Harman film

The History of Harman

Harman Technology Limited traces its roots to Alfred Harman's Britannia Works, founded in Ilford, England, in the late 1800s, which became Ilford Limited in 1902. After a period of administration in the mid-2000s, a 2005 management buyout formed Harman Technology Limited, named in tribute to the company's founder, trading as Ilford Photo and continuing to manufacture film at Mobberley, Cheshire, one of the last true film factories in the world. Harman also acquired the Kentmere film brand in 2007, and the whole operation has been owned by Pemberstone Ventures since 2015.

In December 2023, Harman did something it had never done before: it launched a colour film. Because the Ilford name is closely tied to black and white photography, the new stock was released under a distinct "Harman Photo" identity instead, Harman Phoenix 200, the first colour film ever coated at the Mobberley factory.

Harman's Camera Film Ranges

Harman Phoenix 200 is a 35mm colour negative film rated at ISO 200, though it can be shot anywhere from ISO 100 to 400, and processed using standard C-41 chemistry. It has a distinctive, high-contrast, saturated look, with visible grain and occasional halation that reflects its status as an early, experimental release from a company more used to working in black and white. It has quickly built a following among photographers who enjoy its bold, slightly unpredictable character.

Choosing the Right Harman Film

Harman Phoenix 200 is best suited to photographers who want a striking, characterful colour look rather than clean, neutral realism, think bold contrast and saturated, sometimes unexpected colour shifts. If you love Ilford's black and white heritage and want to see what the same manufacturer does in colour, this is the film to try. Compare Harman Phoenix film prices on Filmproof.