PURPOSE: To prevent the deterioration of image resolution, by illuminating an original when the reading position is at pause on the original.

CONSTITUTION: A light source 2 which illuminates an original 1 receives the supply of electric power from a lighting device 5. The reflected light sent from the illuminated original 1 forms an image as a storing image sensor 3 via a lens 4 to be taken out in the form of the image information. The original 1 is carried to a feed roller 6 and its driving motor 7. When the original 1 is inserted, an original carrying signal M is fed to the motor 7 to turn the roller 6. The light source 2 emits the light only when the reading position is at pause on the original 1. This eliminates the deterioration of image resolution, because no illumination is given while the original 1 is moving.