Tiffen Steadicam M-2 User guide

LIT-888000, RevA
Steadicam®M-2™System Manual

4 Evolution of the Steadicam M-Series
5 Steadicam modular components map
6 Stage components
7 Inputs and outputs
8 Camera dovetail clamp
10 Balance drives
11 Tilt stage
12 Volt system operation
16 Adjustments and maintenance
18 Installing Volt electronics
19 Installing or moving Volt control boxes
22 Post components
23 Post lock adjustment
24 Separating and connecting modular parts
28 Gimbal components
29 Gimbal with Volt components
30 M-2 Volt compared to M-1 Volt
31 Gimbal clamp adjustment
32 Pan bearing removal and cleaning
34 Pan bearing replacement
36 Monitor mount components
37 Monitor mount positioning
38 Clamp operation
39 Monitor yoke adjustment
40 Adjusting monitor clamps and hinge brakes
42 Base and battery mount components
43 Base electronics
44 Battery positioning
45 Installing the 3rd battery mount
46 Three batteries, three switches
48 Connector diagrams and warnings
49 M-1 and M-2 features and specs
50 M-1 and M-2 part numbers
52 M-1 and M-2 accessories list
54 Contact Tiffen
TIP: This table of contents is hyperlinked to navigate you through the respective pages.
Jump back to this page by clicking on any page number throughout the manual. Easy.
The Tiffen Company
90 Oser Avenue
Hauppauge, NY 11788
Visit us at Tiffen.com
Table of contents

4
NOTE: Just like the M-2, this manual is intended for experienced, professional Steadicam operators. As such, it includes mostly
technical information about the hardware. If you’re interested in learning more about operating, go pick up a copy of The Steadicam
Operator’s Handbook, by Jerry Holway and Laurie Hayball. And if you haven’t attended a Steadicam Workshop yet, come take one of
our amazing week-long Gold-level workshops, and bring your new M-2! Sign up at: Tiffen.com/ysteadicam
The Steadicam M-2 is the most integrated and adaptable Steadicam system ever created. Not only does the M-2 offer a lighter weight and lower cost high-end system, it also features the revolutionary
Steadicam Volt™ technology built right in for a sleeker, more versatile rig!
The Volt electronics are seamlessly integrated into the low-prole top stage, and inside the all-new gimbal,
to decrease the distance between the top of the gimbal and the top of the stage, as well as reduce weight.
This revolutionary technology is designed to complement rather than oppose normal operating by actively
assisting in holding virtually any tilt or roll angle, including a perfectly level horizon. This gentle assistance
helps remove the unwanted effects of wind, acceleration, or natural body movement in the captured image.
The M-2 also takes the concept of modularity to a
whole new level. Each component offers options for
customization:
Rigid carbon ber posts are available in a variety
of lengths and diameters (1.75” 2 or 3-section
post, and 1.58” standard or short-post.) The sled
base can be built with either Gold mount or V-lock
battery plates. A hot-swappable 3rdbattery mount
is available. The lightweight, redesigned, quick-
release monitor mount uses industry-standard
60mm rod spacing and is compatible with a variety
of professional monitors. The gimbal ts multiple
post sizes. And both standard and tilt top stages are
available with or without Volt electronics built in.
This modularity allows M-1 and M-2 components to
be congured in multiple combinations to suit each
operator’s preferences, or additional pieces can
be purchased for adapting the sled, based on the
needs of your projects.
The Steadicam Modular series is super
congurable, rigid, precise, tool-free, highly-
adjustable and fast. Above all, it’s as close to
future-proof as a rig can be.
Good luck with your new Steadicam M-2!
Evolution of the Steadicam M-Series

