Drop Calculator vs Chronodev
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Drop Calculator
This tool helps artists calculate the precise number of drops of light-sensitive emulsion needed for alternative process printing. It supports various printing methods and allows for customization of drop counts, measurement systems, and user presets for different paper types and processes.
- Calculates total drops needed
- Breaks down drops per component
- Customizable drop count adjustment
- Supports two or three-part processes
- Create and save user presets
- Metric or Imperial measurement options
Read full descriptionHide full description
“Drop Calculator for Alternative Process Printing” is a handy tool for artists printing with the cyanotype, platinum/palladium, kallitype, or really ANY process where components of the light sensitive emulsion are measured in drops. Simply enter the dimensions of the area to be printed, and “DropCalc” will show you the total number of drops you’ll need, as well as a break down of the number of drops for each part. DropCalc allows the artist to customize the drop count, choose two or three part processes, create and save user presets, and choose between Metric or Imperial measurement systems. Feature Details: We understand that artists all tend to coat paper a little differently, and that drop counts will vary. In addition to different types of paper, the type of brush used varies substantially, with some artists even using a glass “puddle pusher”. We support these differences by allowing the artist to change an “adjustment factor”, which influences the drop count calculated by the app. If you find that you need MORE emulsion to cover a given area, adjust the slider towards the right, and for less emulsion, adjust it towards the left. Note: This setting can be saved for future use with a user preset. Some processes may require more than two parts. For example, some of the platinum/palladium processes use a contrast agent. Typically this third component is a constant number of drops, regardless of print size. To support this, we allow for a third part that is always a set number of drops. This feature could also be used by those that like to add a bit of “tween twenty” to the emulsion. Note: This setting can be saved for future use with a user preset. Many artists will want to work in multiple process, or perhaps they simply like to use a variety of paper types. Either way, it’s likely that they will want different settings for different occasions. This is where the artist presets come in handy. Create a preset for each paper type, each different process, or both! DropCalc allows the artist to work with a measurement system that is the most comfortable for them. The “settings” page allows the artist to select between Metric and Imperial (U.S.) measurement systems.
Chronodev
This app transforms your iPhone or iPad into a darkroom enlarger timer. It uses HomeKit-enabled devices to control your enlarger and safelights, offering features like manual control, metronome for dodging/burning, and automatic test strip creation.
- iPhone/iPad enlarger timer
- HomeKit device control
- Manual enlarger focusing
- Metronome for dodging/burning
- EV stop time adjustments
- Automatic test strip creation
- Voice control support
Read full descriptionHide full description
Transform your iPhone into an enlarger timer using Chronodev. Chronodev uses HomeKit-enabled wall plugs and lightbulbs to control your enlarger and safelights. Secondhand enlarger timers can be expensive and hard to find. This one costs the price of a wi-fi wall plug. - Control your enlarger and safelight with your iPhone or iPad - Expose prints accurately using the HomeKit-enabled timer - Manual enlarger control for focusing - Use the metronome for dodging and burning - Adjust times using EV stops - Automatically create test strips with incremental exposures, and keep track of exposure times using a handy graph - Automatically turn your safelight off when exposing/focusing - Voice control support for hands-free development - Safe to use in black and white darkrooms when using iOS's built-in red color filter A HomeKit-enabled wall plug and/or lightbulb is required to use all features of this app. Some features (like a basic timer and EV stop calculations) are available without a HomeKit-enabled device.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Drop Calculator at 5.0 against Chronodev's 4.5. Drop Calculator also leads on iOS requirement (15.5 vs 17.0). Chronodev's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 5). On price, ratings volume, ads and monetization model 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
Both are free to download. Drop Calculator sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. Chronodev asks for nothing beyond the download.
Drop Calculator holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 2 respectively.
| Parameter | Drop Calculator | Chronodev |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better | 4.5 (2 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 2 — better |
| Update frequency | — | Monthly |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 15.5 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 1 MB | 2 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Randy Ennis | Kevin Olmats |
Customer experience
Drop Calculator
Chronodev
In-app purchases
Drop Calculator
- Breakfast Taco$0.99
- Dos Tacos$1.99
- Dos Tacos and Iced Tea$3.99
Show 2 moreShow fewer
- Puffy Taco Plate$5.99
- Tex-Mex Taco Plate$9.99
Chronodev
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Drop Calculator free?
Is Chronodev free?
Which has better reviews, Drop Calculator or Chronodev?
Do Drop Calculator or Chronodev have ads?
Other comparisons















