Three incredibly helpful Apps for Film Photography

[@KyleMcDougall]

Apparently, Viewfinder Preview isn't available for Android. My bad! If you have an alternative that you use, please post it below for others!

[@ReaonKaufman]

Can you do a video on how to export your film photos for Instagram

[@bnrynlds]

I use Cadrage Kyle, works really well as a viewfinder app.

[@hamburglar25]

Magic Film Viewfinder works well enough for me.

[@mrN3w7]

Magic Film ViewFinder for Android - the free version is limited. This is a subscription app... for full version. For free, I recommend the "Camera Lens Simulator" - very basic, but does the job.

[@pushingfilm]

I also use Magic Film Viewfinder. Doesn't have as much functionality as the one you showed, but it works well.

[@bnrynlds]

One app I would absolutely recommend for landscape and architectural photographers is The Photographers Ephemeris. Allows to pin where you are on the map and see times and positions of sun/moon rise/set. Very useful!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Hmmm, yeah, I've heard of that a couple times. I'll have to check it out.

[@stevenpam]

It is very powerful but you need to spend a lot of time with the manual to be able to take advantage of what it can do. A simpler version is Sunseeker.

[@luchinooliveros2469]

Just a heads up for massive dev users. If you shoot color film i would recommend making a timer for xp2 and then adjusting the times for dev, fix wash etc manually. You can also manually change the name do the developers and the film so it can clearly show "color film" along the list of your black and white stocks. Also if you work with Fahrenheit you can adjust that by going into your phone settings, scrolling down until you see the massive dev app and tinkering in there

[@mrca2004]

Kyle, you led me to the massive dev app and it makes developing so organized. Just got the viewfinder preview and it replaces my beloved viewing card. Sorry Ernst Haas. Not only can I see the frame for 4 different formats and each lens I have but I can see the scene in b&w to check tonality and separation and the film emulation of ilford hp5 and 3200 looks pretty close. The meters spot can be sized smaller using a long lens setting then spotting on a zone V or placing shadows the desired zone. Accurate enough for film. Will have to explore the journal because that will make it easy to recognize people I shot on the street and got their model release and send they the right photo. Love this app. I don't have to take off the back pack onto the sand, take out say the huge RB67 and check framing and composition. And it has the benefit of seeing the image yet keeping the itchy trigger finger off the shutter button.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Bill. Glad you've found it helpful!

[@burneshollyman2621]

I shoot 4 x 5, and this is simply one of the top 3 channels for photography!

[@alexlesage__]

Wow! So usefull as always! Thank you so much!

[@barrieanthony952]

Nice video. As extra apps, for general photography, not just film, I find photopills and clear outside very useful to plan shots around sunrise etc.

[@sailinghooponopono2457]

Hi Kyle, I had Massive Dev Chart and Reciprocity Timer, but thanks for mentioning Viewfinder Preview. I now use it all the time with my Bronica etrsi, since it quickly give me an image of the different lens choices without having to set up, and try out different focal lengths to find my image.

[@speedbump1961]

I am a new subscriber and landed on this video first. Just a comment on "the full version" of reciprocity timer. I find it useful as a large format photographer as the app allows you to maintain a record of what film is in which holder and any associated exposure. You can even attach an image generated from a viewfinder type app and free form notes for a complete record of what is in the holders, subject, planned development, location and exposure...if this type of information is important to the photographer.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Oh cool, didn't know that. Thanks for the heads up!

[@johngskewes]

Hi Kyle, thanks for another good vlog. I saw you using the preview app in a pervious video and checked it out. My only issue with it is that using it takes me out of the moment. By explanation I mean, one of the nicest things about shooting film happens when you get over using the back screen and constantly chimping, as in digital. I now prefer to visualize in my head, and take time in composition. The preview app interrupts that. Of course this is my experience and I don't claim it's universal. Other apps: Lab Timer : also by Digital Truth is what I use for E6 and C41. Massive Dev is for BW. Pinhole Assist : Indispensable for shooting pinhole. It acts as a very accurate meter and does reciprocity - great application. Thanks Kyle.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Hey John, yeah, I can understand where you’re coming from. Surprisingly for me it hasn’t pulled me out of the moment and I’ve quite enjoyed it. But of course, everyone will have a different experience. Thanks for the other recommendations.

