What the thread found

• Rental rates for Steadicam Pilot rigs typically range from $175 to $250 per day depending on included accessories and rental house
• Pricing should be based on competitive research of established rental houses rather than arbitrary figures
• Undercutting prices too aggressively can establish a negative reputation and make it difficult to raise rates later
• A formal rental contract with terms, conditions, and insurance requirements is essential when renting out equipment
• Rental customers generally do not treat borrowed equipment with the same care as their own property
• Offering follow focus separately may be impractical; referencing dedicated providers is simpler than bundling accessories
• Base pricing typically covers only the rig and batteries; additional components like monitors, transmitters, receivers, and converters command package pricing

Depends on

• Specific pricing advice given was from 2010 and may not reflect current market rates
• The discussion does not address all relevant factors such as wear and tear costs, maintenance, or insurance premiums
• No detailed guidance provided on contract specifics or liability protection beyond mentioning rental house terms

Gear in this thread

BFD

Parts

Follow Focus

Same gear or parts

1. 2026Pulling focus and zoom yourself while operating, especially on live showsOperator practice
2. 2026Swapping an ARRI ALEXA 35 between tripod/studio and Steadicam® mounting: baseplate choice and fastest workflow.FacebookSteadicam operators group
3. 2025History of wireless focus and lens control systems for Steadicam®: from cable-based Cinema Products and Seitz to Preston digital, and European solutions by Chrosziel, cmotion, and ARRI.FacebookSteadicam operators group
4. 2025LC-1 (Lens Control-1) follow focus system: wired architecture, motors, and early operational experience (1990s).FacebookThe Steadicam Group