LiDAR Rangefinder
LiDAR 激光测距
Precise distance measurement using iPhone's LiDAR sensor, inspired by Leica rangefinders
Film cameras with manual focus lenses require accurate distance estimation for critical sharpness – especially at wide apertures where depth of field is razor-thin. FilmMeter’s LiDAR rangefinder turns your iPhone into a precision distance measuring tool, using the same time-of-flight laser technology found in professional surveying equipment. Point your iPhone at your subject and instantly see the exact distance in meters or feet, eliminating the guesswork from zone focusing and manual focus photography.
How iPhone LiDAR Works
The LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) scanner on iPhone 12 Pro and later models emits pulses of infrared laser light and measures the time each pulse takes to return after bouncing off surfaces in the scene. FilmMeter leverages Apple’s ARKit framework to access this depth data in real time, providing distance measurements accurate to within centimeters at typical portrait and street photography distances. The system works reliably in low light conditions where optical rangefinders may struggle, making it ideal for indoor and evening film photography sessions.
Leica Rangefinder-Inspired Interface
The rangefinder UI in FilmMeter pays homage to the legendary Leica M-series cameras with a split-image focusing display. The distance readout is presented in a clean, high-contrast format that echoes the precision engineering of classic German optical instruments. This design choice is not merely aesthetic – it provides an intuitive visual reference that experienced rangefinder photographers will immediately recognize and appreciate. The display shows both the measured distance and the corresponding position on your lens’s focus scale.
Integration with Depth of Field
The LiDAR distance feeds directly into FilmMeter’s depth of field calculator, automatically updating near limit, far limit, and total DOF as you aim at different subjects. This real-time integration is particularly valuable for medium format shooters using Hasselblad, Mamiya, or Pentax 67 systems, where the shallower depth of field at equivalent angles of view demands more precise focusing. Combined with precision metering, you get a complete exposure and focus workflow without switching between apps.
Supported Devices and Requirements
LiDAR distance measurement requires iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro, or later Pro models equipped with the LiDAR scanner. The feature uses ARKit and requires camera access. All distance calculations are performed locally on-device – no internet connection is needed. On devices without LiDAR, the depth of field calculator still works with manual distance input.