Monitor Bracket

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Based on 124 threads · 47 cited

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Your monitor bracket decides how the monitor fits your arm and sled, and Cam-Jam yokes and the Quattro arm are the most-cited fits across PRO, Sachtler and similar arms 1 2 3. Move the monitor and you shift your center of gravity, and the further out it sits the more rotational inertia you add, so re-dial your balance after any change 18 19. If the bracket loosens, slips or flexes, vibration and poor fit are the usual culprits, and threadlock, proper shimming or a swap to a Quattro or similar can fix it 34 35 39.

The questions 9

Which monitor yoke or bracket fits my arm and sled?10 threads · latest 2025

In short

Cam-Jam yokes and the Quattro arm are the most-cited fits across PRO, Sachtler and similar arms 1 2 3. On Artemis, your bracket's build year decides which yoke fits 4.

How the pros do it

Check your rod diameter first, because the Sachtler tilting arm has rods smaller than 15mm and won't fit standard 15mm rod systems 5. The Cinetronic telescoping arm does use 15mm rods and costs around $495, but it loses stability with heavier monitors 5.
If you already have an arm with a 1/2" spud, a yoke that sits between that arm and the monitor fits XCS, PRO, Sachtler, Betz and MK-V arms 1.
On a PRO telescoping arm, a Cam-jam yoke works once you get the right connector pieces 3. On a Sachtler tilting telescoping arm, the Cam-Jam yoke ran without noticeable vibration with every connection tightened 2.
If you want to replace the arm, the Quattro clamps rods in front of and behind the centerpost, which is more rigid than other arm designs 1. The Quattro II comes with an integrated yoke and everything from centerpost to monitor 3. It is held by four attachment points, so it needs no safety mechanism 2.
Match the bracket to your monitor, because Cam Jam covers the Transvideo RainbowHD 7-inch and the Cinemonitor HD 6 and 8-inch 6. For a SmallHD 703, pick the correct monitor model when you order, and expect to need a side adapter and maybe a longer horizontal bar 7.
On Artemis, the SM7 yoke only fits brackets made after 2022 4. Older brackets need the retrofit kit for the wider yoke rod distance 4. Gen 2 brackets measure about 10.5 cm between yoke rod centres 4.

What changed

Earlier, in 2008 and 2011, operators hung monitors on the Sachtler arm with an XCS 2 inch post clamp 8 9, today, in 2015 to 2019, the Cam-Jam Quattro or a Cam-Jam yoke is the common choice 6 3.

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How do I mount my specific monitor on my sled?9 threads · latest 2023

In short

Match the mount to your monitor and rig: use the maker's bracket or adapter if one exists, otherwise a yoke or custom spud 10 11 12. For Transvideo yoke adaptors, measure rod spacing and rod diameter first 13.

How the pros do it

Measure the distance between your rods and their diameter before you buy a yoke bracket adaptor 13. Transvideo names them by those numbers, so an 89/16 means 89mm spacing and 16mm rods 13.
For a Transvideo monitor on a Steadicam® Master Series rig, the Transvideo bracket kit mounts a CinemonitorHD or HD8 without modifying the rig 10. It comes with two 20cm carbon rods that cut vibration 10.
For a Marshall on an Ultimate 2, use the monitor support arm and spud with a 1/4x20 Kip handle screw and a monitor mounting plate 12. You may need a custom spud machined to fit the bracket and use the existing Marshall mount 12.
To build a yoke for a Marshall 651, use two side blocks bolted to a base block, with the monitor blocks fixed to the monitor by countersunk screws 14. The pivot is a 1/4x20 bolt with spring and nylon washers, and the base block takes a 1/4x20 hole for the sled 14.
For a Boland 8.4 on a Pro Monitor Arm, you need a horseshoe female adapter, which may come from XCS, Marell or Glidecam 11. The same monitor goes on an MK-V monitor arm without modification 11.
Check vibration and balance after mounting, because a Sachtler bracket extended with a 4-pound monitor can vibrate 15. A pro monitor arm with extensions was steadier 15, and the Pro Monitor Arm extension, about 345 dollars, moves the monitor forward for better dynamic balance 11.

