An image detection method includes steps of transferring image information in which, information of an object image on a sample (object plane) is transferred to a detection plane (image plane) of an imaging element via an optical system which includes a negative refraction lens formed of a material exhibiting negative refraction, detecting image in which, image-plane image information transferred to the detection plane (image plane) of the imaging device is detected optically, and calculation processing in which, for the image-plane image information which is detected, information of the object image is calculated by performing a calculation processing based on optical characteristics of the optical system.