What is the first step in refilling a film processor?

The first step in refilling a film processor is to fill the fixer compartment. The fixer plays a crucial role in the development process as it removes unexposed silver halides from the film, ensuring that the image is permanent and will not change when exposed to light. Filling the fixer compartment first can be important because it prepares the processor for immediate use, allowing for efficient processing of the film once the developer has been added later.

It is common practice to ensure the fixer is ready since it is essential for the completion of the development process, and if the developer were to be filled first, the fixer could run out during a critical stage of processing. Understanding the specific sequence in which compartments should be filled helps maintain optimal performance and quality in the film processing workflow.