2005Sled forum
MK-V Pro II conversion kit upgrade with new carbon post, gimbal, and components
21 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- The MK-V Pro II conversion kit includes a two-inch carbon four-stage center post with built-in superpost that collapses to 22.5 inches and extends to over six feet, featuring nearly half-inch wall thickness for rigidity.
- The new gimbal included in the conversion has zero play across all axes and operates identically in low and high mode, with smoother operation than previous models but requiring an operator learning curve of approximately half a day to master.
- The gimbal's smoothness can cause operators to overshoot pans and stand-ups initially due to reduced friction, and constant re-trimming may be needed as camera weight shifts.
- The conversion kit includes a low-profile J-box with pro-standard wiring compatible with existing cables and a two-post monitor support system matching those used on MK-V and XCS equipment.
- Users report the upgraded sled flies with minimal post whip and feels invisible due to the smooth, light gimbal.
- The system is compatible with retaining existing battery base and donkey box.
- Multiple monitor mounting options are available, including the ability to add LCD monitors at different post positions powered from the J-box connections.
Depends on
- This is a conversion kit requiring specific existing MK-V Pro base equipment to function.
- The gimbal's reduced friction requires operator adjustment and retraining.
- In very low configurations, distance between gimbal and monitor may be significant for shorter operators.
- User experiences described are limited to a few operators on specific film productions.
- The system design and compatibility details evolved over the discussion period.
Parts
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