Comparison

Reciprocity Timer vs f/ Tools

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

f/ Tools

This photography tool offers a suite of calculators for concepts like depth of field, print resolution, and flash exposure. It helps users visually grasp complex photographic principles with integrated help and a glossary. The app also includes a camera bag feature with lens limits.

Highlights
  • Graphic depth of field calculator
  • Graphic Airy disc calculator
  • Graphic format calculator
  • Motion freeze calculator
  • Graphic blur size calculator
  • Graphic flash exposure calculator
  • Camera bag with lens limits
Features
Read full description

f/Tools is a set of tools for digital and analog photography. Explore sensor sharpness, depth of field, print resolution, bokeh size, flash exposure, and more — all in one place. Designed to help you visually understand complex photographic concepts, with built-in help and a glossary. Features: • Graphic depth of field calculator • Graphic Airy disc calculator • Graphic format (scene/print) calculator • Motion freeze calculator • Graphic blur size calculator • Graphic flash exposure calculator • Camera bag with lens limits • Quick setup with popular camera brands included

Screenshots

Reciprocity Timer4 screens
f/ Tools4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: f/ Tools at 93% against Reciprocity Timer's 33%. f/ Tools also leads on rating (3.7 vs 2.5) and in-app purchases (none vs 1). Reciprocity Timer's advantage is price ($1.99 vs $3.99) and chart position (#55 vs #192). 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Reciprocity Timer costs $1.99 and f/ Tools $3.99 up front. Reciprocity Timer sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. f/ Tools asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

f/ Tools holds the better App Store score, 3.7 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 93% of f/ Tools's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Reciprocity Timer ships an update every 2 months, f/ Tools every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard8 real differences · 3 level
Reciprocity Timer versus f/ Tools: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterReciprocity Timerf/ Tools
Price$1.99 — better$3.99
Rating2.5 (4 ratings)3.7 (6 ratings) — better
Positive reviews33.3% of reviews93.3% of reviews — better
Number of ratings46 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases — betterPaid
Best chart rank#55 — better#192
DevicesiPhone, iPod, Apple Watch — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS12.0 — better15.5
Further details — not scored
Size28 MB12 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%

f/ Tools

All ratings6 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral33.3%
Negative16.7%
Written reviews15 reviews
Positive93.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative6.7%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Reciprocity Timer

One-time1
  • Reciprocity Timer Pro$9.99
None

f/ Tools

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Reciprocity Timer free?
Reciprocity Timer costs $1.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is f/ Tools free?
f/ Tools costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Reciprocity Timer or f/ Tools?
f/ Tools is rated higher. Reciprocity Timer averages 2.5 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while f/ Tools averages 3.7 from 6 ratings.
Do Reciprocity Timer or f/ Tools have ads?
Neither Reciprocity Timer nor f/ Tools shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Reciprocity Timer or f/ Tools?
Reciprocity Timer ships an update every 2 months, and f/ Tools every 2 weeks. Most recently, Reciprocity Timer was updated on September 21, 2026 and f/ Tools on September 23, 2026.
Which is more popular, Reciprocity Timer or f/ Tools?
Reciprocity Timer currently peaks at #55 in the App Store charts, and f/ Tools at #192. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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