Question 1

How accurate is Tenmei compared to a Sekonic or Minolta spot meter?

Accepted Answer

Tenmei reads light through the iPhone camera sensor. Readings can differ slightly from a dedicated spot meter because of the iPhone ISP's tone mapping. A calibration offset is built in so you can match the meter you trust. Set it once and tenmei tracks.

Question 2

Does Tenmei support 4x5, 120, and 35mm frame tracking?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Each journal entry can be tagged with a frame ID. Sheet number for 4x5, exposure number for 120 rolls, auto-advancing for 35mm. Bellows extension compensation is included for large format and macro work.

Question 3

Does Tenmei work with slide film and other low-latitude stocks?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Per-stock latitude values let you see at a glance whether your highlights and shadows fit inside what the film can hold. Velvia and Provia are bundled with their actual latitude curves.

Question 4

Do my journal entries leave the phone?

Accepted Answer

No. Tenmei has no network entitlement for data sync. Journal entries, voice memos, and reference photos all stay on the device. Zero analytics, zero telemetry, zero account system.

Question 5

What's free versus paid in Tenmei?

Accepted Answer

Metering, zone system, voice memos, and night mode are free. Tenmei Pro is a one-time $5.99 unlock that adds unlimited journal entries, the reciprocity calculator, batch PDF export, and custom film stocks. The purchase is family-shareable and does not auto-renew.

Question 6

What iPhone do I need to run Tenmei?

Accepted Answer

Any iPhone running iOS 17 or later. The newer the camera sensor, the more reliable the metering. Night mode and dark-adapted display work on all supported devices.

tenmei

Features

Spot metering

Zone & journal

Stocks & field tools

Pricing

Questions