A fluorescent-light image obtaining apparatus for obtaining an autofluorescent-light image emitted from a target tissue irradiated by an excitation light, wherein the safety of the patient is ensured against injury from exposure to excessive excitation light when the distance between the output end of the excitation light projector and the target tissue is short. A contact detector detects that the end of the excitation light projector of the endoscope is in contact with the target tissue. Then, an excitation light output controller receives a signal indicating that the end of the excitation light projector is in contact with the target tissue. In response to this signal, the excitation light output controller stops the emission of the excitation light, or reduces the intensity of the emitted excitation light to a safe intensity for the patient even while the end of the excitation light projector and the target tissue are in contact.