Accuracy of light meter apps [Android, Nokia 5.3]

I have noticed that light meter apps on my Nokia 5.3 phone display incorrect exposure values.

For example, Light Meter by Luminis Labs (I like the simplicity of this app).

Sunny day, no clouds in the sky, outdoors. The Sunny 16 rule in action: I set ISO 100 and f/16.

I was expecting a shutter speed of 1/100 (or even faster). But the app showed a much slower 1/20. That is at least +2EV overexposure.

Maybe the main camera is reporting wrong values. Maybe the real sensitivity is much lower than stated.

Maybe a negative film allows such overexposure, but I want to control the degree of overexposure myself.

So, after the disappointment, I decide to use a good old dedicated light meter. A model without a digital display, with only a dial you should turn and then choose a pair of the aperture and the shutter speed. And the model should be powered by a cheap modern battery.

See also related notes:

• Sekonic Auto-Leader L-188 light meter (2024-09-26)

Image albums:

• Android
• Light meter