Comparison

Reciprocity Timer vs mySpotMeter

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

mySpotMeter

This app transforms your iPhone into a precise spot meter for photographers. It allows for detailed exposure control by measuring specific areas, evaluating contrast, and calculating settings for film or digital photography.

Highlights
  • Selectable 1°, 2°, and 4° spot metering angles
  • Dedicated readings for shadows, highlights, and middle gray
  • Aperture or shutter speed priority
  • Store and compare measurements
  • Instant aperture calculation
  • Wide ISO, shutter speed, and aperture ranges
Read full description

Designed by a photographer, for photographers. Built with one clear goal: precise spot metering for photographers who want full control over exposure. mySpotMeter turns your iPhone into a dedicated spot meter with selectable 1°, 2° and 4° measuring angles. Whether you shoot film or digital, you can isolate specific areas, evaluate contrast and place your exposure with confidence. Key Features • Selectable 1°, 2° and 4° spot metering angles • Dedicated readings for shadows, highlights and middle gray • Aperture or shutter speed priority • Average readings mode • Store and compare measurements directly on the exposure scale • Clear EV difference between your target and the current reading • Instant aperture calculation based on the selected ISO and shutter speed • Shutter speed range from 240 seconds to 1/8000s • Aperture range from f/1.0 to f/128 • ISO range from 3 to 409.6K • Exposure settings in 1/3 or 1/2-stop increments • Measure using the on-screen control or the iPhone volume buttons • Automatic calibration and precise manual EV adjustment • Filter factor correction up to FF1000 Built for Deliberate Exposure Instead of averaging the entire scene, mySpotMeter lets you measure only the area that matters. Compare shadows and highlights, understand the available contrast and decide exactly where to place your exposure before pressing the shutter. Download the User Manual You can view or download the complete user manual before purchasing or downloading the app. Scroll to the Information section of this App Store page and tap Developer Website. About This app is built and maintained by an independent photographer and developer. It is a focused photographic tool, continuously refined through real-world use. If you have suggestions or need help, feel free to contact me: davidquiles@me.com

Screenshots

Reciprocity Timer4 screens
mySpotMeter4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: mySpotMeter at 100% against Reciprocity Timer's 33%. mySpotMeter also leads on rating (4.2 vs 2.5) and in-app purchases (none vs 1). Reciprocity Timer's advantage is price ($1.99 vs $6.99) and device support (3 vs 1). On ratings volume and 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 mySpotMeter $6.99 up front. Reciprocity Timer sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. mySpotMeter asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

mySpotMeter holds the better App Store score, 4.2 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 100% of mySpotMeter's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Reciprocity Timer ships an update every 2 months, mySpotMeter every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on September 30, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard9 real differences · 2 level
Reciprocity Timer versus mySpotMeter: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterReciprocity TimermySpotMeter
Price$1.99 — better$6.99
Rating2.5 (4 ratings)4.2 (6 ratings) — better
Positive reviews33.3% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings46 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 2 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases — betterPaid
Best chart rank—#75 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPod, Apple Watch — betteriPhone
Requires iOS12.0 — better26
Further details — not scored
Size28 MB11 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%

mySpotMeter

All ratings6 ratings
Positive83.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative16.7%
Written reviews6 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Reciprocity Timer

One-time1
  • Reciprocity Timer Pro$9.99
None

mySpotMeter

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Reciprocity Timer free?
Reciprocity Timer costs $1.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is mySpotMeter free?
mySpotMeter costs $6.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Reciprocity Timer or mySpotMeter?
mySpotMeter is rated higher. Reciprocity Timer averages 2.5 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while mySpotMeter averages 4.2 from 6 ratings.
Do Reciprocity Timer or mySpotMeter have ads?
Neither Reciprocity Timer nor mySpotMeter shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Reciprocity Timer or mySpotMeter?
Reciprocity Timer ships an update every 2 months, and mySpotMeter every 2 days. Most recently, Reciprocity Timer was updated on September 30, 2026 and mySpotMeter on September 23, 2026.

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