An optical system for fingerprint imaging utilizing a platen prism (14) and a correction prism (30). The platen prism includes a platen area (18) on one face for receiving a finger to be imaged. Light from a monochromatic light source (22) enters the platen prism through a second face (18) and is totally internally reflected at the platen area surface except in the regions where ridges of the finger directly contact the platen prism. The correction prism (30) receives the light from the platen prism. An objective lens (38) receives the light from the correction prism and forms a fingerprint image on a light detector. The geometry and placement of the correction prism, with respect to the platen prism, are selected to reduce defocussing of the fingerprint image on the detector introduced by the tilting of the platen area with respect to the axis of the objective lens. The light detector (48), typically an area array detector such as a charge coupled device array, provides an output used for fingerprint verification and the like. Preferably, the correction prism, in combination with the platen prism, also provides anamorphic magnification of the fingerprint image thereby permitting the aspect ratio of the image to be controlled. Thus, the image aspect ratio can be selected to match the aspect ratio of the light sensitive cells which form the area array detector.