Abstract: The present invention relates to a transfer apparatus for transfer to and/or from a processing machine, in particular an internal lacquering machine, for processing cylindrical containers with or without a closed bottom, in particular made of aluminium or steel, wherein the processing machine comprises a holding dial provided with holding elements for holding the cylindrical containers, to a processing system including such transfer apparatus and to a corresponding transfer method and it is an object of the present invention to provide such transfer apparatus, which allows for transferring cylindrical containers with or without a closed bottom to a processing machine the holding elements of which having radially and tangentially fixed positions relative to the holding dial and being equally distributed with a first mutual pacing on a circle with a reduced need for maintenance and/or cleaning.