The Fuji GW690iii was my first camera that had no electronics. It has produced some of my favourite photographs, but fundamentally changed the way I meter scenes for light. Given the camera has no light meter, I relied on alternative means for metering. To begin with I carried my digital camera and a zoom lens with me and used that to meter. Rather heavy, but I got good results. I didn’t like the idea of spending a few hundred dollars on a dedicated light meter that would get relatively little use. When I started doing more night photography I needed to factor in reciprocity failure for the long exposures, and also record notes on where I metered and exposure setting I used so that I could tune my metering technique. I tried different apps and websites, but found these clunky and time consuming to use in sub-zero temperatures.
I’m a software developer by trade, and over the months started creating an Android app to provide the functionality and workflow I needed in the field. I wanted a reliable light meter that I could use with one hand. I wanted to be able to be able to spot meter and meter wider scenes. Last week I released Analog Photography Assistant to the Google Play Store. It is free for all to use, has no ads or crap ware, and your data never leaves your phone. It has the following features:
- Light Meter – meter scenes with your phone. Set the ISO of the film you’re using and get aperture and shutter speed combinations.
- Reciprocity Calculator – select the film you’re shooting on, enter the metered exposure for a scene, and this calculator factors in the reciprocity failure of the film and calculates the real exposure time.
- Compass – get your bearings.
- Black and White Preview – see what’s in front of you in black and white.
- Notes – free text notes with one-press shortcuts to insert the current time and GPS coordinates.
- Settings – configure APA to fit your way of working.
I use the app for all of my photography. I’m seeking feedback and open for feature requests from the 35mmc community.
Download APA on the Play Store or read about the app on analogphotographyassistant.com
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Nigel Cliff on Introducing Analog Photography Assistant – a full featured film photographers app
Comment posted: 08/07/2025
Gary Paudler on Introducing Analog Photography Assistant – a full featured film photographers app
Comment posted: 08/07/2025
You have made a very generous and useful contribution to the community!
I don't have an Android phone but have and love a Fuji GSW690III and delude myself that Sunny 16 will be adequate, though, of course, it's not.
Many Thanks,
Gary
Timothy Hancock on Introducing Analog Photography Assistant – a full featured film photographers app
Comment posted: 08/07/2025
John Fontana on Introducing Analog Photography Assistant – a full featured film photographers app
Comment posted: 08/07/2025
I especially like how the reciprocity failure estimation links to a timer on the same screen with the amended exposure time set on the timer, ready to go! I can also see me using the B&W preview. Is there a way the latter could be set to equate with different focal lengths to give framing, too?
Roger on Introducing Analog Photography Assistant – a full featured film photographers app
Comment posted: 08/07/2025