A bending operation device for an endoscope is provided with: cylindrical driving members (18) bending operation knobs (4) that rotates freely with the cylindrical driving members (18) a rotation stopping member (10) that does not rotate relative to the cylindrical driving members (18) plate shaped fastening members (11 12) that move freely to a first position and a second position friction plates (14) that come into contact with inner peripheral surfaces (4n) of the bending operation knobs (4) and that are sandwiched by the plate shaped fastening members (11 12) in the second position slits (11s 12s) freely rotating annular members (15) having protruding sections (15t) that penetrate the slits (11s 12s) and move freely inside the slits (11s 12s) cam mechanisms that are disposed on the protruding sections (15t) and that move the plate shaped fastening members (11 12) from the first position to the second position with the rotation of the annular members (15) and a stationary lever (5) for rotating the annular members (15).
