Reciprocity Timer vs myLightMeter PRO
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".
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.
- Extended low-light sensitivity
- Incident and reflected metering
- Manual exposure control
- Hyperfocal distance calculator
- Save and review exposure data
- Extract exposure data from photos
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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
Verdict
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
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.
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.
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.
| Parameter | Reciprocity Timer | myLightMeter PRO |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1.99 — better | $4.99 |
| Rating | 2.5 (4 ratings) | 4.8 (1.1K ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 33.3% of reviews | 90.3% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 4 | 1.1K — better |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 5 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases — better | Paid |
| Best chart rank | #138 | #10 — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 — better | 16.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 28 MB | 53 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Pump Interactive | David Quiles |
Customer experience
Reciprocity Timer
myLightMeter PRO
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
Reciprocity Timer
- Reciprocity Timer Pro$9.99
myLightMeter PRO
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Reciprocity Timer free?
Is myLightMeter PRO free?
Which has better reviews, Reciprocity Timer or myLightMeter PRO?
Do Reciprocity Timer or myLightMeter PRO have ads?
Which is updated more often, Reciprocity Timer or myLightMeter PRO?
Which is more popular, Reciprocity Timer or myLightMeter PRO?
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