Customer Reviews (100)

John Turner • 2025-02-28T15:30:36.474Z

I'm updating my review on this app. It suits my new phone (Samsung) massively better than my old one. I would now rate this app as fantastic once you have fine tuned to your phone and desired exposure settings on your camera.

Adam Gilbert • 2025-02-19T08:27:04.344Z

Ok, but it seems inconsistent between different zooms on my S22U. Also, I believe the iso100ev indicator is misleading. It should simply be called EV, as it changes when you alter the iso. And the EV value at the bottom of the screen, which really is the iso100ev, should just be called LV. This would be a correct and sensible thing to update.

Wise Guy • 2025-02-13T04:23:52.287Z

Very slick and genuinely usefull light meter for manual film cameras. I have a suggestion for a spin-off app. I would have a big use for an app that let's me take a test image with my phone and have the app work as a calculator for setting a manual film camera to achieve the correct exposure based on the phone Exif data. I currently can do this with some arithmetic and a bunch of thinking. Almost everything to make this app is already in the light meter app. Cheers

Summary of Key Insights

  • LightMeter is generally well-received, particularly for its ease of use, retro design, and accuracy when properly calibrated. Many users find it a valuable tool for film photography and as a backup for dedicated light meters. However, a significant number of users report crashing issues and inaccuracies, especially on certain Android devices, following recent updates. There's a strong desire for a more feature-rich "Pro" version on Android, similar to the iOS version. Users also request features like ISO lock, longer exposure times, and better documentation.

  • Strengths: Ease of use, accurate readings (when calibrated), retro aesthetic, helpful for film photography.

  • Weaknesses: Crashing issues on certain devices, accuracy inconsistencies, lack of a feature-rich "Pro" version on Android, limited documentation, ISO dial prone to accidental changes.

  • Overall Sentiment: Positive, but tempered by persistent technical issues and feature requests.

  • Quantitative Metrics:

    • Overall Rating (estimated based on distribution): ~4.2 stars
    • Score Distribution: 5-star (58%), 4-star (15%), 3-star (8%), 2-star (5%), 1-star (14%)

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 100 reviews
  • Time Frame: Not explicitly stated, but implied to be recent based on mentions of recent updates and specific phone models.
  • Analysis Methods: Sentiment analysis (manual assessment based on review text), keyword extraction (identifying frequently mentioned terms and phrases), and thematic analysis (grouping reviews based on common topics and concerns).

Key User Pain Points

  • Crashing Issues: The most significant pain point. Many users report the app crashing, particularly in reflected light mode, especially after recent updates and on specific Android devices (e.g., Galaxy A14, Pixel 6a). This renders the app unusable for affected users.
  • Accuracy Inconsistencies: A recurring issue, with some users reporting significant discrepancies (2-5 stops) compared to dedicated light meters or the "Sunny 16" rule. Calibration helps some users, but others struggle to achieve accurate results. Zooming can also affect accuracy.
  • Lack of Android "Pro" Version: Users consistently express disappointment that the Android version lacks features available in the iOS "Pro" version.
  • ISO Dial Accidental Changes: Many users find it easy to accidentally change the ISO setting, leading to incorrect readings and wasted film.
  • Limited Documentation: Some users find the app's functionality unclear, particularly for newcomers to light metering.
  • Device Compatibility Issues: The app's performance and accuracy vary significantly across different Android devices.

Frequently Requested Features

  • ISO Lock: A highly requested feature to prevent accidental ISO changes.
  • Android "Pro" Version: Users want the same features as the iOS version, including more options and control.
  • Longer Exposure Times: Support for exposure times longer than 30 seconds for slow film.
  • Long Exposure/Reciprocity Calculator: Integration of a calculator to account for reciprocity failure.
  • Hold Value Function: An option to hold the measurement value after it's taken, especially useful for flash photography.
  • Focal Length Representation: Displaying the focal length represented by the zoom function.
  • Improved Calibration: More granular calibration options, potentially with separate adjustments for high and low EV values.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Ease of Use: Many users praise the app's simple and intuitive interface, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced photographers.
  • Retro Design: The vintage aesthetic is appreciated by many users.
  • Accuracy (When Calibrated): Users who successfully calibrate the app report accurate readings, comparable to dedicated light meters.
  • Helpful for Film Photography: The app is particularly valued by users shooting with manual film cameras.
  • Incident and Reflected Light Metering: The availability of both incident and reflected light metering options provides flexibility.
  • Price: The app is considered affordable.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Fix Crashing Issues: Immediately address the crashing issues reported by numerous users. Investigate device-specific problems and release updates to resolve these bugs. (Severity: Critical, Frequency: High)
  • Improve Accuracy: Investigate and address the accuracy inconsistencies reported by users. Consider device-specific calibration profiles or algorithms. (Severity: High, Frequency: Medium)
  • Implement ISO Lock: Add an ISO lock feature to prevent accidental ISO changes. (Severity: Medium, Frequency: High)

Medium Priority:

  • Develop Android "Pro" Version: Create a more feature-rich "Pro" version for Android, mirroring the capabilities of the iOS version. This could be a paid upgrade. (Severity: Medium, Frequency: Medium)
  • Improve Documentation: Provide clearer instructions and tutorials on how to use the app effectively, including calibration and interpreting readings. (Severity: Low, Frequency: Medium)
  • Add Longer Exposure Times: Extend the range of exposure times to accommodate slow film and long exposures. (Severity: Low, Frequency: Medium)
  • Implement Hold Value Function: Add an option to hold the measurement value after it's taken. (Severity: Low, Frequency: Medium)

Low Priority:

  • Focal Length Representation: Display the focal length represented by the zoom function. (Severity: Low, Frequency: Low)
  • Weston Master Design Option: Consider adding an option to change the app's appearance to resemble a Weston Master light meter. (Severity: Low, Frequency: Low)
  • Long Exposure/Reciprocity Calculator: Integrate a calculator to account for reciprocity failure. (Severity: Low, Frequency: Low)

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Advanced Calibration Service: Offer a paid service where users can send in their phones for professional calibration, ensuring maximum accuracy.
  • Cloud-Based Calibration Profiles: Create a database of calibration profiles for different phone models, allowing users to easily download and apply the optimal settings for their device.
  • Film Stock Profiles: Integrate film stock profiles that automatically adjust exposure based on the specific film being used.
  • Augmented Reality Light Meter: Develop an AR light meter app that overlays exposure information directly onto the camera view.

Trends and Observations

  • Device-Specific Issues: The app's performance is heavily dependent on the specific Android device. Certain models (e.g., Galaxy A14, Pixel 6a) are consistently associated with problems.
  • Impact of Updates: Recent updates appear to have introduced new bugs and stability issues.
  • Desire for Feature Parity with iOS: Android users consistently express a desire for the same features as the iOS version.
  • Calibration is Key: Users who take the time to calibrate the app generally report better results.
  • Language Preference: Predominantly English reviews, with one Spanish review indicating potential for localization efforts.

Conclusion

LightMeter is a valuable tool for film photographers, appreciated for its simplicity and retro design. However, significant technical issues, particularly crashing and accuracy inconsistencies, are detracting from the user experience. Addressing these issues, along with implementing frequently requested features like ISO lock and an Android "Pro" version, should be the developer's top priorities. Focusing on device-specific optimization and thorough testing of updates is crucial for maintaining a positive user experience. Overall, the app has strong potential, but requires dedicated attention to stability and feature development to fully realize its potential.

Original App Link

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dq.fotometroNa