LFTools vs Darkcloth
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side ā with what reviewers say about each.
LFTools
Read full descriptionHide full description
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.
Darkcloth
Read full descriptionHide full description
"A good photograph is knowing where to stand." ā Ansel Adams Darkcloth is a field viewfinder for technical and view cameras. Use the phone camera to preview the frame before you set up the camera. Choose a film format and focal length, add rise, fall or shift, compare lenses, and check level. It is meant for planning the photograph, not replacing the ground glass. Included tools: ⢠Framelines for 6Ć7, 4Ć5, 8Ć10 and custom formats ⢠Multiple focal lengths at once for lens comparison ⢠Rise/fall and shift preview over the live scene ⢠Reflected-light meter with average and spot readings ⢠Reciprocity correction for common film stocks, plus custom stocks ⢠Roll and pitch level ⢠Scheimpflug tilt visualiser with near/far depth-of-field readout Darkcloth was made alongside the Fysh FTC-1, but it is not locked to that camera. It works with other technical-camera and view-camera workflows. No account is required. No photos are uploaded.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: Darkcloth at every 10 days against LFTools's every 3 months. Darkcloth also leads on iOS requirement (16.0 vs 18). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price Ā· Rating Ā· Positive reviews Ā· Number of ratings Ā· Update frequency Ā· Ads Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Monetization Ā· Best chart rank Ā· Devices Ā· 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, Darkcloth every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on September 11, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | LFTools | Darkcloth |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | Every 10 days ā better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 18 | 16.0 ā better |
| Further details ā not scored | ||
| Size | 4 MB | 2 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Ruediger Merz | LACHLAN M FYSH |
In-app purchases
LFTools
No in-app purchases
Darkcloth
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is LFTools free?
Is Darkcloth free?
Do LFTools or Darkcloth have ads?
Which is updated more often, LFTools or Darkcloth?
Other comparisons















