Film image input method

A width of a illumination light being transmitted through a film is restricted within a distance between frames of the film. The film is transported to a position where only an area between frames is illuminated after the image of one frame is picked up, and a film transport is stopped. Then, the light is diminished or turned off when any operation is not instructed within a first time. Next, the film is transported in such a manner that a middle part of the frame is positioned below or above a photo detector when any operation is not instructed within a second time after the first time has passed, and the film transport is stopped. Then, a magnetic head is pressed against the film and the film is released from being held between the capstan and the pinch roller.