PURPOSE: To obtain an observing device for color negative images which does not require skill in determining the exposure for printing of images photographed on color negative films.

CONSTITUTION: Color negative images are photographed with a video camera 13 and the quantity of the transmitted light over the entire part of the image screen is measured with a detector 12 with respect to blue, green and red colors. Reproduction levels are set in an image processing circuit 14 and attributes are classified in a digital processing part 16. The operator presents the results of the visual decision made by collating the results of the classification with the preset reproduction levles from a manual input part 18. The part 16 stores the information on the reproduction levels, the results of classification and the visual decision. Since the results of printing are forecast and displayed on a display and the attributes of the color negative images are classified, the operator is able to determine optimum exposure quickly without requiring skill and techniques and with no care for color balance.