Comparison

Reciprocity Timer vs Spot Meter Pro

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

Spot Meter Pro

This app functions as a professional light meter for film photography, measuring light within a 2° angle of view. It offers customizable settings for aperture, shutter speed, and film speed, along with logging capabilities for readings.

Highlights
  • 2° FOV light metering
  • Av and Tv priority modes
  • Zone System and Tone Picker metering
  • Customizable increments and range
  • Log readings
  • 1° FOV with telephoto lens
  • Meter calibration
Read full description

An essential tool for film photography. Designed to function like a real spot meter, Spot Meter Pro measures light within a 2° circular angle of view for accurate exposure value readings. Select your film speed, then adjust aperture or shutter speed for Av or Tv priority. Optionally, adjust the “middle-grey” reading using the Zone System or Tone Picker metering modes to achieve your desired exposure. Additional features: - Customize aperture, shutter speed, and film speed increments and range - Log readings for future reference - iOS devices equipped with a telephoto lens can take a 1° circular angle of view reading - Calibrate the light meter in 1/10th increments - Toggle black & white mode

Screenshots

Reciprocity Timer4 screens
Spot Meter Pro3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Spot Meter Pro at 4.5 against Reciprocity Timer's 2.5. Spot Meter Pro also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and review sentiment (67% vs 33%). Reciprocity Timer's advantage is price ($1.99 vs $4.99) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 14.4). 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Reciprocity Timer costs $1.99 and Spot Meter Pro $4.99 up front. Reciprocity Timer sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Spot Meter Pro asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Spot Meter Pro holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 2.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Spot Meter Pro has 22 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 67% of Spot Meter Pro's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard8 real differences · 3 level
Reciprocity Timer versus Spot Meter Pro: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterReciprocity TimerSpot Meter Pro
Price$1.99 — better$4.99
Rating2.5 (4 ratings)4.5 (22 ratings) — better
Positive reviews33.3% of reviews66.7% of reviews — better
Number of ratings422 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases — betterPaid
Best chart rank—#185 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPod, Apple WatchiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12.0 — better14.4
Further details — not scored
Size28 MB75 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperPump InteractiveTebo Labs Inc.

Customer experience

Reciprocity Timer

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

Spot Meter Pro

All ratings21 ratings
Positive81.0%
Neutral9.5%
Negative9.5%
Written reviews9 reviews
Positive66.7%
Neutral11.1%
Negative22.2%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Reciprocity Timer

One-time1
  • Reciprocity Timer Pro$9.99
None

Spot Meter Pro

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Reciprocity Timer free?
Reciprocity Timer costs $1.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is Spot Meter Pro free?
Spot Meter Pro costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Reciprocity Timer or Spot Meter Pro?
Spot Meter Pro is rated higher. Reciprocity Timer averages 2.5 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while Spot Meter Pro averages 4.5 from 22 ratings.
Do Reciprocity Timer or Spot Meter Pro have ads?
Neither Reciprocity Timer nor Spot Meter Pro shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Reciprocity Timer or Spot Meter Pro?
Reciprocity Timer ships an update every 2 months, and Spot Meter Pro every 2 months. Most recently, Reciprocity Timer was updated on October 23, 2026 and Spot Meter Pro on October 24, 2026.

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