[@NeilBruder]

An app I really like (unfortunately iPhone only) is called Rizon. Using your location it gives precise golden hour times. You can look ahead into the future and in different locations to see when golden hour times will be. Great for use if you’re travelling and want to plan ahead and find the best times for morning or evening shooting.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Sounds great. I'll check it out. Thanks, Neil!

[@jeffdrew625]

Helpful video! Massive Dev Chart is really old, and indispensable reference! Subscribed!👍

[@carlseibert9015]

Thanks. I didn't know about the massive dev chart app. It doesn't have the charm of a Gralab and a three ring binder, but it looks well designed, organized, and generally 21st century. Easier to carry around than the Gralab, too.

[@lequan89]

Thanks a lot for Viewfinder Preview app suggestion!

[@KyleMcDougall]

You’re welcome.

[@FlipBerk]

Super cool Video Kyle , I use the last two , the first one definitely gonna try , thanks 🙏

[@KyleMcDougall]

Viewfinder Preview is great. I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

[@djdublo]

Thanks for that, I must get the massive Dev chart and get through my backlog of films awaiting development!

[@ss-5813]

'Lightme' lightmeter app has all the feature for exposure calculation, framelines, reciprocity calculator and film emulation for b/w films

[@liamskates619]

Thanks! Hyped to use the reciprocity timer!

[@alexismethenitis]

I use mainly Ilford films and I saw the reviews of Reciprocity Timer. I checked all the films reciprocity times that the app produces and are exacly what you would get if you used Iflford's formula, rounded to the next or previous second. I don't know of other films but the Ilford films are correct.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Oh, that’s good to know. Thanks Alexis.

[@PhilKnall]

Very helpful thanks. Gonna have to get that vf Preview app

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers Phil. It’s a good one.

[@V3kell]

Just came out of my darkroom and saw this. Perfect timing 👏👏👏

[@pauln44]

I'm on Android and use an app called Film Shots to record settings, lens and location/time info. It launches a notification that stays open and allows to update aperture and shutter speed for a particular frame. I've only had it a short time but it has been handy while I'm still trying to get a feel for what settings to use and looking at images long after the fact.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Nice. I'll have to look that one up!

[@shaggydelvalle]

love this setup bro! great vid too

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you.

[@ChizAfterHours]

Massive dev chart is definitely something I will have to start using. Really helpful video...but I think we need to see the XE behind you!

[@KyleMcDougall]

XE video in the future once it’s repaired!

[@ChizAfterHours]

@@KyleMcDougall I hope its nothing too bad. My XE7 had an erratic meter and needed the prism and mirror replaced as well.

[@ronnieolofsson9920]

Have you tryed the AGFA het?

[@KyleMcDougall]

Nope. But I have two rolls. Going to shoot them soon.

[@IvanAgram]

for those who lack rangefinders is there any app which would deal with that? Also lightmeter apps are very useful.

[@vinceruvolo1372]

Filmpad has got to be my most used photography app on my phone. I highly recommend it if you shoot roll film.

[@bengeeshoots]

on apple or android? i don't see it on the app store. what does it do?

[@calvinchann1996]

On Massive Dev Chart I amend the temperature to the actual temperature of my developer and it adjusts the time automatically.

[@ibnalfreak]

Thanks for the information! I wasn't aware it would do that. I've had the app for about 3 months now.

[@feydanmedia]

These are really useful, thank you so much for sharing.

[@charliejeong839]

Thanks for the great video. Can I use viewfinder preview for metering purpose?

[@KyleMcDougall]

It does have a built-in meter, yes. I have never used it, but have heard from some people that are happy with it.

[@BimblorBingus]

Kyle could you please make a development video? I’m so nervous to develop film myself

[@KyleMcDougall]

Yep. Something I may do in the future. There are lots of great videos out there right now, and it’s a simple process. You’ll be surprised how easy it is if you just give it a shot!

