A handheld photoelectric measurement device includes a housing (G) which is provided with a measurement window (F). An illumination arrangement is positioned in the housing for impinging the measurement object through the measurement window with illumination light from two mutually perpendicular directions. The housing further includes an optical pickup arrangement for the capture of the measurement light through the measurement window, a photoelectric converter arrangement provided by the pickup arrangement with the captured measurement light for conversion of the measurement light into corresponding electric measurement signals, and an electronic processing arrangement. The housing (G) is at its forward side provided with a lateral measurement niche (N) which can be opened or closed to the outside by a movable wall portion. The measurement window (F) is freely visible when the measurement niche is opened. Furthermore, a motor drive is provided for movement of the wall portion.