Abstract: An image pickup head for an image pickup device capable of permitting the observed section at a subject to be illuminated with a uniform lumination while preventing the reflection of light at the observed section from adversely affecting an image of the observed section. A first polarizing element having a predetermined polarization plane is arranged in the optical path of light projected from the projection end of a light guide onto a subject, while a second polarizing element having a predetermined polarization plane is arranged in the optical path of light reflected at the subject and guided to an image pickup element. The polarization planes of the first and second polarizing elements are varied relative to each other to provide an image either including or free of light reflected at the surface of the subject.

Abstract: An image magnifying and pick-up system including a lighting light-guide device for guiding illuminating light to the surface of an observed portion of a specimen. The device includes a light-guide cap mounted at the front end of a lens tube. The light-guide cap includes an outer surface adapted to be abutted against the surface of the specimen, so that illuminating light from optical fibers is guided through the lens tube and light-guide cap may be projected on to the surface of the specimen. The light-guide cap is formed of a transparent material into a substantially hemi-spherical shape and has a central observation aperture, so that the illuminating light may be introduced via an annular end surface of the light-guide cap through the cap to the peripheral surface of the observation aperture.