What changed

Earlier, in 2004, EFP monitors went on a standard adjustable arm on the inner or outer posts in CP or PRO configurations 16, today, in 2023, one operator modified an Optical Support Monitor-Yoke 3 and bolted it straight to the ARRI 19 mm quick-release accessory bracket for a lighter, more coplanar setup 17.

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How does monitor position affect my rig's balance?8 threads · latest 2023

In short

Battery placement mostly sets dynamic balance, but moving the monitor shifts your center of gravity and adds rotational inertia when it goes further out 18 19. So you re-dial balance after any monitor move 19.

How the pros do it

Pick a bracket that pivots at the center of gravity, because premium mounts do this and budget fixed brackets do not 19.
A monitor yoke lets the display tilt around its center of gravity without affecting the rig's balance 20.
After you move the monitor, go through the full dynamic balance process again 19.
If the monitor sits higher than the battery center of gravity, expect the camera to shift backward and the battery to shift inward to reach dynamic balance 21.
With a lighter monitor, either extend it further out or add rear weight 18.
Once it is dialed in, fix the monitor and battery positions so setup stays quick 18.

Opinions differ here

Some operators keep the monitor close to the centerpost as their standard setup 18. Others extend it further for better visibility or to compensate for a lighter monitor 18.

What changed

Earlier, in 2007, you offset an asymmetrical Transvideo Cine III by adding counterweight to its lighter side 22, today, in 2023, operators modify a yoke to mount a lighter, more coplanar monitor on the ARRI 19 mm quick-release bracket 17.

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Which monitor bracket setup works for low mode?6 threads · latest 2026

In short

Mount a small, light second monitor low on the rig instead of moving the main one 23. The bracket depends on your sled: 15mm rod mount on Artemis 24, SSB-3 on Trinity 25, rotated top stage or a specialized plate on the MKV Nexus 26.

How the pros do it

Put a small, lightweight second monitor low on the rig, because that gives much better posture and visibility than using the main monitor in low mode 23. Some operators run both monitors on low-mode shots to keep the talent's feet and frame edges in sight 23.
On an Artemis 1 or 2, use the low mode monitor mount on 15mm rods, which is described as stable without vibration 24. Alternatively, attach a monitor bracket to the Artemis Follow Focus bracket if you have it installed 24.
On a Trinity, the SSB-3 side bracket can hold a low-mode monitor 25. One operator ran a SmallHD Starlite on it through a 3D-printed adapter and got good positioning 25.
If your monitor and grip slip on 19 mm clamps in fast moves, fix the shimming between the ARRI grip and the clamp, or between the 19 mm and 15 mm interfaces 27. You can also remove the 15 mm bushing and mount straight to a 19 mm rod 27.
To cut binding and instability with a SmallHD 503, put a small ball-jointed arm of the Noga type between the monitor bracket and the monitor 27.
On an MKV Nexus Sled, rotate the top stage, since it is not indexed, to get a different monitor position 26. A specialized plate also exists, but no affordable bracket that handles data cables was confirmed 26.

Opinions differ here

Some operators reposition the main monitor to the lower post end with modern brackets and switch between high and low mode quickly 23. Experienced operators counter that this hurts posture and control, and they prefer a dedicated second monitor 23. For longer reach on Trinity, some prefer post extensions or the ARRI Superpost over custom clamp arrangements 27.

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Can I replace my old CRT monitor with an LCD?8 threads · latest 2015

In short

Yes. On a Master the swap needs no soldering and you can put the CRT back later 28. Other sleds take rewiring and rebalancing 29 30.

