An improved recessed lighting fixture allowing illumination from a lighting unit placed within a cavity of a planar surface, such as a ceiling or wall. The invention facilitates the ability to properly aim illumination because the user can aim the fixture while it is in place and illuminated. The invention is additionally designed to allow the substitution of lamps/light bulbs without requiring re-aiming of the fixture and to be used without modification with ceiling materials of varying thickness. The invention also includes an azimuthal adjustment mechanism wherein the lamp is mounted on a gimbal having a rack and pinion coupling to rotate the gimbal under control of a screw accessible from the exterior of the fixture and a horizontal aiming system.