with better technical foundation.
Completely New Emulsion - Every layer and component has been redesigned and reengineered. New formulation from the ground up, because Harman is committed to genuine innovation rather than just repackaging existing stocks.
Improved Contrast - Better tonal separation with enhanced shadow detail and highlight retention. More controlled look while maintaining character, especially noticeable in medium format's tonal range.
Finer Grain - Significantly improved grain structure that looks particularly good in medium format. Still has personality, but now it's more refined and intentional rather than overwhelming the image.
Better Sharpness - Improved detail rendering and edge definition. Images have more clarity and precision while keeping that distinctive Phoenix look—amplified by medium format's resolution.
More Accurate Colour Palette - Colours that render more faithfully to the scene (for most colours, scanner dependent). Still distinctive, but more predictable and manageable.
Improved Exposure Latitude - More forgiving when your metering isn't perfect, though Phoenix II still rewards accurate exposure. Wider latitude means more successful frames from varied shooting conditions.
Better Lab Scanning - Scans more accurately at default settings, though some contrast and colour adjustments are still recommended for best results. Less rescue work, more refinement.
Experimental Layer Construct - Harman is doing genuinely experimental work here. This isn't just repackaged film—it's active R&D that you can shoot and support, now in medium format.
C-41 Processing - Standard colour negative chemistry. Any lab can develop this without confusion or special handling.
Best For
Medium format photographers who loved Phoenix I's experimental character but wanted more refinement, experimental colour photography with better technical foundation, supporting genuinely new film development, and anyone who believes the film industry needs innovation alongside the classics.
Perfect for: trying something genuinely new in medium format colour film, embracing experimental emulsions that are evolving, supporting Harman's R&D efforts, and getting distinctive results that don't look like every other colour stock while maintaining better technical quality with the benefits of larger negatives.
Perfect for medium format shooters who value innovation and evolution. Phoenix II in 120 proves that experimental film can improve while keeping its distinctive character, and medium format is the perfect canvas for it.