World's newest colour film developed by Cheshire manufacturer

HARMAN technology Ltd, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of analogue photographic films, darkroom papers and photo chemicals, has unveiled Phoenix 200, a limited edition ISO 200, 35mm colour film.

This is the first ever colour film made entirely from emulsion to cassette at its Mobberley factory in Knutsford, which the firm describes as ‘a significant yet incredibly exciting milestone’.

Harman Technology Limited was formed in 2005 by former managers of Ilford Imaging UK Limited.

This vibrant picture of a flower was captured by Michelle Parr using the new colour film (Image: Michelle Parr)

Managing director Greg Summers said: “We are so well known for our black and white films that we are regularly asked why we don’t make colour films.

“We always believed this wasn’t feasible but I’m delighted to say we were wrong!”

This white-washed house was captured by Matt Parry (Image: Matt Parry)

In late 2022, a small team was tasked with a secret ‘skunk works’ project to see whether they could design, coat, and manufacture a colour film.

“It was initially an experiment to explore what was possible but what we achieved in such a short space of time is quite remarkable,” said Greg.

This picture of a camper van was taken using the new colour film (Image: James Cooper)

The new brand is called HARMAN Phoenix, an ISO 200 colour negative film with an unmistakably analogue look.

It produces high contrast images with strong, visible grain and punchy, vibrant colours.

This picture of a girl on a beach was captured using the new Phoenix 200 colour film (Image: Dan Rubin)

It comes in a 36 exposure DX coded cassette and can be rated between ISO 100 and 400 but performs best at ISO 200 in good, consistent light, with the possibility of halation.

Giles Branthwaite, sales and marketing director, said: “We think this is unlike any other colour film on the market.

“As it is our first, we also recognise it is not perfect, but the film community is crying out for choice when it comes to colour and we want them to know we are listening.”

The new HARMAN Phoenix 200 is available now at a selection of retail outlets (Image: HARMAN Technology Ltd)

The development of this new film comes after significant ongoing investment by HARMAN technology and is a sign of their ongoing commitment to the future of analogue photography.

Giles added: “This is just the beginning of HARMAN’s colour journey. “Sales from this film will allow us to further invest, refine, and improve our formulations, coating capabilities and colour technology.

“Our aim is that each new colour film we produce is an improvement on the previous.”

HARMAN Phoenix 200 is available from various retailers.

For more details visit harmanphoto.co.uk

Harman Technology Limited was formed in 2005 by former managers of Ilford Imaging UK Limited.