Reciprocity Timer vs Luxilux Light Meter
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Reciprocity Timer
This app helps film photographers calculate exposure compensation for reciprocity failure. It offers a standard version for basic calculations and a pro version with advanced features like note-taking and custom film databases. It also includes an exposure timer and filter compensation tools.
- Reciprocity compensation calculations
- Exposure timer
- Filter compensation slider
- Note-keeping feature
- Custom film and camera databases
- Film stock favorites
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Manage your film photography from start to finish! Reciprocity Timer has 2 Version - the "Standard" Version does NOT include advanced features but can be used to calculate reciprocity on a range of common films. The "Pro" Version is available for an additional $9.99 USD (via in-app-purchase) unlocks a range of advanced features. The initial purchase price allows you to calculate reciprocity for all the films included by selecting an observed exposure time. This $1.99 US non-pro version is suitable for people who just need to calculate an exposure that includes reciprocity adjustments for commonly used films. It will suit many users who don't require or need to upgrade to the pro version for features like note keeping or a camera database etc. It's most suitable if you are new to film. More advanced film users and photographers may want to pay to upgrade after their initial purchase to the pro version. If you use a pro-feature you'll be prompted to upgrade for an additional $9.99 US. This will unlock all the additional features including the Zone Editor, Note, Camera and Film Holder database as well as custom films and filters. There is no need to upgrade if you just want to calculate and time reciprocity for a particular film and you always use the same camera. The app includes in-app purchase to unlock pro features including a note-keeping feature, the ability to add custom films and the ability to select often used film stock as favorites. Once you upgrade then the one app does it all - notes, filters, exposure calculations, custom films, zone system editor, film holder management as well as the reciprocity math! A comprehensive film reciprocity calculator for photographers. Select a film type and metered exposure time - the calculator will provide a reciprocity compensated exposure time. The app includes an exposure timer so you can time your long exposures. You can also use a slider to adjust exposure when you have filters attached. The app supports a wide range of film stocks and allows the user to add various common exposure filters such as NDs and Polarizers. Keep detailed notes and share them. Share your adjusted exposure times with colleagues. This app makes film photography a breeze. You may need to setup Reciprocity Timer in Settings -> Notification Center to ensure the app's timer can notify you when exposures are ending and your device is asleep. Watch companion app now included. To install the app use the Apple Watch App on your phone. Ensure your watch and phone are paired an unlocked and scroll down the list of available apps to Reciprocity Timer. Select Install. You can also turn on "Automatically Install Apps".
Luxilux Light Meter
This app functions as a portable light meter for photographers, especially those using film cameras without built-in meters. It allows for precise exposure readings, offers various shooting modes, and lets you save your settings with preview images.
- Average and spot metering
- Aperture priority mode
- Shutter priority mode
- Manual exposure mode
- Save exposure settings with photos
- Customizable camera profiles
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You like using your old film camera but it doesn't have a built-in light meter? The built-in meter is broken or requires special batteries? With Luxilux you always have a light meter in your pocket. --- METERING --- Luxilux will take an average reading of the image you see in the preview. Specify the area for the meter reading even more accurately by zooming in or out. If your device has two or three back cameras, you can switch between them. You can also tap on points of interest to expose correctly for them. --- MODES --- Use Luxilux in aperture priority mode (Av) by choosing the ISO and aperture, and Luxilux will calculate the right shutter speed to get a proper exposure. Use it in shutter priority mode (Tv) by choosing the ISO and the shutter speed, and Luxilux will calculate the right aperture to get a proper exposure. Manual mode (M) lets you change all values and shows you how much they differ from the calculated optimal exposure. --- SAVE EXPOSURES --- Tap "Save" and the currently selected settings are saved alongside a preview image into your photo library. If you give location permission you can also save where the measurement was taken. You can view your saved photos in Luxilux or in the Photos app. --- PROFILES --- You can choose between full stops, half stops or third stops for ISO, aperture and shutter speed. Specify the minimum and maximum values that your combination of camera, lens and film supports. Save these settings in profiles so you can quickly recall them.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: Luxilux Light Meter at 78% against Reciprocity Timer's 33%. Luxilux Light Meter also leads on rating (4.9 vs 2.5) and in-app purchases (none vs 1). Reciprocity Timer's advantage is price ($1.99 vs $5.99) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 16.0). On update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Reciprocity Timer costs $1.99 and Luxilux Light Meter $5.99 up front. Reciprocity Timer sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Luxilux Light Meter asks for nothing beyond the download.
Luxilux Light Meter holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 2.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Luxilux Light Meter has 75 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 33% of Reciprocity Timer's written reviews are positive against 78% of Luxilux Light Meter's.
Reciprocity Timer ships an update every 2 months, Luxilux Light Meter every 6 weeks. Both last shipped on October 20, 2026.
| Parameter | Reciprocity Timer | Luxilux Light Meter |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1.99 — better | $5.99 |
| Rating | 2.5 (4 ratings) | 4.9 (75 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 33.3% of reviews | 77.8% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 4 | 75 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 6 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 — better | 16.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 28 MB | 4 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Pump Interactive | Christian Lobach |
Customer experience
Reciprocity Timer
Luxilux Light Meter
In-app purchases
Reciprocity Timer
- Reciprocity Timer Pro$9.99
Luxilux Light Meter
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Reciprocity Timer free?
Is Luxilux Light Meter free?
Which has better reviews, Reciprocity Timer or Luxilux Light Meter?
Do Reciprocity Timer or Luxilux Light Meter have ads?
Which is updated more often, Reciprocity Timer or Luxilux Light Meter?
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