Comparison

Reciprocity Timer vs Zone Tool

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • Reciprocity compensation calculations
  • Exposure timer
  • Filter compensation slider
  • Note-keeping feature
  • Custom film and camera databases
  • Film stock favorites
Features
Read full description

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".

About

Zone Tool

Calculate photographic exposure and development adjustments using zone system theory. Measure shadows and highlights, input film ISO and desired shutter speed to determine aperture and development time modifications.

Highlights
  • Zone system exposure calculation
  • Shadow and highlight measurement
  • Film ISO input
  • Shutter speed adjustment
  • Development time calculation
  • Aperture determination
Features
Read full description

With this tool you can calculate your exposure and needed adjustment for development. It uses zone system theory originally invented by Ansel Adams and Fred Archer. First decide zone of your shadows and measure the shadows. Then device highlight zone and measure the highlights. Measure these with the film ISO you are going to use. You also need to decide shutter speed in beforehand. The app calculates exposure aperture for you and also tells if you need to shorten (N+..) or expand (N-..) your development time. You will get best results with a spot light meter but mobile apps will probably do fine.

Screenshots

Reciprocity Timer4 screens
Zone Tool1 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Zone Tool at 100% against Reciprocity Timer's 33%. Zone Tool also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and rating (2.8 vs 2.5). Reciprocity Timer's advantage is update cadence (every 2 months vs every 38 months). On ratings volume, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Reciprocity Timer costs $1.99 and Zone Tool $0.99 up front. Reciprocity Timer sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Zone Tool asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Zone Tool holds the better App Store score, 2.8 against 2.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4 and 6 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 33% of Reciprocity Timer's written reviews are positive against 100% of Zone Tool's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Reciprocity Timer ships an update every 2 months, Zone Tool every 38 months. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Reciprocity Timer versus Zone Tool: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterReciprocity TimerZone Tool
Price$1.99$0.99 — better
Rating2.5 (4 ratings)2.8 (6 ratings) — better
Positive reviews33.3% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings46 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 months — betterEvery 38 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases — betterPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPod, Apple Watch — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS12.0 — better12.2
Further details — not scored
Size28 MB0 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperPump InteractiveJouni Erola

Customer experience

Reciprocity Timer

All ratings4 ratings
Positive25.0%
Neutral25.0%
Negative50.0%
Written reviews87 reviews
Positive33.3%
Neutral13.8%
Negative52.9%

Zone Tool

All ratings6 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Reciprocity Timer

One-time1
  • Reciprocity Timer Pro$9.99
None

Zone Tool

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Reciprocity Timer free?
Reciprocity Timer costs $1.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is Zone Tool free?
Zone Tool costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Reciprocity Timer or Zone Tool?
Zone Tool is rated higher. Reciprocity Timer averages 2.5 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while Zone Tool averages 2.8 from 6 ratings.
Do Reciprocity Timer or Zone Tool have ads?
Neither Reciprocity Timer nor Zone Tool shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Reciprocity Timer or Zone Tool?
Reciprocity Timer ships an update every 2 months, and Zone Tool every 38 months. Most recently, Reciprocity Timer was updated on October 8, 2026 and Zone Tool on September 21, 2026.

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