Comparison

Reciprocity Timer vs myLightMeter 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

myLightMeter PRO

This app provides precise exposure metering for photographers, supporting both digital and analog workflows. It offers a comprehensive set of manual controls and advanced tools like a hyperfocal distance calculator.

Highlights
  • Extended low-light sensitivity
  • Incident and reflected metering
  • Manual exposure control
  • Hyperfocal distance calculator
  • Save and review exposure data
  • Extract exposure data from photos
Features
Read full description

Designed by a photographer, for photographers. Built for reliable, precise exposure measurement across film and digital workflows. myLightMeter PRO gives you full control over exposure through a clean, professional set of tools. Key Features • Incident and reflected-light metering • Classic and Pro interface styles • Full manual control over aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and exposure compensation in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments • Exposure range from 4 hours in Long Exposure mode to 1/8000 s, f/1.0 to f/512, and ISO 0.8 to 409,600 • Aperture-priority (Av) and shutter-priority (Tv) modes • Automatic ISO adjustment or ISO lock • Reciprocity correction for long film exposures • Sensitivity down to −2.5 EV, ideal for low-light scenes • Average multiple readings • Import shutter speed, aperture, and ISO from photos in your library • Organize readings into Sessions with photos, exposure data, camera and lens details, and notes • Keep your Sessions synced through iCloud, so they remain available when you switch phones or use another device • Export Sessions as PDFs or print them Advanced Tools • Hyperfocal-distance calculator • Five configurable presets, each storing camera, lens, ISO, filter, and film settings • EV display with an analog scale or numerical reading • mySPOTMETER and f/Tools integration About This app is built and maintained by an independent photographer and developer. It is the tool I personally use and continuously refine. If you have suggestions or need support, contact me at: davidquiles@me.com

Screenshots

Reciprocity Timer4 screens
myLightMeter PRO4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: myLightMeter PRO at 90% against Reciprocity Timer's 33%. myLightMeter PRO also leads on rating (4.8 vs 2.5) and in-app purchases (none vs 1). Reciprocity Timer's advantage is price ($1.99 vs $4.99) and device support (3 vs 1). On ads 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 myLightMeter PRO $4.99 up front. Reciprocity Timer sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. myLightMeter PRO asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

myLightMeter PRO holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 2.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: myLightMeter PRO has 1.1K 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 90% of myLightMeter PRO's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Reciprocity Timer ships an update every 2 months, myLightMeter PRO every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard10 real differences · 1 level
Reciprocity Timer versus myLightMeter PRO: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterReciprocity TimermyLightMeter PRO
Price$1.99 — better$4.99
Rating2.5 (4 ratings)4.8 (1.1K ratings) — better
Positive reviews33.3% of reviews90.3% of reviews — better
Number of ratings41.1K — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 5 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases — betterPaid
Best chart rank#138#10 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPod, Apple Watch — betteriPhone
Requires iOS12.0 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size28 MB53 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperPump InteractiveDavid Quiles

Customer experience

Reciprocity Timer

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

myLightMeter PRO

All ratings1,125 ratings
Positive95.9%
Neutral1.4%
Negative2.7%
Written reviews659 reviews
Positive90.3%
Neutral2.4%
Negative7.3%

Bugs and requests

Reciprocity Timer

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

myLightMeter PRO

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Crashes on startup
  • Inconsistent behavior between free and pro versions
  • Incorrect shutter speed and aperture options for some cameras

Requested features

4 requests
  • Ability to lock shutter speed and aperture
  • Smaller spot metering area
  • Support for more film/sensor formats
  • Improved incident metering with diffuser

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Reciprocity Timer

One-time1
  • Reciprocity Timer Pro$9.99
None

myLightMeter PRO

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Reciprocity Timer free?
Reciprocity Timer costs $1.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is myLightMeter PRO free?
myLightMeter PRO costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Reciprocity Timer or myLightMeter PRO?
myLightMeter PRO is rated higher. Reciprocity Timer averages 2.5 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while myLightMeter PRO averages 4.8 from 1.1K ratings.
Do Reciprocity Timer or myLightMeter PRO have ads?
Neither Reciprocity Timer nor myLightMeter PRO shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Reciprocity Timer or myLightMeter PRO?
Reciprocity Timer ships an update every 2 months, and myLightMeter PRO every 5 days. Most recently, Reciprocity Timer was updated on October 13, 2026 and myLightMeter PRO on October 12, 2026.
Which is more popular, Reciprocity Timer or myLightMeter PRO?
Reciprocity Timer currently peaks at #138 in the App Store charts, and myLightMeter PRO at #10. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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