To increase the visibility and image processing efficiency of pickup images by implementing various variable angles of incidence of dark field illumination matching characteristics of objects.

An optical reading apparatus having an imaging optical system and an imaging element for imaging a subject includes LEDs 231 as a dark field illumination light source for illuminating the subject at an illumination angle deflected from the optical axis of the imaging optical system. A substrate for the LEDs 231 is supported on a swing-shaped support member 250. Arms 244 of the support member 250 can be fixed on elongate holes 243 in a housing 203 by means of screws 241 and nuts 242. The fixing angle and position of the support member 250 is selected to adjust the angle and position of the dark field illumination light source for either a first illumination angle where the subject is illuminated direct with illumination light from the dark field illumination light source or a second illumination angle where the subject is illuminated by reflection via a half mirror 215.