Abstract: A hard endoscope of oblique view type which provides equal illumination of the range of visibility of the objective optical system. The endoscope has an exterior tubular member with an interior housing member disposed eccentrically within the tubular member and carrying an inspection optical system, with the distal end of the endoscope terminating in an oblique planar surface. Illuminating means are carried between the housing member and the exterior tubular member. In the region of the oblique planar surface, the interior of the tubular member and the exterior of the housing member define a passage for the illuminating means having a generally crescent-shap, or, preferably, two cylindrical surfaces in which the illuminating means are carried to transmit light from the oblique planar surface that will transmit light to produce the image of the illumated object, so that it may be clearly seen by the inspection optical system.