# Pinhole Assist — lightmeter with reciprocity

> Pinhole photography light meter and exposure calculator with reciprocity compensation. (iPhone/iPad app by Le bord de la piscine.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pinhole-assist/id466757473 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Le bord de la piscine](https://appshunter.io/developer/456593417)
- Category: Photo & Video, Utilities
- Price: $2.99
- Rating: 4.90/5 from 19 App Store ratings · 45 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 15.6 · 9 MB
- Languages: American English, French (France)
- Released: 2011-09-30
- Data updated: 2026-09-03
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pinhole-assist/id466757473/reviews.md

## What is Pinhole Assist?

*** Feb 8, 2019 "My favorite pinhole app!!  "This is my go to app for pinhole photography…this has made getting good results much easier…" bizzy
*** Dec 16, 2016. "Wow. This app blew me away with its features and calculations (especially reciprocity fail). - Horacekenneth
*** Feb 19, 2014 Wonderful!! "This app is perfect for the pinhole photographer in the field. I love that I can save settings for all my cameras and recall them instantly in the moment. - Papskier"
***  So useful! May 26, 2013 "This takes the guesswork out of exposure calculation, since it turns your iPhone into a light meter and suggests the correct exposure! Works like a charm. Great app for pinhole photographers."
***  May 16, 2012 : "Pretty much the perfect app for pinhole", Gavin Lucas 
***  March 26, 2012 "Pinhole photography - Great app! This will make pinhole photography much simpler to do", Zone v 
***  November 28, 2011 "Great solution !! - Thank you for this Pinhole timing app. I have many different pinhole cameras and this will help me figure timing on all of them. Thank you !!Greg." 

Pinhole Assist will be your companion to argentic and numeric pinhole, as well as view camera photography and wet-plate . The range of aperture and sensitivity (starting at 0.05 ASA ) allows for film, photo paper, wet-plate and as well as pinhole. 

* Built-in camera computes exposure; 
* alternatively enter EV reading for any lightmeter
* or enter time metering to compute reciprocity effect.
* Use built-in exposition timer and bubble level for optimal shot; 
* The light meter has a spot-meter feature and allows for incident metering;
* Enter your camera aperture from the predefined list (170+ pinhole cameras) or compute it; 
* Let the assistant automatically compensate for reciprocity of film (correction for long exposures, 60+ different curves included), or use your own curves. 
* Save, restore and presets (combos) : aperture, predefined cameras, ASA and reciprocity settings 
• 30+ builtin filters (red, ND…), add your own, mafast acess  your favorites ,
* Log shot information : preview, exposure, metering, location, interactive map , date and a shot. Export as picture, CSV or JSON file.

You can create film and set reciprocity curve from within Pinhole Assist. Crete new ones, or tweak existing ones. 

Use iTunes (on Mac/PC) to import/export access the films you created, or exchange them via email m curves (Go to the app Web Site for instructions)

* timer usability : now tapping the chrono icon directly starts the timer starting the chronometer automatically create a log. 
*  Combos :  edit for your camera+ film combination (combo) the aperture or the predefined camera, as well as film speed and reciprocity.
* Choosing a film reciprocity now sets the film speed. 
* 119 different films, including Multigrade paper and Harman positive paper
* 300+ different pinhole and zone plate cameras : Ondu, Diana, Holga, Sténoflex, Reality soSubtle, Lensless, Ilford, Stenopéika, Vermeer, 8banners, ZeroImage, Leonardo, Carlos, Nopo, Spiral, Sharan…

Any other camera can be accommodated. 

Go to the Settings to :
* adjust scales can be by ½ EV or ⅓ EV,
* enable bellow correction: a button will appear on the main screen to allow bellow adjustment, allowing to use view cameras;
* adjust the cell and incident metering constant;
* start the timer automatically or not;
* adjust log behavior.


Please note: this is not a camera app: it does not take picture. This is a sophisticated exposure calculator to take argentic (ou DSLR) shots with an pinhole camera.