M-2 TILT
TOP STAGE & VOLT
M-2 TILT
TOP STAGE
M-2 FLAT
TOP STAGE & VOLT
M-2 FLAT
TOP STAGE
M-1 FLAT TOP STAGE WITH VOLT
CONTROL BOX
M-1 FLAT
TOP STAGE
M-1 TILT TOP STAGE WITH VOLT
CONTROL BOX
M-1 TILT
TOP STAGE
1.75” MONITOR
MOUNT
GIMBAL & VOLT
1.58” MONITOR
MOUNT
GIMBAL
1.58”
2-SECTION
POST
1.75”
3-SECTION
POST
1.75”
2-SECTION
INDEX POST
1.58”
2-SECTION
SHORT POST
M-2 GOLD MOUNT
2-BATTERY* BASE
M-2 V-LOCK
2-BATTERY* BASE
M-1 GOLD MOUNT
2-BATTERY* BASE
M-1 V-LOCK
2-BATTERY* BASE
* 3-battery options are available
5
TIP: Find a list of accessories, including the long gimbal handle and 3rd battery mounts, on page 52. Or visit Tiffen.com/steadicam for
the very latest in modular components and accessories for M-1 and M-2 systems.
Steadicam modular components map

6
NOTE: The stage section of this user guide covers product numbers M2-TSF, M2-TSFV, M2-TST, and M2-TSTV. For product numbers
M1-TSF, and M1-TST, refer to the original M-1 manual (LIT-815000.)
Dovetail Plate
Maximum rigidity and mounting options
Index marks for repeatability
M-1/Ultra compatible
Front Electronics
Power, Volt and tally ports
Volt Switch Box
For optional VOLT electronics
Power, pause and trim control with LEDs
Swappable with Dial Box
Balance Drive Knobs
Side-side and fore-aft adjustment
Clamp Lever
Safety latch design with drop-in loading
Adjustable tension
Accessory Rod Mounts
LWS 15mm by 60mm spacing
For Steadicam accessories and custom applications
Dovetail Plate Extras
Glow-in-the-dark bubble level
Safety stops
Rear Electronics
High-denition video connectors
Power ports
Optional Tilt Stage
Tilt up or down 10˚
Dual locks ensure rigidity
Index marks for repeatability
Volt Dial Box
Tilt, roll and damping adjusters
Swap sides to face operator
Balance Drive Knobs
Fore-aft and side-side adjustment
Stage Connector
Modular mechanical and electronics junction
Compatible with M-1 and M-2 posts
Indexed for exact alignment
Stage components

7
Volt gimbal connector
LEMO® 8-pin 1B connector
Rotates 90˚ for cable routing
Included on ALL top stages
Front Electronics
Tally IN/OUT port
LEMO® 4-pin 0B connector
Use with available tally sensor
Triple 12/24V ports
LEMO® 3-pin 0B connectors
Outer port rotates 90˚
12 volts supplied at all times
12 and 24 volts simultaneously
when in 24V mode
Dual P-Tap ports
12 volts supplied at all times
Oriented for cable management
Self-resetting 5A fuse protected
Rear Electronics
Camera power port
LEMO® 3-pin 2B connector
12 volts supplied at all times
12 and 24 volts simultaneously
when in 24V mode
Triple HD video ports
HD-SDI compatible
Direct connections to the base
Color coded at each end
NOTES: Tally sensitivity is set at maximum from the factory with active LO tally input signal, and this should work for most users.
Contact Tiffen service for instructions on adjusting tally sensitivity and setting to active HI, if required.
Also, there is a covered micro-USB port on the underside of the stage. This is ONLY for Volt rmware updates at the factory.
Inputs and outputs

8
The dovetail lock system is designed to ensure reliable camera safety. Mounting and removing the camera on the M-Series stages encourages you to keep at least one hand on the camera at all times,
until it is securely fastened. With your camera mounted to the dovetail plate, follow these steps:
The stage is ready for the camera
plate. Note that the dovetail lock
and clamp lever are both open.
Place the dovetail against the
passive side of the clamp, and tilt
the plate into the dovetail lock.
The weight of the camera will
press the lock down and release
the safety latch. You’ll hear a
satisfying click!
The camera and plate can be
moved fore and aft for coarse
balancing, but the safety stops
prevent it from sliding off.
Close the clamp lever to rmly
secure the dovetail and camera to
the stage.
NOTE: If the dovetail lock has been pressed down while the dovetail plate was out, you
will have to slide the safety latch to the right to reopen the lock. Click!
Camera dovetail clamp

9
CAUTION: Do not remove the safety screws from the underside of the dovetail plate, or
it could slide out of the stage if you forget to lock the clamp lever!
Removing the camera is basically
the reverse. Secure the camera
with your left hand.
Open the clamp lever.
The dovetail is still retained by
the safety latch.
Push and hold the safety latch to
the right.
Keeping the safety latch held to
the side, tilt the dovetail plate out
of the dovetail lock.
Close the clamp lever so nothing
catches on it! To reinstall the
dovetail, you’ll open the lever and
slide the safety latch.

