Red 125 Film: The Red Revolution in Photography

Harman Technology has launched a new color negative film called Red 125. This film is part of their 35mm color film series, following the success of Phoenix 200, which was released in late 2023. Red 125 is a redscale film, which means it is shot through the back of the film. This process exposes the image through the film’s base and red-sensitive layer first. The result is a unique visual effect. The film is processed using C41 chemicals. The company behind it, which also goes by the name Ilford, claims that it can turn ordinary scenes into striking images. To test this, three rolls of pre-production film were sent out. The challenge was to decide what to shoot with this distinctive film. One photographer chose to shoot a skate competition in the Netherlands in February. It was cold, and much of the event was indoors. The photographer decided to push the film 1. 75 stops, setting the ISO dial on their Canon AE-1 to 400. This allowed for faster shutter speeds. Harman recommends shooting between 100 and 200 on the Exposure Index, depending on the brightness and contrast of the scene. Indoor shooting under fluorescent lights muted the red hues, which the photographer enjoyed. Outdoor shots on overcast days had a similar effect, with less pronounced crimson tones, giving the film a sepia-like appearance. The photographer was intrigued by the cassette box text, which promised dramatic, apocalyptic-looking images. This led to a photoshoot in an abandoned factory.

Sunny days bring out the film’s red tones more intensely. The photographer found that shots taken in the shade with even lighting turned out best. Overexposure brought out more green hues, while underexposure created coarser grain and deeper reds. Harman provides a detailed datasheet for those interested in the technical aspects. The photographer also shot in Birmingham, England, capturing the Victorian canals on a sunny day. The strong sunlight enhanced the red tones, perhaps too much. In hindsight, shooting on an overcast day might have produced better results, with the film’s contrast making up for the lack of sunlight. Red 125 is for photographers who enjoy experimenting and are okay with unpredictable color tones. The final color depends on the light source and exposure settings. The photographer’s favorite shots were taken in diffused light, which transformed ordinary scenes into something special. While sunlight can overpower the film’s effect, low-contrast lighting is ideal. Red 125 is a unique film stock that can create images not possible with digital photography. It’s great for unusual portraits, distinctive landscapes, or adding a unique touch to festival or party photos. The film was processed by PPP Film Lab, which deserves a special mention.

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