## Key features

- Light meter with spot and incident metering
- Exposure calculation with reciprocity compensation
- Built-in exposition timer and bubble level
- Save and recall camera and film settings
- Extensive library of pinhole cameras and films
- Log shot information and export data

## Chart rankings

- #79 in Top Paid · Photo & Video (US App Store)

## Recent user reviews (10 of 45)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pinhole-assist/id466757473/reviews.md

### 5/5 — I use it every time

*2026-01-02, version 4.39*

This app is great for metering, getting a view of the picture the pinhole makes, and incorporating reciprocity curves. Even works with slide film (which is known for being tough to meter). I recommend it to everyone. 

The only potential feedback I could give would be to match the zoom and shape) square vs rectangle) to the image size and focal length, and maybe to allow a “blurry” view to better anticipate what the pinhole camera might capture.

### 4/5 — Great But Room for Improvement

*2025-09-06, version 4.37*

This is really the best pinhole light metering app out there, and I can’t knock it. I make my own pinhole cameras, and I need the option to manually enter my own f stop if it does not appear on pulldown list. Otherwise very well done!

### 5/5 — Essential for pinhole photographers

*2025-08-19*

I’ve been using the app for more than 3 years. My absolute recommendation for all enthusiasts of pinhole photography. A must have

### 5/5 — Very nice app!

*2024-12-27, version 4.35*

Very helpful app for pinhole photos. The metering works well and it is easy to find and use aperture and film data. Timer helps a lot also. 

Good support, though  I needed extra steps because developer uses Facebook for support. [I don’t like being tracked by Facebook and refuse to install or use it.] Developer responded quickly after I used my review to request support.

### 4/5 — Need support without facebook

*2024-12-23*

I do not and will never have a facebook account, but I do need support. 
The app crashes within 5-10 seconds after I open it. After several tries, I deleted and re-installed the app but still getting same crashes. Can’t use app at all now.

iOS 17.6.1

Please fix…

**Developer response:** Please contact us at contact.leborddelapiscine@gmail.com for support. Version 4.35, published mid October fixed a very similar problem. Please check that you updated to the latest version, and send us a mail.

### 4/5 — App Crashing on iPad Pro

*2024-04-27*

The App looks really good, but can’t really use it. As soon as I change any values it crashes on iPad Pro (9,7”), ios 16.7.7
Installed twice, just the same thing happens. Such a pity…

### 5/5 — Absolutely fantastic for Pinhole!

*2023-05-28*

I've used this app for a couple years now, and have seen many improvements over time. The combination of having a whole lot of camera presets built in, along with reciprocity failure calculation for a huge list of films, there's not really anything more I could ask to add. This is an absolute must have app if you're serious about nailing exposure in some tricky situations. Very, very flexible and adaptable to just about any scenario!

### 5/5 — Le compagnon du sténopiste

*2022-07-03*

J'utilise cette appli depuis des années pour déterminer les temps de pose avec différents appareils à sténopé et les résultats sont parfaits.

### 5/5 — Very useful

*2021-08-31, version 4.17*

I’m relatively new to pinhole photography. Currently using Thingyfy lenses on my EOS 5D MKIV. I tried out this app for the first time today. With all parameters set correctly,  I was able to get good exposures the first time.  You have to covert the aperture diameters to f stops. Then you are ready to go. I was able to get good images with long exposures at ISO 100. Very pleased. Thanks.

### 5/5 — Works great.

*2021-02-04, version 4.14*

Really like this app

## Frequently asked questions about Pinhole Assist

### What does Pinhole Assist do?

Pinhole Assist functions as a light meter and exposure calculator specifically designed for pinhole, view camera, and wet-plate photography. It helps photographers determine the correct exposure settings by analyzing light conditions and accounting for factors like reciprocity failure.

### What are the key features of Pinhole Assist?

Key features include a built-in light meter with spot and incident metering capabilities, an exposure calculator that compensates for reciprocity failure, an exposition timer, a bubble level, and the ability to save and recall settings for various cameras and films.

### How much does Pinhole Assist cost?

Based on the provided information, Pinhole Assist is a paid application. There are no mentions of in-app purchases or advertisements, suggesting a one-time purchase model.

