Abstract: A transport apparatus comprising a transport strip wrapped helically around a stationary porous conduit closed off at one end. Liquid under pressure is forced into the open end of the conduit and through the openings in the periphery of the porous conduit, producing a liquid layer between the outer conduit surface and transport strip. A web to be transported, of random length and width, is inserted between the transport strip and the outer surface of the porous conduit and becomes adjoined to the transport strip under the influence of liquid pressure and liquid cohesion. Thus, advancing the transport strip also advances the web, both being supported by the liquid layer which acts as a liquid bearing. Further, if the web is a photographic film or other processable material and the liquid is a suitable processing solution, the liquid layer also serves as a processing medium.