Solvent-assisted linker exchange (SALE) was performed on pillared metal−organic frameworks (MOFs), [Zn2(oba)2(4-bpdb)]n.(DMF)2 (TMU-4) and [Zn(oba)(4-bpmb)0.5]n.(DMF)1.5 (TMU-6), to tune the photocatalytic properties. The pillar ligands were successfully replaced in these MOFs to generate daughter MOFs TMU-4' and TMU-6' which possess higher BET surface areas. Moreover, a study was performed to examine photocatalytic performance of these parent and daughter MOFs in photoreduction of Cr(VI) under visible light irradiation. Finally, the reduction mechanism was investigated by using various scavengers including AgNO3, t-butyl alcohol, BQ and ammonium oxalate.