A method of transferring a pattern of a mask onto an object through a projection system, includes the steps of providing a carriage having a mask holder surface adapted to hold the mask in a position which is angularly displaced from a horizontal position by a predetermined angle and an object holder surface adapted to the object in a position which is angularly displaced from the horizontal position by the predetermined angle, the carriage being movable in a first direction; transferring the pattern onto the object, the projection system being located between the mask and the object during the transfer operation; moving the carriage so that the projection system comes to a position out of a place between the mask holder surface and the object holder surface; and conveying the object from the object holder surface.