Getting Started with 36 Exposures
Initial Setup
When you first launch 36 Exposures, an onboarding guide walks you through the main features. Here's the complete workflow:
Quick Start Workflow: Add Camera → Create Roll → Log Shots → Complete Roll → Import Developed Scans
Step 1: Add Your First Camera
Build your camera and lens library for accurate metadata tracking.
- Navigate to the Cameras tab
- Tap the + button
- Enter camera details (Make, Model, Year)
- Specify if it's a fixed lens camera or has interchangeable lenses
- Add any notes about your camera (quirks, modifications, etc.)
Tip: Add all your cameras at once - the app remembers your frequently used combinations.
Step 2: Create Your First Film Roll
Each roll tracks a physical roll of film from loading to development.
- Go to the Rolls tab
- Tap the + button
- Select your camera from the list
- Choose your film stock (Kodak Portra 400, Ilford HP5+, etc.)
- Set the ISO and exposure count (24 or 36 typically)
- Your roll is now active and ready for shot logging!
VISUAL PROGRESS
Track used vs. remaining exposures with the visual indicator
ROLL STATES
Active → Completed → Developed workflow tracking
Step 3: Log Your First Shot
Capture comprehensive metadata for each exposure with quick entry options.
- Open your active film roll
- Tap Record Shot
- Enter exposure settings using quick select buttons:
- • Aperture (common f-stops available)
- • Shutter speed (presets from 1/8000 to long exposures)
- • ISO (if different from roll's base ISO)
- Optionally add location, notes, and take a reference photo
- Save - frame number advances automatically
New: Reference photos help match developed scans later!
Step 4: Import Developed Scans
Once your film is developed, import and match scans with your logged shots.
Manual Matching
Drag and drop interface for precise control
Smart Match
Uses reference photos to automatically suggest matches
Sequential Match
Quick matching when scans are in order
Key Features
- •Integrated Light Meter: Seamlessly transfer readings to shot entries
- •Apple Watch App: Quick shot logging from your wrist
- •Home Screen Widgets: At-a-glance roll status and quick entry
- •iCloud Sync: Seamless sync across all your Apple devices
- •Shot Grid View: Visual overview with numbered frames and thumbnails