A substantially nonmagnetic toner comprising a colorant and a binder comprising a homopolymer or copolymer having a ratio (Mw/Mn) of a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of a number average molecular weight (Mn) of less than 5.0 is formed in a thin layer on a toner carrying member. The layer of toner is carried to a developing zone at which an image bearing member is disposed to face the toner carrying member with a clearance larger than the toner layer thickness and an electrostatic image on the image bearing member is developed with the thin layer of toner. The toner binder resin preferably comprises a copolymer of a vinyl monomer and an amonoacrylic monomer.