Abstract: An endoscope including a handle having a handle housing and a manually operable element; and an insertion cord having a distal tip unit including an elevator element movable between a first elevator position and a second elevator position. The manually operable element is connected to the elevator element via elevator mechanics and a wire, and a manual operation of the manually operable element is transmitted via the elevator mechanics and the wire to the elevator element such that a first operation position of the manually operable element corresponds to the first elevator position and a second operation position of the manually operable element corresponds to the second elevator position. The elevator mechanics include an operation wheel connected to the manually operable element and including an operation wheel gear portion in meshing engagement with a wire wheel gear portion of a wire wheel connected to the wire.