In the last few months of 2023, the big social media thing in film photgraphy was from Harman Technology (the Ilford parent company) and the news of a new and experimental colour film. Phoenix 200 launched in a blaze of grain, contrast, and orangey, bluey, shadowy glory. From numerous blogs and youtube vids, it was going to have grain, loss of shadow detail and maybe best shot at ISO 100.
As Ireland was in it’s 5 month grey season, I took a roll to Spain for a bit of sunshine and shot it with the Revueflex SD1 – the Chinon M42 clone – all manual with battery needed only for the meter.
The results? Yes it’s grainy and a bit soft. Despite the bright weather and sunshine, shooting at 100 worked well. And the colours are interesting.
Phoenix packaging is bright orange – so reds and oranges sit out.
A few shots were taken out of the sunlight in the shaded narrow street. Phoenix subdues accordingly
And on the theme of drink, there’s plenty of options
Phoenix definitely has a unique look and I would shoot it again – but only in bright, sunny weather. It really needs bright light and colour and yes – shoot it at 100. It does have more grain than something like Kodak Gold or the various cine variants and I think it would struggle in a dull wintery Ireland. No need for this type of colour film when it’s all grey.
The roll was developed by Analogue Wonderland who are wonderful.
Late Developer 