a device for reading x - rays including mechanism for transporting a plurality of x - rays to and from a x - ray reading station ; the transporting mechanism including a web and mechanism for securing a plurality of x - ray films to the web ; the plurality of x - ray films may be spaced one from another along the web ; the device including mechanism for controlling the movement of the web to sequentially transport the x - ray films to the reading station ; mechanism for sensing the web and overlying x - ray film to identify the location of each x - ray film ; sensing mechanism being disposed upstream of the x - ray reading station ; mechanism for activating light sources behind the x - ray film and avoiding activating light sources behind the web portions not having overlying x - ray film ; light activating mechanism disposed at the x - ray reading station whereby light is passed through said x - ray film and light is not passed through the web not having overlying x - ray film .