How the pros do it

On a Master, unplug the CRT's Hirose 4-pin connector and undo the single Allen screw 28. Then run a Hirose adapter cable from that 4-pin to the LCD's 6-pin input, which carries video and 12V in one cable 28.
Mount the LCD on a Transvideo bracket, which needs no rig modification and is more rigid than the Teletest bracket 28. The Transvideo kit for CinemonitorHD or HD8 uses two 20cm carbon rods that cut vibration 10.
Choose a super-bright LCD if you shoot in full sunlight 28.
Rebalance after the swap, because weight balance shifts when the CRT goes 29. A battery plate on the front of the post moved the center of gravity closer to the old CRT weight 29.
If you only need HD, skip the internal rewiring and run an external cable from the camera to an external monitor 29. A down converter powered from the P-tap or sled also lets you keep the SD monitor 31.
On a Provid sled, you can keep the CRT and add a 1.5 inch monitor bracket with adjustable rods for the LCD 32. That suits you if you work in both standard and HD formats 32.

Caution

If you build your own plate, install the mounting screws center first, then the sides, or you can disconnect the CRT internally 33. Oversized screws can press into internal components 33.

What changed

Earlier, in 2005, operators rewired a Provid sled to take a 16x9 HD monitor, today, in 2011 and 2015, they point to an external cable or a down converter instead of extensive internal rewiring 32 29 31.

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Why does my monitor bracket loosen, slip or bind, and what fixes it?6 threads · latest 2023

In short

Vibration works bracket knobs and screws loose, and poor fit or shimming makes mounts slip or bind 34 35 27. Fix it with threadlock or set pins, proper shimming, a pivot that separates tilt from tension, or a different bracket 34 35 36 27.

How the pros do it

Put threadlock on the bracket's fastening screw, because the red knob on original brackets loosens from vibration 34. On Cinetronics yokes, Loctite on the mounting screws helps too, but it is a poor fit if you take the bracket apart often 35.
On a Cinetronics yoke, install set pins where the cross-piece meets the yoke arms to stop the sliding and tilting 35. Gen 2 uses an octagonal cross-piece in a square recess and relies on friction, so the screws must be extremely tight 35.
If the Kipp handle won't tighten or a screw is stuck, check whether it is a third-party part 37. A replacement spud adapter for PRO and XCS systems is available from Transvideo for under $100 37.
If you swap monitors often, add a CineLock or another quick-release system on top of the bracket 37. The XCS bracket looks designed for permanent mounting 37. Another option is a third-party yoke such as the CamJam or the Quattro Monitor Arm 35 37.
If the Tiffen Universal Monitor Bracket binds when you tighten the 1/4 20 bolt on a SmallHD 703, use a 3D-printed pivot that separates the tilt motion from the tensioning mechanism 36.
On a Trinity in low mode, slippage usually comes from poor shimming between the ARRI grip and the 19 mm clamp, or between the 19 mm and 15 mm interfaces 27. Use better shims or remove the 15 mm bushing and mount straight to a 19 mm rod 27. A small Noga-type ball-jointed arm between the bracket and a SmallHD 503 reduces binding 27.

Opinions differ here

Operators don't agree on the Cinetronics generations 35. Some users say the shorter, lighter Gen 2 arms reduce the diving board effect 35. Others report the problem on Gen 1, and Gen 2's octagonal cross-piece in a square recess can allow play unless the screws are very tight 35.

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How do I stop my monitor mount from vibrating?6 threads · latest 2021

In short

Find the play first, then build a rigid, compact rig with the monitor close to the post 38. If the bracket still flexes, swap it for a Quattro or similar 35 39.

How the pros do it

Tap the assembled rig to find loose parts 40. Check monitor brackets, battery plates with play and lens adapters first 40.
Tighten the Top Stage 41. On a Zephyr, the four screws beneath the SDI connectors, front and rear, cured identical vibration 38.
Check the bracket fasteners, including front allen keys 41. On Cinetronics yokes the cross-piece screws loosen in use, so retighten them, add Loctite if you don't strip the bracket often, or fit set pins 35.
If the bracket still flexes, change it 35. The Quattro avoids the spud connector and held 5-6 lb monitors without movement, but check clearance with your monitor's control panel first 39.
Take the play out of the battery plate 40. Secure loose Anton Bauer Gold Mount plates with soft velcro 42.
Keep the rig compact 38. Move the monitor and lower battery closer to the post, drop the recorder lower, and try moving the monitor clamp up the post one or two inches 42 38.

