CAM-B3LYP DFT/TDDFT calculations have been performed on two fluorescent benzofurazan derivatives and their complexes with metal ions ( and ). Optimized structures of complexes and binding energies have been determined. Calculated vertical transition energies have been compared to available experimental data. Only one ligand binds effectively ion allowing metal orbitals to par- ticipate in frontier molecular orbitals which results in significant shifts in absorption and emission spec- tra. Modified structure of the other ligand makes ion binding less effective. It has been shown that proper reproduction of transition energies requires accounting for state-specific solvation.