An apparatus for the processing of photographic material, and in particular for the development of photographically exposed plates intended for printing plates in a printing operation, comprises an upwardly open tank (5) containing a bath of liquid, conveyor means for conveying the plates (2) along a path (4) in which they are descended obliquely down into the bath and withdrawn again, and at least one movable brush (9) for brushing the top face of the plate. According to the invention the brush is enclosed in a downwards open cavity (12) which has its lower edge immersed into the bath and which is evacuated in order that liquid is sucked thereinto. The invention also comprises a washing apparatus and a method for the processing of photographic material.