Caution

The XCS post resists over-tightening damage better than the MKV post, so go easy on an MKV post while chasing play 41.

Opinions differ here

One side damps loose parts, for example soft velcro on battery plates 42. The other says tape-based isolation of batteries misses the root cause and you should build a rigid, compact rig instead 38. On Cinetronics yokes, reports also conflict over whether Gen 1 or Gen 2 has the bounce problem 35.

What changed

Earlier, in 2010, operators cured monitor shimmy with sailing rope and by moving the clamp up the post 42, today, per 2015 and 2021 threads, they swap to a Quattro bracket or build a compact rig with the monitor close to the post 39 38.

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How quickly can I switch my rig and monitor to low mode?5 threads · latest 2026

In short

Once you've rehearsed the same configuration, you can get to low mode in 90 seconds or less 43. Reported times run from under a minute to several minutes depending on setup and preparation 44.

How the pros do it

Check before the job whether your specific camera body and firmware let you put the image flip on a user button, and have it assigned in prep 45. One press beats digging through a menu while the crew waits 45.
Settle which device does the flipping 45. If the camera flips, everything downstream sees the flipped signal 45. If a monitor flips its own display, the recorded file stays upside down 45.
Use a monitor with built-in image flip, so you don't have to flip the monitor or the camera body 43. Poor man's mode, flipping the image digitally with the rig inverted, is faster than a traditional flip when the setup supports it 44.
Fix a repeatable procedure with the same center post extension and monitor position every time, and keep brackets and other accessories within reach 43. Add an extended center post for visibility in low mode 43.
Rehearse the transition in prep to find cable reach and gimbal interference problems before you shoot 44. Mark your balance positions so the gimbal adjustment goes faster 44.
Watch your bracket, because monitor repositioning is often the slowest part 44. A monitor you can tilt beats one you have to unmount 44. A Ted Churchill bracket on a Betz RIG needs three screws adjusted, which makes on-the-fly changes hard 46.

What changed

Earlier, in 2011, operators got to low mode by extending the post and inverting the rig or remounting the monitor on an inverted bracket 43, today, in 2026, the image flip can be a single user-button press on current cinema cameras 45.

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How do I add a second monitor to my sled?5 threads · latest 2021

In short

Mount a small, lightweight second monitor on a bracket, near the battery bracket for don juan shots or low on the rig for low mode 47 23. Then rebalance the sled 47.

How the pros do it

Pick a small, light monitor such as the Portkeys BM5 MKIII, the SmallHD 503 or the Feelworld 5 inch budget option 23.
On a Provid sled, add a 1.5 inch monitor bracket with adjustable rods and keep the original CRT if you work in both standard and HD 32.
A Sachtler Artemis bracket also works for mounting an alternative monitor on that sled 32.
For don juan shots, mount the second monitor near the battery bracket so you see both the camera image and your direction of travel 47.
On a Master series monitor, a hard plastic plate with elongated screws holds an LCD on the bottom, and a washer between plate and housing compensates for screw length 33.
Rebalance the sled with proper counterweighting after the monitor goes on 47.

Caution

Install the plate screws center first, then the sides, or you can disconnect the internal CRT 33. Screws that are too long press into internal components 33.

Opinions differ here

One approach moves the main monitor to the lower post end with modern brackets and reconfigures fast between high and low modes without a second monitor 23. Experienced operators counter that this hurts posture and control, and that a small second monitor mounted low gives much better ergonomics and visibility 23.

What changed

Earlier, in 2007, operators bolted an LCD under a Master series monitor with a homemade plastic plate 33, today, in 2021, they mount a small lightweight monitor low on the rig with modern brackets 23.

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Sources 47

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What operators found

Still argued about

Often in the same threads

Low Mode21, Top Stage18, Artemis13, Docking Bracket4, Volt4, Donkey Box4, Follow Focus5, Zephyr5, Dovetail Plate3, CineMonitorHD82, Master Series5, CineLive2

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