[@H4KUN4M3N03D3L]

I would love to see a video on the Minolta in the thumbnail.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Gotta get it repaired first, but then that's the plan.

[@evertking1]

Yeah, that would be nice... Would love some more 35mm love🙏

[@slr7075]

The Minolta XE is an underrated camera!

[@jonathanmalinza]

Hey Kyle, what happened with the Fujica GS645? Did you get it back?

[@KyleMcDougall]

Nope. Didn’t bother. Seemed a bit too fragile. I’m also not shooting much 645 nowadays.

[@contaxpaulharrison942]

I think that I will stick with the print out of ilfords developing times on paper and my smiths darkroom timer, how would the app cope if you wanted to adjust the development time , having measured the temperature of the made up developer solution. I can see that the reciprocity calculator would be useful, if you were shooting different types of film. The contax N1 had an electronic viewfinder that sat on the hot shoe, and covered the viewfinder eyepiece that would let you preview your shots including in Black & White, I guess it was ahead of its time. I suspect that I just enjoy being a luddite.

[@kinew9212]

You can edit the times in the app for pushing, temp changes, etc - it's pretty handy. I have another app from the same developer called Lab Timer that I use for E6, C41 and ECN-2 too, bit easier than having to set a timer for all the different steps

[@KyleMcDougall]

To each their own. As Kieran mentioned though, you can adjust temp and other settings in the app. I find it quite handy.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Also, never knew about the Contax viewfinder. Will have to look that up. Sounds interesting.

[@contaxpaulharrison942]

@@KyleMcDougall The Fe-1

[@contaxpaulharrison942]

@@kinew9212 I suspect that not owning a smartphone may compromise its performance somewhat!. The darkroom timer also works in a darkroom for print development.

[@AngeloHinojosa]

Hello, I got the Massive Dev App and I am a bit confused. Do they not have all films? I currently have Kodak Ultramax 400 in 35mm. Then I have Kodak Portra 400 and Ektar 100 on 120. I can't see any of these film stocks on the app. Am I missing something? I'm also newish to film so maybe there are nicknames or technical names I don't understand.

[@KyleMcDougall]

It's only for B&W films. :)

[@peter2712]

Thanks. The absolute best thing about the Massive app is that it gives developer recipe in milliliters.

[@JohnnyMcMillan]

Massive Dev chart app for the win! It's a must when hand developing. Also PhotoPills is a must too

[@KyleMcDougall]

Absolutely.

[@mywonkyTLR]

I'm really enjoying your vids. They are super helpful even for an old timer like me.

[@eskimio]

Hey Kyle, Viewfinder Preview isn't available on android. :(

[@KyleMcDougall]

Damn. Seriously? I was sure I read on their website it was. Sorry!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Just checked, you're right. My bad!

[@NorbiWhitney]

I'm literally in the process of writing an "app to help with analog workflow" video, luckily it doesn't include the same ones, haha.

[@DrJRaven]

Absolutely fantastic

[@mylesmoreno7215]

Nice bro, love your content

[@billhackley3540]

couldn't find the exact reciprocity timer app you have

[@KyleMcDougall]

On the App Store?

[@michelledickie1312]

Disappointed I can’t use the Viewfinder Preview app with my Widelux F6. It wouldn’t accepted the film dimensions as it’s wider then the camera

[@gkeviv]

I was just going to post to ask you to talk about your workflow. Thank you!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers.

[@andreasd3346]

Why should I use a view finder app if I have a film loaded analog camera with a view finder and release button?

[@b6983832]

What I don-t like in the Massive Dev app are the agitation schemes it suggests. If you don-t check them, they can be pretty weird. Many are in the style of semi-stand developing. I'll stick to Kodak style agitation scheme which has worked fine with me for the last 35 years.

[@stevenpam]

Dude, you’re prolific! How do you do it?

[@eccentricsmithy2746]

Ilford has their own reciprocity app.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cool. Didnt know that. I'll look it up.

[@voradorlinux]

For both Android and iOS? Thanks!

[@caldera878]

Minolta XE review next?

[@KyleMcDougall]

Just have to get it repaired. And then planning on doing one!

