Comparison

LFTools vs Zone System

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

LFTools

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LFTools is an app for Large Format and Film Photographers. In version 1.5.0 LFTools contains 2 Tabs. The first one is the 'LF Tools' tab, with several sub sections. Each section has a tool to calculate certain properties which are used in large format photography. Like extended exposure times with regard to bellows extension or the magnification from a bellows draw for a given focal length. The second tab, 'Film Reciprocity', contains the Film Reciprocity Calculator. This calculator is of interest for all film photographers who are interested in long time exposure. With the Film Reciprocity Calculator one can overcome the so called reciprocity failure, which is inherent to almost all films. It is quite simple to use, one just has to select a film, shutter speed and aperture an the tool automatically creates a table with extended exposure times. The app comes with a pre-populated list of films from Ilford. Ilford was the only manufacture who publishes the p factor for their films. Al be it, the user can add its own films for calculation.

About

Zone System

This tool simplifies Ansel Adams' exposure and development method for photographers. It helps measure shadows and highlights, calculate aperture and development times, and preview results with film stock presets.

Highlights
  • Measure shadows and highlights
  • Aperture and development calculations
  • Preview results with film presets
  • ISO and EV calculations
  • Simplified Zone System application
Features
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Zone System is a practical tool for applying Ansel Adams’ exposure and development method. • Measure shadows and highlights to set exposure • Get aperture and development (N, N+, N–) calculations • Preview results with film stock presets • Get calculations for aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and EV This app makes the Zone System simpler, faster, and more reliable.

Screenshots

LFTools4 screens
Zone System4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: LFTools at Free against Zone System's $1.99. Zone System's advantage is update cadence (every 9 days vs every 3 months) and device support (4 vs 1). On ads, in-app purchases and iOS requirement 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

LFTools is free to download; Zone System costs $1.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

LFTools ships an update every 3 months, Zone System every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 27, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
LFTools versus Zone System: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterLFToolsZone System
PriceFree — better$1.99
Rating—5.0 (3 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—3 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 9 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
Monetization—Paid
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Vision Pro — better
Requires iOS1817 — better
Further details — not scored
Size4 MB12 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperRuediger MerzDavin Nguyen

In-app purchases

None

LFTools

No in-app purchases

None

Zone System

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is LFTools free?
LFTools is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Zone System free?
Zone System costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do LFTools or Zone System have ads?
Neither LFTools nor Zone System shows ads.
Which is updated more often, LFTools or Zone System?
LFTools ships an update every 3 months, and Zone System every 9 days. Most recently, LFTools was updated on October 27, 2026 and Zone System on October 24, 2026.

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