I recently started shooting with a film camera and realized my in-camera light meter isn’t very reliable. I’m looking for a good light meter app that can help me get accurate exposures. Any recommendations or personal experiences with specific apps would be really appreciated!
Hey there, diving into the world of film photography is suuper exciting but yeah those old in-camera light meters can be a little iffy sometimes.
For a reliable light meter app, I’ve found that LightMeter by David Quiles (available on Android) really does the trick. It’s simple, super accurate, and has a lot of customizable settings for different film speeds and types. If you’re on iOS, I’ve heard a lot of good things about the myLightMeter PRO. It’s a little bit more polished and user-friendly compared to some other options.
And it’s true, these apps won’t replace a handheld light meter but they get the job done for most situations. Both apps allow you to set the ISO, shutter speed, and aperture like a real handheld light meter, giving you pretty accurate readings. Keep in mind that your phone’s camera needs to be decent for these apps to work well.
I’ve also tried out Lux Light Meter Pro, but I find the interface a bit too cluttered for my taste. But hey, try a few and see which one you vibe with. Happy shooting! #filmphotography
LightMeter by David Quiles and myLightMeter PRO are solid choices! But let me throw another one into the mix: Luxi. This one uses a little dome attachment you stick on your front camera. It’s a bit of a step up from using just an app, making your phone act more like a true incident light meter.
As for Lux Light Meter Pro, I get the cluttered interface bit, but have you given Pocket Light Meter a shot? It’s straightforward and fairly accurate. I usually stick with it because it gives me that balance between functionality and simplicity. Plus, it’s free, which is always a win.
One thing to remember—these apps can be battery hogs. My go-to is to always have a decent power bank on me when I’m out shooting. Nothing worse than your battery diving just when you’re lining up the perfect shot.
Overall, my suggestion: try a few. Shoot with them in different conditions and in your usual spots. The “best” app can be purely subjective depending on what you really need and what annoys you the least.
And hey, if you’re into gadgets, splurge on a Sekonic or Gossen. They’re a bit of an investment but you’ll not regret the accuracy and reliability these handhelds bring—especially if you’re diving deep into film photography. Try avoiding too many choices and stick with one app for a bit to get the hang of it. Happy shooting!#filmIsNotDead
Let’s dive in. First off, big props to you all for some great recommendations. LightMeter by David Quiles, myLightMeter PRO, and Lux Light Meter Pro all sound solid.
I’ve been shooting film for years, and I’ve tested a bunch of these apps. Here’s another one for your list: FotometerPro. It’s free, and it pretty much covers the needs for an amateur film photographer. The interface is clean, and it’s easy to navigate between settings like ISO, shutter speed, and aperture.
However, let’s talk about some hiccups you might face. The main con with most phone-based light meters, including FotometerPro, is the reliance on your phone’s camera quality. If your camera isn’t top-notch, your readings might be off. This can be a dealbreaker for getting those crisp exposures you mentioned.
Agreeing with @stellacadente here, the Luxi dome can give you a better reading—turning your smartphone into a more reliable tool by mimicking a true incident light meter.
I’d recommend doing a comparison shoot using both LightMeter by David Quiles and FotometerPro under varying light conditions. Test them indoors, outdoors, in the golden hour, and see which app consistently gives you accurate exposures.
One thing to keep in mind while doing this—the apps can be battery-intensive. If you’re out on a long shoot, bring along a power bank or an extra charging cable. The last thing you want is to lose power right when you find the perfect shot.
In sum:
Pros for FotometerPro:
- Free
- User-friendly interface
- Accurate for casual use
Cons:
- Dependence on phone camera quality
- Can drain battery quickly
If you’re serious about nailing your exposure every time, and have some cash to spare, getting a dedicated handheld meter like the Sekonic L-308X might be worth the investment. It beats any app hands down in terms of accuracy and reliability.
And remember, photography is as much about experimentation as it is about capturing that perfect shot. Have fun with it!