LFTools vs GroundGlass
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side โ with what reviewers say about each.
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.
GroundGlass
This app helps large format photographers meticulously log every detail of their shoots. It automatically calculates settings, supports Zone System metering, and manages film workflows. Export records, analyze trends, and access a comprehensive equipment database.
- Complete shooting records
- Zone System metering
- iCloud Sync
- Film workflow management
- Record templates
- PDF export
- Statistics & analysis
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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 โ from exposure settings and Zone System metering to camera movements and development records. KEY FEATURES โ Complete shooting records โ 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. โ Zone System metering โ 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. โ iCloud Sync โ Records and equipment sync across your devices through your private iCloud database. Switch phones without worry. The developer has no access to your data. โ Film workflow โ Record status (Shot โ Developed โ Scanned), film holder management, stock tracking with automatic sheet deduction, and batch development entry. From loading to archiving, everything is on file. โ Record templates โ Save your go-to camera/lens/film combinations and apply them with one tap. โ PDF export โ Index label PDFs for film sleeves and full-page record archive PDFs, with preview before sharing. โ Statistics & analysis โ Shooting trends, gear usage, parameter distributions and a shooting calendar heat map, exportable as a report. โ Shooting map โ All geotagged records gathered on one map. Revisit your footsteps. โ Calculators โ Reciprocity failure, bellows exposure compensation, and depth of field with per-format circle of confusion presets. โ Extensive equipment database โ 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. โ Professional filter management โ Structured selection by brand, type and strength, including center filters, with automatic stacked compensation. โ Map-based location โ One-tap locate, with reverse geocoding for place names and coordinates. โ Data backup โ JSON import/export, with or without photos. Your data is always yours. โ Darkroom-themed interface โ 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 update cadence: GroundGlass at every 10 days against LFTools's every 3 months. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price ยท Rating ยท Positive reviews ยท Number of ratings ยท Update frequency ยท Ads ยท In-app purchases ยท Monetization ยท Best chart rank ยท Devices ยท Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
LFTools ships an update every 3 months, GroundGlass every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on September 11, 2026 and September 26, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | LFTools | GroundGlass |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | โ | 100.0% of reviews |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | Every 10 days โ better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | โ | Free |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone, iPad โ better |
| Requires iOS | 18 | 17.6 โ better |
| Further details โ not scored | ||
| Size | 4 MB | 16 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Ruediger Merz | ๅญๆปจ ๅด |
In-app purchases
LFTools
No in-app purchases
GroundGlass
No in-app purchases








