Reciprocity Timer vs PinholeMeter
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".
PinholeMeter
This app functions as a light meter specifically designed for pinhole photography. Users can set the F-number and ISO sensitivity, then tap the preview window to measure exposure. It includes a countdown timer for precise exposure timing.
- Pinhole photography light meter
- Set F-number and ISO sensitivity
- Tap to measure exposure
- Countdown timer for exposure
- Calculates focal length/pinhole diameter
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This app is a light meter that specializes in pinhole photography. First, please set the F number. Next, please set the ISO sensitivity of film to use. Finally, in the preview window, please tap where you want to measure the exposure. note: If you do not know the F-number of your pinhole camera, please calculate focal length / pinhole diameter. If you want to use photographic paper, please set to ISO6. Please note that in a dark place, you may not be measured accurate exposure. [Using the Countdown timer] 1. To start the countdown, tap the timer icon to the right of the exposure time. 2. Preview screen will be dark, and exposure time is displayed in white letters. It will decrease one second at a time. *To stop the timer, tap the Close(X) icon. caution: During the countdown, do not close this app, or do not navigate to another screen. Timer is stopped.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: PinholeMeter at Free against Reciprocity Timer's $1.99. PinholeMeter also leads on rating (3.6 vs 2.5) and in-app purchases (none vs 1). Reciprocity Timer's advantage is update cadence (every 2 months vs every 7 months) and chart position (#162 vs unranked). On ratings volume, 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
PinholeMeter is free to download; Reciprocity Timer costs $1.99 up front. Reciprocity Timer sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. PinholeMeter asks for nothing beyond the download.
PinholeMeter holds the better App Store score, 3.6 against 2.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4 and 7 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 33% of Reciprocity Timer's written reviews are positive against 56% of PinholeMeter's.
Reciprocity Timer ships an update every 2 months, PinholeMeter every 7 months. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Reciprocity Timer | PinholeMeter |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 2.5 (4 ratings) | 3.6 (7 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 33.3% of reviews | 55.6% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 4 | 7 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months — better | Every 7 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Best chart rank | #162 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch — better | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 | 7.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 28 MB | 4 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Pump Interactive | electrico elefante |
Customer experience
Reciprocity Timer
PinholeMeter
In-app purchases
Reciprocity Timer
- Reciprocity Timer Pro$9.99
PinholeMeter
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Reciprocity Timer free?
Is PinholeMeter free?
Which has better reviews, Reciprocity Timer or PinholeMeter?
Do Reciprocity Timer or PinholeMeter have ads?
Which is updated more often, Reciprocity Timer or PinholeMeter?
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