To obtain an image reader and an image reading method capable of suitably adjusting color balance in accordance with the kind of photographic sensitive material without performing troublesome control.

The kind of photographic film being a reading object is acquired (step 200). When the kind shows negative film or sepia film, a filter corresponding to the negative film is set on the optical axis of illuminating light (steps 202 and 204'), and when the kind shows positive film or black-and-white film, a filter corresponding to the positive film is set on the optical axis of the illuminating light (steps 206 and 207). In such a state, the image of the photographic film is read (steps 210 to 226).