Reading apparatus in which image recording means may be fixed to read and original being conveyed

A reading apparatus includes an image reader for reading a sheet original positioned at a reading position and an automatic original conveyor for supplying the sheet original onto the reading position, wherein the sheet original can be read through an image flow reading mode while the sheet original is being conveyed by the automatic original conveyor by fixing the image reader at any position. The apparatus also has a convey path for directing the sheet original to the reading position, and a controller for initiating conveyance of the sheet original waiting at a predetermined position in the convey path 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 reaches a flow reading image tip position.