An applicator is provided for depositing a coating of processing fluid on a moving run of photographic film strip which includes a single fluid reservoir having an opening in an exterior surface through which processing fluid may pass. A nozzle plate is provided also having a fluid opening therein and a reservoir facing surface which is configured to be urged toward the reservoir exterior surface and to sealingly engage and to cooperate with the reservoir surface so that fluid may flow through the nozzle plate opening when the plate and reservoir are in such confronting relation. A tear tab is initially interposed between the reservoir and the nozzle plate in sealing engagement around the opening in the reservoir exterior surface so that it initially seals processing fluid in the reservoir. Removal of the tear tab from the reservoir results in release of the fluid contained therein. The reservoir housing is provided with means for supporting the nozzle plate in an aligned spaced relationship with respect to the reservoir exterior surface with the tear tab lying therebetween. The reservoir nozzle plate and tear tab may be assembled in a modular fashion with the processing fluid initially sealed therein such that the modular fluid applicator may be readily installed in a processing station in a multipurpose film cassette.