The ATL-500/800 is designed to process small quantities of film to professional standards using standard 3-bath processes. It can handle APS, 35mm, 120/220 roll film and sheet film in sizes from 6x9cm to 4x5 inch. It can process up to 2 x 135 films or up to 2 x 120 roll films per run using the reels and tanks provided, and up to 6 - 4x5 inch sheet films per processing run using the optional #2509n sheet film reel. (The #2509n reel is included with the ATL-800.)

Film is loaded into the tank in complete darkness, and the tank then coupled to the processor in normal lighting. The chemical storage bottles are then filled with the correct quantities of solutions, and the processor started. On the ATL-500, measuring the chemicals and then pouring them into the chemical bottles. On the ATL-800, this is done by opening the taps on the five liter storage bottles, while looking at the level indicators located to the left of the filling caps. When half of the indicator turns black, the bottles contain 150ml of solution, suitable for processing 1 roll of 35mm film in the small tank. When the indicator turns black fully, the bottles contain 300ml of solution, suitable for processing all film quantities and types in the large tank. The processor can then be started.

The ATL-500/800 will then temper the water jacket, chemicals and rinse water to the correct process temperature. The process sequence can then be started. The chemical baths and rinses are introduced into the processing tank in turn for the programmed times, and then drained separately. At the end of the process run, the processor will give an audible signal and the tank will continue to rotate. Pressing ¿ (ENTER) will stop the rotation and cause the lift arm to raise. The tank can then be removed from the processor. Any stabilization should be carried out away from the processor, out of the tank and off the reels. Then the films should be dried.

The five-liter storage containers of the ATL-800 should be used for the most frequently used process. Fill the bottles manually for less frequently used processes as described for the ATL-500. Select and run a cleaning program each time the process is changed to clean the processor, hoses, and bottles. In that case, fill the bottles with no more than 700 ml of fresh water, connect the large tank to the processor, and start the processor