Abstract: A film processor includes a cabinet having a processing cavity divided into a series of processing stations containing film processing fluid. A pair of support rails extend longitudinally over the processing cavity. A photographic film carrier is loaded at a loading station adjacent to the first bath, and a transport mechanism raises the film above the loading station, transfers it to a position above the bath at the first processing station, and then lowers the carrier such that the photographic film is immersed in the bath. After processing has been completed in the fixed bath, the photographic film assembly is transferred to succeeding processing stations. After the film is raised above the bath at the last processing station, the door of an adjacent drying compartment is opened automatically, and the carrier is set on the portion of the rails which extend into the drying chamber. The door is then reclosed and drying takes place.