More detailed specifications and features of Mike's Steadicam rigs

My Ultra has been tailored to suit my needs fulfilling the demands of Television Production whilst incorporating some of the important features of the Cine Ultra.

The new Ultra is the most versatile of the Steadicam family with greatly increased flexibility of Viewfinder and Battery positioning yet the frame weighs 3 pounds less than the previous Master series.

The innovative Tilting Stage allows the Post to remain vertical, headroom being set by the plus or minus 20-degree tilt angle of the stage. This results in accurate whip pans and effortless switches.

The extending Post allows quick adjustment for pain free extreme low mode and Crane like travelling high shots. Lens heights of 10 feet have been achieved.

Improved Battery and Viewfinder mountings give the operator far greater flexibility in inertia, balance and viewfinder visibility.

The rig is fitted with the new Wireless Motorised Stage as found on the Cine Ultra. Operated by a detachable remote control fitted to the Zoom/Focus demand, pitch and horizon can be adjusted on shot. By setting the tilt motor speed the Remote can be operated by an assistant to compensate for film movement in the camera's magazine.

The combination of the Gorelock docking system and my unique pan and tilt docking head allows the whole rig to be rigidly locked off on shot when resting. It can also be operated in Pan and Tilt mode, a horizon adjust screw compensating for unlevel terrain.

All adjustments on the Ultra series Sled, Arm and Vest are now completely tool free for fast reconfiguration between shots.

12V Viewfinder and camera Power is supplied by Four Nickel Metal Hydride batteries. An ICBM battery monitoring system is now built into the Sled.

My Television accessories kit is designed for Live broadcasting applications, miniature Lemo and Fisher Triax adapters allow minimal drag connection to the main triax cable and CCU.
An on board cue light system provides both Iso and Main indication, and my unique Zoom/Focus demand controls both Canon and Fugi Television field lenses using a single lightweight cable.

The new Cuevid rigging system comprises a single umbilical carrying both cues and videofeeds, two of these cables are provided so that cameras can be changed and quickly plugged into the sled.

I offer a complete package of Operator and the above Ultra Rig at standard freelance rates, very occasionally the Rig may be dry hired to known operators.

Ultra Sled with extended battery and monitor range.
Spare 5” monitor

New Tilt Head Assembly
Carbon Fibre 28 to 72 inch telescoping post
Wireless Motorised Stage
5 inch Switchable 16 by 9 High Brightness Monitor
Frameline Generator
45 LB camera capacity Iso Elastic Arm
No tools Low Friction Gimbal
No - Tools titanium Arm to Vest connector
Master lightweight Vest with ratchet strap fixings
Unique pan and tilt Docking Head
GAD Gorelock Autolock docking system
Lemo and Fisher triax Cables
Unique Zoom and Focus Demand
On board cue lights with Cue and Iso high speed optical sensors.
On board videoswitcher for emulating return video

CueVid rigging system, single sled connection for cues and video.

Universal Low-Mode handle kit
Aluminium Low-Mode Cage
Low mode bracket for Arri SR's and 35 - III
Motor Bracket rod set

4 Pag NiMH Batteries
AR124PLD 12v Microcomputer controlled 4 channel Charger
Pag Light (Chargeable extra item)
Video Sender 2.4 Ghz
Pal VCR
Chrome Cine Combo Stand
Wheeled flight case for Arm and Vest

Flight case for Batteries, Charger and spare Monitor.
Wheeled flight case for Sled.


My master series Steadicam has been configured and upgraded to offer ease of rigging and improved features for my dry hire clients.

Although the Master is no longer available from Tiffen, this Rig has been chosen primarily because it is in showroom condition. The sled has been serviced by Optex and the arm has been completely refurbished by Tiffen in California and is very, very sweet.

It features a choice of monitor size to suit a clients needs and stamina, with the 4 inch Switchable Monitor Fitted the sled is extremely light and is therefore more suitable for occasional operators and Novices.

Most adjustments on the Master series Sled, Arm and Vest are now completely tool free for fast reconfiguration between shots.

12V Viewfinder and camera Power is supplied by Four PAG Nicad batteries, ideal for more demanding Film usage. My Television accessories kit is designed for Live broadcasting applications, miniature Lemo and Fisher Triax adapters allow minimal drag connection to the main triax cable and CCU.

An on board cue light system provides both Iso and Main indication, and my unique Zoom/Focus demand controls both Canon and Fugi Television field lenses using a single lightweight cable.

The new Cuevid rigging system comprises a single umbilical carrying both cues and videofeeds, two of these cables are provided so that cameras can be changed and quickly plugged into the sled.

I can usually offer the above Master rig with a competent operator at times when I am not available.

Master Sled with Broadcast Kit.
5 inch Switchable 16 by 9 High Brightness Monitor.

Spare 4 inch switchable monitor.
Frameline Generator TBA
45 LB camera capacity Iso Elastic Arm
No tools Low Friction Gimbal
Master lightweight Vest with ratchet strap fixings
GAD Gorelock Autolock docking system
Lemo and Fisher triax Cables
Unique Zoom and Focus Demand
On board cue lights with Cue and Iso high speed optical sensors.
On board videoswitcher for emulating return video.

CueVid rigging system, single sled connection for cues and video.

Universal Low-Mode handle kit
Low mode bracket for Arri SR's and 35 - III available on request. rod set
4 Pag NiCad NiMH Batteries
AR124PLD 12v Microcomputer controlled 4 channel Charger
Pag Light available on request Chargeable extra item)
Video Sender 2.4 Ghz Available on request, Chargeable extra
Chrome Cine Combo Stand

Soft case for Arm and Vest
Wheeled flight case for Sled.

Flight case for batteries, charger and spare monitor.

I also offer a range of follow focus kits, videotap sender and Camera equipment, which can be found on the ‘Dry Hire’ page.


There is also a range of products, which I have designed to be found on the ‘Products for Sale’ page.