10
Each knob has a twin on either side of the stage so you can adjust the balance from either side of the rig. With the coarse balancing done, and the camera locked in place, ne balancing can be nished with the
adjustment knobs. Think about the knobs as turning towards the front or rear of the stage. The knobs turn
clockwise on one side and counterclockwise on the other side for the same stage movement.
Fore-aft adjustment knob:
Turning towards the front of the
rig will move the camera weight
FORWARD.
Side-side adjustment knob:
Turning towards the front of the
rig will move the camera weight
to the LEFT.
TIP: Starting with the stage
centered fore-aft and side to
side leaves the most room for
adjustment.
Balance drives

11
The tilt stage option enables you to easily tilt the camera relative to the post, which allows you to maintain dynamic balance while panning, and helps control headroom. It’s also very useful in low mode. The tilt
stage of the M-2 offers 10˚ of upward or downward tilt.
Unlock both tilt lock clamps.
There’s one on each side of the
stage. Open about a half-turn, and
tilt the stage as you prefer.
Lock both clamps and re-balance
slightly fore-aft.
NOTES: The scale on both sides of the tilt stage is handy for repeating setups. For example, if you have a tilt you prefer for framing
you do frequently, the scale allows you to dial it in quickly without any guesswork, saving time.
Also, the nut on the far side of each clamp can be adjusted to ne tune the locking orientation of the tilt lock clamps.
Tilt stage

12
The optional, integrated M-2 Volt takes the groundbreaking electronic assistance to the next phase of integration with professional mechanical stabilizers. If you’re already familiar with the Volt, the same parts
are there. The same adjustments are there. The same transparent assistance is there. Included below are
some basics, but read the Volt manual to get the full picture: Tiffen.com/pages/volt-system.
IMPORTANT: For optimal performance, balance your sled neutral (no drop time at all) when ying Volt.
Plug the gimbal cable into the
port at the top stage, and wrap a
couple loops around the post on
its way down to the gimbal.
Plug in the cable at the gimbal.
Make sure the pan encoder cable
is also plugged in next to it.
Conrm that the Volt is switched
OFF, and in PAUSE mode, before
powering up your sled.
Align the gimbal handle along the REAR of the post,
and simultaneously power on the Volt.
When the rig is up, and you’re
ready to go, run the Volt by
switching the pause switch to ON.
NOTE: Unlike with the external Volt box, goofy and regular operators BOTH align the gimbal handle to the rear
of the post, regardless of which side the Volt control boxes are placed on the M-2.
Volt system operation

13
LONG pressing the gimbal thumb
button switches operating modes
from normal to friction, and back
again.
Normal mode simulates a
traditionally balanced Steadicam,
returning to a trimmed tilt angle.
Volt displays solid green LEDs.
Friction mode holds the sled tilt,
and requires force to change tilt
position, like a uid head.
Volt displays pulsing green LEDs.
SHORT pressing the gimbal
thumb button creates a tilt trim
in normal mode.
Hold the sled at your desired
tilt angle, and short press the
button. The new trim is memorized
immediately. This can be done on
the y, even during a shot, a huge
benet to your operating.
WARNING: Use the Tiffen Padded Dock to protect Volt electronics, as well as make
docking and balancing easier. Other methods of docking may damage the unit!

14
The three dials on the dial box allow you to customize the behavior of the Volt in two axes, roll and tilt, independently. Additionally, the damping dial controls how the system returns the sled to vertical. Here
are some general guides to the three knobs.
The ROLL dial controls the
strength of the motors along the
roll axis. Start with low assist and
add strength as needed.
Damping works like friction to
keep the sled from oscillating. Use
as little as possible, in proportion
to your TILT strength.
The TILT dial controls the strength
of the motors along the tilt axis.
This alters behavior in the two
modes:
• In normal mode, more tilt
strength equates to stronger
articial bottom-heaviness.
• In friction mode, more tilt
strength equates to rmer
hold at the operator’s set post
angle, like the drag on a uid
head.
To set the ROLL trim, SHORT-press the trim button on the stage and
position the sled to the new level position while the LEDs blink for 5
seconds. When LED blinking stops, your new horizon position will be
stored in memory. Set independently for high or low modes
Reset the roll trim by long-pressing for more than 6 seconds. Previous
tilt trim is maintained.

