Drop Calculator vs GroundGlass
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
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“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.
GroundGlass
This app helps large format photographers meticulously log every detail of their shots, from exposure settings and camera movements to film development. It offers advanced features like Zone System metering, iCloud sync, and extensive equipment databases to streamline the entire photographic workflow.
- Complete shooting records
- Zone System metering
- iCloud Sync
- Film workflow management
- Record templates
- PDF export
- Geotagged shooting map
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GroundGlass is a shooting log app built for large format photographers. Whether you shoot 4x5, 8x10 or any other format, GroundGlass captures every detail of the moment you press the shutter — from exposure settings and Zone System metering to camera movements and development records. KEY FEATURES ◆ Complete shooting records — Camera, lens, aperture, shutter, film, filters and movements, all in one place. Effective aperture is calculated automatically from bellows extension; holder numbers are one tap away. ◆ Zone System metering — Full metering workflow in the spirit of Ansel Adams: multiple readings, base subject selection, exposure decisions, with the zone distribution at a glance. Includes a built-in spot meter with pinch zoom. ◆ iCloud Sync — Records and equipment sync across your devices through your private iCloud database. Switch phones without worry. The developer has no access to your data. ◆ Film workflow — Record status (Shot → Developed → Scanned), film holder management, stock tracking with automatic sheet deduction, and batch development entry. From loading to archiving, everything is on file. ◆ Record templates — Save your go-to camera/lens/film combinations and apply them with one tap. ◆ PDF export — Index label PDFs for film sleeves and full-page record archive PDFs, with preview before sharing. ◆ Statistics & analysis — Shooting trends, gear usage, parameter distributions and a shooting calendar heat map, exportable as a report. ◆ Shooting map — All geotagged records gathered on one map. Revisit your footsteps. ◆ Calculators — Reciprocity failure, bellows exposure compensation, and depth of field with per-format circle of confusion presets. ◆ Extensive equipment database — About 180 large format camera models from 25 brands, including Linhof, Sinar, Arca-Swiss, Chamonix and Ebony. Lens presets from Schneider, Rodenstock, Fujinon, Nikkor and more. ◆ Professional filter management — Structured selection by brand, type and strength, including center filters, with automatic stacked compensation. ◆ Map-based location — One-tap locate, with reverse geocoding for place names and coordinates. ◆ Data backup — JSON import/export, with or without photos. Your data is always yours. ◆ Darkroom-themed interface — Amber-toned design with card layouts, made for photographers. Your data lives on your device and in your private iCloud database. We collect no personal information. Large format photography begins with a record.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: GroundGlass at none against Drop Calculator's 5. Drop Calculator's advantage is iOS requirement (15.5 vs 17.6). On price, ads, monetization model 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
Both are free to download. Drop Calculator sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. GroundGlass asks for nothing beyond the download.
| Parameter | Drop Calculator | GroundGlass |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 1 — better | — |
| Update frequency | — | Every 10 days |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 15.5 — better | 17.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 1 MB | 16 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Randy Ennis | 存滨 崔 |
Customer experience
Drop Calculator
GroundGlass
In-app purchases
Drop Calculator
- Breakfast Taco$0.99
- Dos Tacos$1.99
- Dos Tacos and Iced Tea$3.99
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- Puffy Taco Plate$5.99
- Tex-Mex Taco Plate$9.99
GroundGlass
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Drop Calculator free?
Is GroundGlass free?
Do Drop Calculator or GroundGlass have ads?
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