What is the last step involved in the film processing procedure?

The last step involved in the film processing procedure is washing the film and then drying it. After a film is developed, it goes through a fixing process where the unexposed silver halide crystals are removed, and then it is washed to remove any residual chemicals that may remain on the film surface. This washing is crucial to ensure that the film is properly cleaned and to prevent any potential degradation of the image caused by leftover chemicals.

Once the washing is completed, the film must be dried to prepare it for viewing, storage, or further processing if necessary. Drying ensures that no moisture is left on the film, which could lead to mold growth or damage over time. Thus, washing and drying effectively concludes the film processing, ensuring the images are preserved in optimal condition for future use.

The other steps listed, such as fixing, developing, and mounting, are all essential parts of the overall processing workflow but do not come last in the sequence. Fixing and developing occur earlier in the process, while mounting refers to preparing the finished product for presentation and happens after the washing and drying phases.