Imaging device, imaging system, and method for operating an imaging system

An imaging system having an imaging device for stereoscopic image generation, comprising:

• a shaft that defines a longitudinal axis;
• at least one optical viewing direction unit for generating a viewing angle of greater than 0° with respect to the longitudinal axis;
• and
• a periscope unit for combining at least two beam paths for use in stereoscopic image generation,
• wherein the viewing direction unit is rotationally fixed with respect to the shaft, and the periscope unit is arranged so as to be rotatable relative to the shaft about the longitudinal axis.

A method for operating an imaging device for stereoscopic image generation, comprising:

• a shaft that defines a longitudinal axis;
• at least one viewing direction unit for generating a viewing angle of greater than 0° with respect to the longitudinal axis;
• and
• a periscope unit for combining at least two beam paths for use in stereoscopic image generation,
• comprising the steps of:
• arranging the viewing direction unit in a rotationally fixed manner with respect to the shaft;
• and
• rotating the periscope unit relative to the shaft when the shaft is rotated about the longitudinal axis.