A device for controlling contrast in an image observation system comprising an image intensifier provided with a microchannel plate and an image converter for converting an output image of the image intensifier into a video signal or a visible image, which comprises means for determining a control signal representative of a contrast range in an output signal of said image converter, means for adjusting gain of said image intensifier and means for adjusting gain of said image converter whereby if the control signal has a value representative of a larger contrast range in said output signal of said image converter, the gain of the image intensifier is adjusted higher and the gain of said image converter is adjusted lower, and whereby if the control signal has a value representative of a low contrast range in said output signal of said image converter, the gain of said image intensifier is adjusted lower and the gain of said image converter is adjusted higher.