PURPOSE: To easily and excellently take split copies by using two sheet originals by controlling the scanning of two areas, the timing of image formation on copying paper, etc., based on one end and the other end of an original platen according to split copy mode setting.

CONSTITUTION: When the split copy mode is set, a CPU 21 supplies information corresponding to selected magnification and copying paper size to a CPU 22 and a scanning motor controller 30 and a variable power lens controller 35 are controlled. Two sheet originals mounted based on both ends of an original platen as reference positions are scanned from corresponding reference positions to form a latent image on a photosensitive drum. The original scanning and subsequent image formation sequence timing are controlled through a timer in the CPU 21 according to the mode setting, specified magnification, copying paper size, etc., and split copies are easily and excellently taken by using two original sheets whose positioning is normally difficult.