Comparison

LFTools vs SlowLightMeter

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

SlowLightMeter

This app provides a simple and accurate light meter for film photographers. It continuously measures light with minimal interaction and includes an ISO lock to prevent accidental changes. EV values are a core feature for ease of use.

Highlights
  • Reflective and incident light metering
  • Continuous light measurement
  • ISO lock
  • EV value display
  • Simple interface
Features
Read full description

As a film photographer, I wanted an accurate yet simple reflective and incident light meter. After trying several, I decided to build my own. This light meter continuously measures light, so it requires minimal interaction during a shoot. To avoid accidentally changing film ISO, I added an ISO lock. And since I shoot often with my Hasselblad, I made EV values a core feature of the app.

Screenshots

LFTools4 screens
SlowLightMeter2 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: SlowLightMeter at every 4 days against LFTools's every 3 months. SlowLightMeter also leads on iOS requirement (15.6 vs 18). On price, ads, in-app purchases 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

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

LFTools ships an update every 3 months, SlowLightMeter every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on September 11, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
LFTools versus SlowLightMeter: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterLFToolsSlowLightMeter
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (2 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—2 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 4 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPod — better
Requires iOS1815.6 — better
Further details — not scored
Size4 MB1 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperRuediger MerzAri Jaaksi

In-app purchases

None

LFTools

No in-app purchases

None

SlowLightMeter

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is LFTools free?
LFTools is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is SlowLightMeter free?
SlowLightMeter is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do LFTools or SlowLightMeter have ads?
Neither LFTools nor SlowLightMeter shows ads.
Which is updated more often, LFTools or SlowLightMeter?
LFTools ships an update every 3 months, and SlowLightMeter every 4 days. Most recently, LFTools was updated on September 11, 2026 and SlowLightMeter on October 6, 2026.

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