Abstract: In an apparatus for copying sheetlike originals, wherein a transport system feeds originals from a positioning surface onto an exposure plate and from the latter after exposure to a receiving tray, the positioning surface presents at least two distinct areas upon each of which an original can be laid ready to be fed in for copying and each area is bordered by a lateral arrest so that plural originals laid ready in the areas and against the arrests will be fed together to exact positions on the exposure plate for copying on one sheet of receiving material in one copying run of the apparatus. A system of open-front trays for piles of originals, each aligned with one of the positioning surface areas, facilitates the laying of originals in ready position. A control system responds to sensed presence of a complete set of originals in ready position to start a run.