A reading apparatus (1) comprising an image reading means for reading a sheet original (P) positioned at a reading position and an automatic original convey means for supplying the sheet original onto the reading position and wherein the sheet original can be read through an image flow reading mode while the sheet original (P) is being conveyed by the automatic original convey means by fixing the image reading means at any position. It further comprises a convey path (B) for directing the sheet original to the reading position, and a control means for initiating conveyance of the sheet original (P) waiting at a predetermined position in the convey path (B) in response to a flow reading mode start signal during the image flow reading mode and for initiating the image flow reading mode by outputting an image tip signal when a tip end of the sheet original (P) reaches a flow reading image tip position (H) . <IMAGE>
