New Film: Harman Technology Introduces RED

A Unique Take on Color Photography

Text and photos by Marwan El Mozayen / SilvergrainClassics

Harman Technology releases its RED color film on Valentine’s Day – the Harman RED! This is not a new emulsion but rather a creative adaptation of their existing Phoenix film, designed to produce deep reds, warm oranges, and golden tones through a controlled redscale process.

Unlike do-it-yourself redscale methods that can lead to inconsistencies and scratches, Harman’s professional approach ensures a high-quality film that delivers consistent results. We spoke with Matt Parry, Head of Marketing from Harman, who shared insights into the challenges of creating a reliable redscale film that meets the standards of today’s photographers.

At SilvergrainClassics, we tested Harman RED using a Widelux panoramic camera, a Leica M3, and a Leicaflex SL2 loaded with Kodak Gold for a direct comparison. The results showcased the unique characteristics of redscale photography, providing an alternative, artistic interpretation of familiar scenes.

Early Test Findings

Widelux Panoramic Camera

The landscapes exhibited a dramatic shift in tone, with skies appearing in rich reds and golden highlights adding an atmospheric effect.

Leica M3

The mid-tones leaned towards warm hues, while highlights had a subtle amber quality. Skin tones appeared artistic rather than purely natural, making it an interesting option for creative portraiture.

Leicaflex SL2 (Kodak Gold Comparison)

Side-by-side, Kodak Gold presented a faithful color rendering, while Harman RED introduced a more stylized, dreamlike appearance, highlighting the film’s ability to evoke mood and emotion.

Outlook

For a deeper look into ISO settings, color shifts, and detailed test results including more example photos, stay tuned for our full review in SilvergrainClassics Issue 26, available to order from early March.

Interested in experimenting with a fresh approach to color film? Stay tuned for our complete review and consider trying Harman RED for a different perspective on photography. Transcontinenta, Germany are the distributor for Harman RED.