IMAGE READING METHOD

The image reading method scans the film under default reading condition, calculates the minimum density or density distribution information of the film, determines prescan reading condition based on the thus calculated minimum density or density distribution information of the film and then prescans the film under the thus determined prescan reading condition. Therefore, the image reading method can prescan a film under the optimum reading condition automatically without requiring operator's attention. As a result, the frequency of the occurrence that it is needed to start all over the prescan again is extremely decreased, and, moreover, productivity is advantageously least decreased, even in the case that it is needed to start all over the prescan again.