[@slr7075]

@@KyleMcDougall Its a real great SLR camera. Can't wait.

Thankfully .

[@SinaFarhat]

Thanks for the info! :)

[@KyleMcDougall]

You’re welcome.

[@MegaBrosSquad]

Notification Squad 🔥🚀

[@morg7736]

True

[@lukeh4278]

Think the Reciprocity Timer is iPhone only unfortunately! Looks like a goodn, the alternatives are so bad :(

[@ReaonKaufman]

Can you do a video on how to export your film photos for Instagram

[@KyleMcDougall]

Yep. Had a couple requests for that.

[@ReaonKaufman]

@@KyleMcDougall appreciate it, I’ll be on the look out😬😬

[@AeromaticXD]

I use a lightmeter app called “Lux”, as far as I know it’s only on iOS

[@MB-or8js]

I prefer using the std timer on my cell instead of the pre-distinguished times in the massive development chart app. I am using the chart always via website - no need to pay for the app. Interesting that you didn't mention any of the free film apps - for example Exif Notes and Light Meter (for Android) to name just two.

[@KyleMcDougall]

These are basically the only apps I use, other than a free lightmeter app that get's used every now and then.

[@niddynoddy]

Viewfinder preview is for iPhone only.. feels bad man

[@manavkalyan6497]

good

[@pwood5733]

Croaking is a practiced and perfected false noise that women find fashionable, but is just so last season. I recommend tea with a spoon of honey to help you see what your big boy voice sounds like

[@emotown1]

He’d probably need a spoon app.

[@errole]

Viewfinder isn't on Android

[@lostinspacestudio]

Dude the first app is iPhone only! That after saying they are all cross platform!

[@Murdog36]

I love the app Dev It, for developing timer and recipes. Check it out

[@uncanny_bassman]

Absolutely.

[@donaldslaughter3951]

You did not even leave the names visible for a decent amount of time where we could write them down.

[@duyho6328]

6:03 I'll put a tear drop in ther ocean. When you find it is when I'll stop loving you.

[@Gravxmansummnxr]

So we not gone talk to the random flash

[@samhardy2038]

All KZbin people have the same type of lights , soft orange, in their backgrounds. Ever notice?

[@Mykolas27]

Among us

[@Alex.0470]

An app that shows you exactly how your photo will look by using a "viewfinder app" *cringe* Shooting film is about not relying on digital for the creation of a negative. A light meter app, fine, photographers have been using light meters for decades and having one on a phone is a progression of technology. But an app that shows you exactly how a photo will look before you take it...at what point does skill come into play? Not that you aren't skilled, I'm not implying that at all as it was more of a rhetorical question. Analog is about knowing the film you're shooting as well as the camera and having an app that basically gives you the answer feels cheap to me. I know film is expensive, I shoot 4x5 as well and want to get the best possible shot each time, but I rather grow from my mistakes than to basically have a camera calculator do all the work for me. I dont even like to use a light meter as I've always enjoyed pushing myself to get better and meter by eye, but I know that is me, and I'm not saying "eVeRyoNE sHoUld MeTEr bY EYe!" Readers of this comment, attack me if you must; I care not of the backlash.

[@fgsz291]

I‘d rather focus on finding the best possible composition. The camera is just a tool to take the photo I imagine, the film is just a tool to take the photo, same are these apps just tools to take the photo.

[@andraxxusnephilem9423]

+1. IMHO most important part of film photography is knowing and using your equipment, because you don't get previews or second chances. In essence, every photograph is a reflection of skill of the photographer. I do use lightmeter app, but if I am shooting film, I am shooting it on fully manual. Otherwise why bother? If I am looking for convinience of technology, I'll just use my cell phone. Any modern phone will nail exposure and focus everytime and will have better image quality than best of film stocks. As a bonus you get to see what you are shooting, you have HDR to bump up shadows and completely eliminate overexposed areas, you get one-click color correction options... Taking a photo with cellphone is practically free (both from equipment and storage perspectives), so you can burst shot 100+ photos of the same scene to catch the correct instant.. And I am not even talking about the technical advantages of a decent DSLR from the last decade.

[@biggreencam]

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