In an exciting development for analog photographers, Harman has introduced its latest film stock: HARMAN RED 125. This unique redscale film is built upon the foundation of the Harman Phoenix emulsion but delivers a distinctive colour palette and shooting experience that sets it apart from other redscale films on the market.
Understanding Redscale Film
For those unfamiliar, redscale film involves exposing the film through the base side rather than the emulsion side. Traditionally, colour negative film is constructed with multiple light-sensitive layers: blue, green, and red. When exposed normally, light hits the blue layer first, followed by green, and finally red. However, when shooting redscale, this process is reversed. Light hits the red layer first, with much of the blue being filtered out, resulting in images dominated by warm tones: deep reds, oranges, and occasional hints of yellow or green.
Harman Red 125: What Makes It Different?
Harman Red 125 breaks from the conventional C-41 redscale mold. Unlike typical redscale stocks derived from standard colour films with an orange mask, Red 125 is based on the Harman Phoenix emulsion, which features a light blue base. This eliminates the orange mask found in standard C-41 films, drastically reducing the overexposure requirement. While traditional redscale film often needs 2-3 stops of overexposure, Harman Red 125 requires only one stop, making it more versatile and easier to meter in varied lighting conditions.
Shooting Experience and Results
When shot at box speed, Harman Red 125 delivers rich, moody reds with strong contrast. The intensity of the reds is more pronounced compared to other redscale films, creating a distinctive aesthetic. At times, the images can resemble a monochromatic red-and-black film, with occasional highlights showing subtle greens when overexposed. This contrast-heavy look may appeal to photographers seeking a more dramatic take on redscale.
Photo taken by Ishkhan Ghazarian
Scanning Considerations: RGB Light vs. White Light Scanners
Scanning redscale film can significantly impact the final appearance of your images, with the choice of scanner and its light source playing a crucial role. Some high-end scanners, such as the Fujifilm Frontier SP3000 and the Nikon Super Coolscan 9000 ED, utilize separate red, green, and blue (RGB) lights during scanning. This RGB light scanning approach can enhance colour separation and reveal subtle tonal nuances, particularly in redscale film, where colour layers are exposed in reverse.
In contrast, most other scanners, including popular models like the Noritsu HS1800, use a standard white light source. While capable, white light scanning can sometimes lead to flatter results, colour casts, or require additional adjustments when working with redscale negatives.
Photographers who have compared scans from RGB light scanners and white light scanners often note that the RGB method produces richer reds, smoother gradients, and better retention of subtle greens and yellows in redscale images. This difference can be particularly noticeable with redscale film, where accurate colour interpretation is more challenging due to the unconventional exposure process.
Ultimately, both scanning methods can yield great results, but understanding how light sources affect colour reproduction can help photographers achieve their desired aesthetic when working with Harman Red 125.
Photo taken by Hao Cui
Comparing Red 125 to Harman Phoenix
Given its origin in the Harman Phoenix emulsion, it is natural to compare Red 125 with Phoenix. Some photographers have tested this by flipping Red 125 to shoot it as a standard colour film, revealing results similar to Phoenix, though slight variations suggest possible batch differences or storage conditions. While this exploration remains largely anecdotal, it highlights the experimental nature of both films and their appeal to those eager to push creative boundaries.
Final Thoughts
Harman Red 125 is a bold addition to the redscale film lineup. Its distinctive emulsion, lower overexposure requirement, and convenience as a pre-loaded redscale film make it a versatile choice for both seasoned photographers and those new to redscale. Whether capturing moody reds at box speed or exploring richer tones with pulled exposures, Red 125 offers a unique opportunity to see the world through a different spectrum.
For those looking to elevate their results further, pairing Harman Red 125 with a Fujifilm Frontier scanner can unlock its full potential, ensuring your redscale adventures are captured in their best light. If you’re ready to explore beyond conventional colour and black-and-white film, Harman Red 125 is well worth a roll in your camera.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR – Neil Guo
Neil Guo, co-founder of Graination, Canadian photographer, holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Photography and has spent the past 14 years specializing in Fine Art Photography, Darkroom Processes, and Fine Art Printing.