### What types of photography is Pinhole Assist suitable for?

This app is ideal for argentic and numeric pinhole photography, as well as view camera photography and wet-plate processes. It supports a wide range of aperture and sensitivity settings suitable for film, photo paper, and wet-plate.

### Can I use my own film or camera settings?

Yes, Pinhole Assist allows you to create your own film types and set custom reciprocity curves. You can also tweak existing curves and save your custom settings for specific camera and film combinations, known as 'combos'.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 4.40 — 2026-03-24

We regularly update and enhance the application, for better and nicer pinhole shots.
New features and enhancements: 
* code optimization
* new camera presets: Ranica Mir 35A, 7F, 9F, 9|6F and 12F


327 camera presets and 122 films available!
If you don't find your favorite film or camera, contact us. We will implement it.

### 4.39 — 2025-12-21

We regularly update and enhance the application, for better and nicer pinhole shots.
New features and enhancements: 
* code optimization
* compatibility with iOS 15/16/17/18/26
* new films: Kentmere PAN 200
* updated films : Kodak Ektachrome 100, Kodak Ektachrome 200
* renamed films : previous "Ektachrome 64 (4x5)/64 T (4x5)/100 (4x5)/200 (4x5)" now prefixed with Kodachrome. These are old data. The now Ektachrome 100 & 200 should be used preferably
* renamed films : Kentmere K100 and K400 now are called Kentmere PAN 100 and Kentmere PAN 400

322 camera presets and 122 films available!
If you don't find your favorite film or camera, contact us. We will implement it.

### 4.38 — 2025-09-09

We regularly update and enhance the application, for better and nicer pinhole shots.
New features and henhancements: 
* code optimization
* compatibility with iOS 15/16/17/18 + 26
* new film: Frankenstein 200 BW 4x5

322 camera presets and 119 films available!
If you don't find your favorite film or camera, contact us. We will implement it.

### 4.37 — 2025-05-28

We regularly update and enhance the application, for better and nicer pinhole shots.
Enhancements: 
* new cameras: Mia mezzaluna 617, Mia 617m 3p, Tinako Agfa Clack Pinhole, Tinako Smena Symbol Pinhole, Tinako selfmade Pinhole


322 camera presets and 118 films available!
If you don't find your favorite film or camera, contact us. We will implement it.

### 4.36 — 2025-03-30

We regularly update and enhance the application, for better and nicer pinhole shots.
* fixed alarm sound delay in the timer


317 camera presets and 118 films available!
If you don't find your favorite film or camera, contact us. We will implement it.

## Apps similar to Pinhole Assist

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [MyGIF - GIF from Video!](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mygif-gif-from-video/id912434220) | 4.4 (7) | Free | Photo & Video |
| [Drawing -All in One Photo Effects Crazy Cool Image Application with Emojis & Emoticons](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/drawing-all-in-one-photo-effects-crazy-cool-image-application-with-emojis-and-emoticons/id863120720) | — | $0.99 | Photo & Video |
| [Denoise: AI Noise Remover](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/denoise-ai-noise-remover/id946423200) | 4.7 (18) | Free | Photo & Video |
| [Video Rotation: Flip and rotate videos](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/video-rotation-flip-and-rotate-videos/id904379060) | 3.5 (10) | $0.99 | Photo & Video |
| [Light Magick](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/light-magick/id827111620) | 1.0 (1) | Free | Photo & Video |
| [foolcontrol](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/foolcontrol/id888231700) | 4.1 (19) | $99.99 | Photo & Video |

## More apps by Le bord de la piscine

- [WiFiMIDI](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wifimidi/id456593414)
- [Reciprocity Plus](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reciprocity-plus/id898649178)
- [Calibration Plus](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/calibration-plus/id1414916538)

All apps by Le bord de la piscine: https://appshunter.io/developer/456593417

## Related topics

[pinhole assist](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/pinhole-assist) · [pinhole](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/pinhole) · [pinhole meter](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/pinhole-meter) · [pinholecam](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/pinholecam) · [silverlog pinhole](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/silverlog-pinhole)

---

*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-03.*