Harman Phoenix II – A Wild Little Roll
We picked up a few rolls of Harman Phoenix II from Stavanger Foto, because curiosity got the better of us. Harman calls this their “experimental” C41 film, and honestly, it lives up to that label in every sense.
This is not your clean, clinical film stock. Phoenix II is grainy (though not as extreme as the first Phoenix), inconsistent in its range, and unpredictable in all the ways that make it both frustrating and fun. It is the kind of film that makes you loosen your grip on control and just enjoy shooting for the sake of it.
Where it really worked for me was on a bright sunny day. The colors come alive, the grain feels more like character than flaw, and the whole roll has this chaotic charm that digital could never replicate. On overcast days, it lost a bit of its energy, the tones felt flatter and less forgiving.
I have not tested it at night yet, but I have a feeling Phoenix II would absolutely thrive in a party or nightclub with a flash. It feels like the perfect “I don’t care, just capture the moment” kind of film. One for friends, fun, and memories that don’t need to look polished to feel real.
That said, if I had to choose, I would probably still reach for a roll of Kodak Gold 200. It is more reliable, the colors are classic, and it just feels like a safer bet when you want results you can trust. Phoenix II, on the other hand, is more of a mood, unpredictable, playful, and not really built for pro results.
Big thanks to Stavanger Foto for keeping our curiosity well-fed with fresh film stocks like this.
If you also wanna be adventurous, you can buy this wild little roll of film here. <—-
