How the Bulb Timer works

Summary

Long-exposure stopwatch for the camera's Bulb (B) shutter setting. Counts the duration with optional haptic ticks and voice cues so you can keep your eyes on the camera and your hand on the cable release.

How it works

Most cameras have a Bulb (B) setting that holds the shutter open as long as you press it. This modal is a stopwatch for those long exposures, with optional haptic ticks and voice cues so you can keep your eyes on the camera and your hand on the cable release.

Set the duration

Type the target time in seconds, or pick from the preset chips. The presets cover the common values: 4s, 8s, 15s, 30s, one minute, four minutes, and so on. Long exposures past one minute are typical for pinhole, night, or astro work.

Haptic and voice cues

While the timer runs you can have the phone vibrate or speak at intervals. Useful when the camera is on a tripod ten metres away or your hands are busy with a cable release. Voice will count down the last few seconds so you know exactly when to close the shutter.

Gyro auto-start

Optional: the timer waits until the phone is held still before starting the count, so the click of the shutter does not eat half a second of your exposure. Stand still, the timer starts on its own.

Reciprocity reminder

The duration shown here is the geometric exposure time. If your film has reciprocity failure (most do, past one second), the actual time you need is longer. Set the film stock in Equipment and the main meter will add the reciprocity correction for you.