An optical pathway selector is provided having a first direction selector, a second direction selector, and an actuator. The first direction selector is comprised of a substantially planar member having alternating reflecting and transparent portions. The first direction selector is disposed for rotation on an axle with the substantially planar member positioned askew to a first optical axis. The second direction selector has a configuration similar to that of the first direction selector and is disposed along the axle substantially parallel to the first direction selector. Additional direction selectors can be employed in a similar manner. A motor is connected to the axle for rotating the direction selectors. Alternatively, a motor moves the direction selector along a linear pathway in and out of the pathway of different light beams. The optical pathway selector is used to reflect a beam of light from the first optical axis to alternative optical axes or vice-versa. A retroreflector may be utilized in conjunction with the optical pathway selector to eliminate error due to non-planar surfaces or motion. The optical pathway selector may be used in epifluorescence imaging systems.