2006Operating forum
Operating experience requirements and practical characteristics of the MK-V Automatic Revolution Steadicam rig
20 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- The MK-V Automatic Revolution requires a minimum of three years of prior Steadicam operating experience to use effectively, as operators need to understand fundamental setup theory and be able to balance a sled neutrally in horizontal mode.
- Operating the MK-V AR differs significantly from standard Steadicam systems due to its different balance characteristics.
- The MK-V AR enables practical shot capabilities including rapid transitions between height modes, maintaining consistent lens heights across scenes, rigid shots, and shooting over obstacles like tables, cars, and rails.
- The system's response time is very fast, making it feel mechanically direct rather than electronically delayed.
- The rig has been field-tested on multiple productions since its development.
Depends on
- The three-year experience requirement refers to continuous professional flying time, not occasional use.
- Most discussion participants avoided explaining the backstory of naming and licensing disputes surrounding this equipment.
- The description of the system's mechanical responsiveness is based on user impressions rather than technical specifications.