An illumination system for a micro-lithographic contact and proximity exposure apparatus comprising a light source (1), a collector (2), two optical integrators (3,6), two Fourier lenses (4,7), at least one angle defining element (5); and at least one field lens (8). The first optical integrator (3) comprises optical sub-elements and produces a plurality of secondary light sources (6a) each emitting a light bundle. A first Fourier lens (7) effects a superposition of the light bundles and uniform irradiance in its Fourier plane (4a). The second optical integrator (6) is located at the Fourier plane (7a) of the first Fourier lnes (7), comprises optical sub-elements and produces a plurality of tertiary light sources (6a) each emitting a light bundle. A second Fourier lens (7) effects a superposition of the light bundles, uniform irradiance and a desired and uniform angular distribution of light illuminating a mask (9) for contact or proximity lithographic printing. The field lens (8) in the Fourier plane (7a) ensures telecentric illumination the mask (9). The optional field lens (12) in the Fourier plane (4a) of the first optical integrator (3) ensures telecentric illumination of the second optical integrator (6). The angle defining element (5) comprises optical sub-elements and defines the angular distribution of the light illuminating the mask (9). A change of the position of the second Fourier lens (7) or the use of a Fourier zoom lens (62) or hybrid Fourier lens (63) allows run-out control (registration error correction) of the lateral dimensions of the printed miniature pattern in the resist layer on the surface of the wafer (10).