Comparison

ReciproMeter vs Light Meter

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

Head to head
About

ReciproMeter

This app assists film photographers with accurate long-exposure calculations. It uses your device's camera to read exposure data, then provides shutter speed recommendations with reciprocity correction based on film stock and aperture. It offers official manufacturer data, community guidance, and experimental estimates.

Highlights
  • Live camera metering
  • Reciprocity correction
  • Built-in film library
  • Community-sourced data
  • Bulb timer
  • Exposure lock
Features
Read full description

ReciproMeter is a free light meter for film photographers who need dependable long-exposure calculations. Use your iPhone camera to read exposure metadata, select your film stock and aperture, and get an immediate shutter recommendation. When exposure times run long, ReciproMeter applies reciprocity correction using official manufacturer data whenever available. For films where official datasheets stop short, ReciproMeter keeps the distinction clear: • Official manufacturer reciprocity data • Optional community-sourced long-exposure guidance • Optional experimental estimates, clearly labeled as lower confidence Features: • Live camera preview, visible by default, with an optional full-screen exposure view • Camera calibration, steadier readings, and low-light guidance • Manual EV and external meter input with reference aperture and ISO • Exposure lock for holding a reading while composing • Neutral-density compensation, then reciprocity on the longer time • One-stop exposure bracket that follows the film's reciprocity curve • Favorite films and a built-in library with correction charts and source links • Saved film, aperture, ND, and EI presets • Exposure notes with frame numbers and development results • Community and experimental long-exposure tiers as separate opt-ins • Metering ISO / EI override for push-pull workflows • Bulb timer with preparation delays, optional audible cues, and a Lock Screen countdown • Dark mode, light mode, or system appearance Privacy: ReciproMeter does not take or store photos. It only reads camera exposure metadata needed to estimate ambient light. An App Open ad may appear over the loading screen at launch, or on a return to Films, Notes, or Settings after you have been away for at least a minute, at most three times a day. Active metering, timers, note editing, and purchases are protected. The first launch is ad-free. The loading screen shows the Remove Ads Forever price when available. Remove Ads Forever is an optional one-time in-app purchase. It removes all advertising with no subscription or expiration. Purchase or restore it in Settings. Advertising privacy choices remain available from Settings where required.

About

Light Meter

Read full description

Transform your phone into a professional light meter with this all-in-one tools app designed for filmmakers, photographers, growers, and lighting enthusiasts. Accurately measure illuminance in both Lux and Foot-Candle, and instantly capture Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) in Kelvin to ensure the perfect ambient lighting environment every single time. Built with an intelligent, highly advanced calculation engine, the app delivers quick and reliable Lux estimations directly from your device's sensor without the need for expensive external hardware. Want to track light stability and shifts over time? Use the powerful, interactive 2D real-time graphs to seamlessly monitor fluctuations in both brightness and color temperature during your sessions. Whether you are setting up studio lights, balancing indoor grow setups, or auditing office workspace conditions, this sleek and intuitive interface provides the precise visual data you need. Optimize your lighting workflow like a pro today!

Screenshots

ReciproMeter4 screens
Light Meter3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: ReciproMeter at Free against Light Meter's $9.99. Light Meter's advantage is iOS requirement (16.0 vs 18.0). On update cadence, 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

ReciproMeter is free to download; Light Meter costs $9.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

ReciproMeter ships an update every 2 weeks, Light Meter daily. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 18, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
ReciproMeter versus Light Meter: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterReciproMeterLight Meter
PriceFree — better$9.99
Rating3.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksDaily — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone
Requires iOS18.016.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size12 MB3 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperPaul FrederiksenHugo Pinon

In-app purchases

None

ReciproMeter

No in-app purchases

None

Light Meter

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is ReciproMeter free?
ReciproMeter is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Light Meter free?
Light Meter costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do ReciproMeter or Light Meter have ads?
Neither ReciproMeter nor Light Meter shows ads.
Which is updated more often, ReciproMeter or Light Meter?
ReciproMeter ships an update every 2 weeks, and Light Meter daily. Most recently, ReciproMeter was updated on October 12, 2026 and Light Meter on October 18, 2026.

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