Comparison

Reciprocity Timer vs Mark II Artist's Viewfinder

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

Mark II Artist's Viewfinder

This app helps filmmakers and photographers plan shots by simulating various camera and lens combinations. It allows users to visualize compositions, explore angles, and even save high-resolution photos, acting as a powerful pre-production tool.

Highlights
  • Camera and lens simulation
  • Composition visualization
  • High-resolution photo saving
  • Black & white mode for tonal exploration
  • Location and metadata storage
  • GPX track logging
Read full description

Artist's Viewfinder assists the filmmaker or still photographer in exploring different places and angles to find the optimal placement for the camera, and to second-guess compositions. By simulating real camera and lens combinations it allows you to visualize what you are going to shoot without actually setting up the camera. And it's also a great tool to train yourself to see. Handles Like Your Camera Exposure compensation. Auto-focus lock. AF confirmation beep. A Quick Control Screen for accessing frequently needed functions. Smart Function Keys. Shutter release via the Volume buttons. We designed the Mark II so that you could feel at home the moment you start working with it. And because it also saves high resolution photos, you can even use it as a regular camera. Visualize the Grand Landscape Paired with a 0.5x-class super-wide converter lens*, the Mark II becomes an indispensable tool for landscape and architecture photographers. The combination can simulate super-wide lenses up to around 16mm on the full-frame 35mm format. Or you can use it to compose super-wide stitched images. The Mark II even removes distortion present in the wide converter lens — in real time. * FOR THE LIST OF SUPPORTED CONVERTER/DEVICE COMBINATIONS PLEASE VISIT: https://www.artistsviewfinder.com/tech-specs/ When There's No Need for Color In black & white mode Artist's Viewfinder shows just the luminance information of the scene, making it easier to explore tonal structures and simulate what a black & white photograph will look like. Taking it a step further, the optional dark and neutral toolbar theme ensures that colors from the app doesn't interfere with your composition. Unprecedented Simulation Flexibility The Mark II leverages our extensive Viewfinder Camera Database, containing more than 800 still and motion picture cameras, 180 medium/large format backs and countless lenses — incorporating real lens data for ALPA, Hartblei, Hasselblad, Leica, Rodenstock, Schneider and Zeiss glass. And you can define your own cameras and lenses when you need something special for the job. Does What Optical Viewfinders Can't Even Dream Of Artist's Viewfinder stores location and simulation metadata with the pictures, allowing you to evaluate results of a location scout later on your computer. Or you can send the information off to the rest of the crew or to a rental house, right from the app. It also records a standard GPX format track log, alleviating the need for a separate logging device. Want to Learn More? To explore the complete list of features, please visit: https://www.artistsviewfinder.com/features/ Written by the author of the app, The Viewfinder Handbook is the ultimate source of information about the Mark II. Way more than a user manual, this free eBook not only walks you through the ins and outs of the app, but also provides conceptual background, insights and useful hands-on advice. Available in iPad optimized PDF format at: https://www.artistsviewfinder.com/handbook/

Screenshots

Reciprocity Timer4 screens
Mark II Artist's Viewfinder4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Mark II Artist's Viewfinder at 96% against Reciprocity Timer's 33%. Mark II Artist's Viewfinder 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 $39.99) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 4 months). On ads, chart position 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 Mark II Artist's Viewfinder $39.99 up front. Reciprocity Timer sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Mark II Artist's Viewfinder asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Mark II Artist's Viewfinder holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 2.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Mark II Artist's Viewfinder has 104 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 96% of Mark II Artist's Viewfinder's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Reciprocity Timer ships an update every 2 months, Mark II Artist's Viewfinder every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard8 real differences · 3 level
Reciprocity Timer versus Mark II Artist's Viewfinder: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterReciprocity TimerMark II Artist's Viewfinder
Price$1.99 — better$39.99
Rating2.5 (4 ratings)4.8 (104 ratings) — better
Positive reviews33.3% of reviews96.3% of reviews — better
Number of ratings4104 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 months — betterEvery 4 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases — betterPaid
Best chart rank#132 — better#194
DevicesiPhone, iPod, Apple WatchiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12.0 — better15.6
Further details — not scored
Size28 MB5 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperPump InteractiveDIRE Studio

Customer experience

Reciprocity Timer

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

Mark II Artist's Viewfinder

All ratings104 ratings
Positive93.3%
Neutral3.8%
Negative2.9%
Written reviews54 reviews
Positive96.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative3.7%

Bugs and requests

Reciprocity Timer

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

Mark II Artist's Viewfinder

Reported bugs

5 issues
  • Battery drain on iPhone 6s Plus
  • Shift functionality requires selecting Alpa camera for Arca cameras
  • Limited iPhone 6+ support for wide-angle photography
  • Inaccurate coverage for Toyo View 4A II
  • Still no iPhone 6 support (as of late 2014)

Requested features

9 requests
  • Color filter simulation for B&W view
  • B&W film simulations or custom color sensitivity settings
  • Map enhancement with direction indicator
  • Easier access to time/date data
  • Ability to write notes to a frame
Show 4 more
  • Custom aspect ratios or custom overlay for client crop requirements
  • Flip view horizontally and upside down
  • Video framing support
  • Japanese language option

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Reciprocity Timer

One-time1
  • Reciprocity Timer Pro$9.99
None

Mark II Artist's Viewfinder

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Reciprocity Timer free?
Reciprocity Timer costs $1.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is Mark II Artist's Viewfinder free?
Mark II Artist's Viewfinder costs $39.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Reciprocity Timer or Mark II Artist's Viewfinder?
Mark II Artist's Viewfinder is rated higher. Reciprocity Timer averages 2.5 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while Mark II Artist's Viewfinder averages 4.8 from 104 ratings.
Do Reciprocity Timer or Mark II Artist's Viewfinder have ads?
Neither Reciprocity Timer nor Mark II Artist's Viewfinder shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Reciprocity Timer or Mark II Artist's Viewfinder?
Reciprocity Timer ships an update every 2 months, and Mark II Artist's Viewfinder every 4 months. Most recently, Reciprocity Timer was updated on November 1, 2026 and Mark II Artist's Viewfinder on October 29, 2026.
Which is more popular, Reciprocity Timer or Mark II Artist's Viewfinder?
Reciprocity Timer currently peaks at #132 in the App Store charts, and Mark II Artist's Viewfinder at #194. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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