Abstract: A liquid handling method for use in an image forming apparatus wherein an electrostatic image formed on the surface of an image-carrying member is developed with a liquid developer and the thus developed image is transferred for further utilization. The method is performed with the use of liquid guide members provided at the peripheral portions of the image-carrying member, in order to guide a liquid which tends to enter the surface of the image carrying member from the peripheral portions thereof to outside the image carrying member.

Abstract: A method for developing an electrostatic latent image comprising bringing a rigid member into pressure contact with a rotary member having a porous elastic member in the form of a layer provided in the periphery thereof to allow said elastic member to contain therein liquid developer in accordance with elastic deformation of the elastic member, urging said rotary member against an electrostatic latent image bearing surface and rotating said rotary member to supply the liquid developer to said bearing surface, thereby carrying out development of the electrostatic latent image, which comprises regulating the amount of elastic deformation of said elastic member in the direction of the thickness upon pressure contact thereof with said rigid member so as to be equivalent to or larger than that of said elastic member in the direction of the thickness upon pressure contact thereof with said bearing surface to conduct said development.