15
Try these settings for the different situations listed. These recipes are just a starting point; experiment with reduced strength and work up to exactly what works best for you, and for each shot.
NOTE: Read the Volt manual at Tiffen.com/pages/volt-system (LIT-817001) for everything else you need to know about the Volt.
TYPICAL MODE
Every day operating, easy tilt.
ROCK AND ROLL
Free to tilt or roll Dutch angles.
GYRO SIMULATOR
Tilt and roll set to 11!
WHIP PANS
Roll/tilt equal, vertical post.
VEHICLE MODE
High roll/tilt resistance.
FRICTION MODE
Like a uid head, TILT is drag.
SO MANY TILTS
Normal mode, when tilting more
than 60˚ from vertical.

16
The dovetail clamp creates tremendous clamping force with very little pressure at the clamp lever. When the rig is new, get accustomed to the feel of each mechanism so that you can determine if one needs
attention later. The ideal adjustment will not allow the dovetail to slide, even with the heaviest camera, but
remains easy to close fully.
Begin with the dovetail installed,
and the clamp lever closed.
Use a 7/64” Allen wrench to loosen
the lock screw approximately one-
half turn.
Turn the adjustment wheel to dial
in the tension. Turn clockwise
to tighten, counterclockwise to
loosen. Make small adjustments.
Re-tighten the lock screw before
testing the clamp.
Test to see if the dovetail clamp
holds rmly by trying to move the
dovetail plate with your hands.
Test the clamp lever movement.
Repeat adjustment if necessary.
NOTE: Never mess with the small set screws along the sides of the stage!
Adjustments and maintenance

17
If the fore/aft or side-to-side drive knobs exhibit free play, your balancing accuracy may be compromised. However, over-tightening can be worse than being a little loose, so approach these adjustments with care.
Tighten the stage drive knobs in pairs; BOTH fore/aft or BOTH side/side knobs. Each pair of knobs share an
axle and should be tensioned evenly.
Remove the covers on one PAIR
of stage drive knobs. A penknife
or ne blade screwdriver works
nicely.
Loosen both locking set screws
one-half turn with a 1/16” Allen
wrench. You do not need to
remove the set screws.
Use the supplied tool (815-7971)
to hand-tighten one nut a small
amount.
Tighten the nut on the opposite
side a small amount as well. Adjust
the tension a little at a time and
sneak up on the perfect setup.
Re-tighten both locking set screws
before testing the drive knobs.
The knobs should not be overly
tight, but should not have any
slack. When you’re satised with
the feel of the drive, replace the
nut covers.

18
The Volt electronics are hidden inside the top stage, just beneath the dovetail clamp. All M-2 sleds are pre-wired to easily upgrade to Volt. Factory installation is recommended, but it’s not too difcult.
CAUTION: Take proper ESD protection when installing the Volt control board into the stage, and conrm
that no batteries are installed on the sled at time of installation.
Remove the eight hex screws
securing the dovetail clamp to the
top stage chassis. Carefully lift the
stage top STRAIGHT off.
Fasten the Volt brain to the stage
chassis with the four included
screws, one in each corner.
Replace the stage top STRAIGHT down onto the stage. DO NOT slide
the top into place, which may damage the VOLT electronics. DO NOT
pinch any cables, and ensure internal power cables can slide freely.
Finish by fastening the stage top with the eight hex screws.
Inside, you’ll nd three cable sets with connectors that attach to the
Volt circuit board, the largest is at the front of the stage. Align the
circuit board as shown, and plug them in. Make sure each connector is
orientated properly, and be gentle!
NOTE: There are buttons and jumpers on the Volt electronics for programming the board. DO NOT touch unless instructed to do so!
Installing Volt electronics

19
Remove the four screws, and
remove this cover under the stage
nose. You may have to adjust
the stage side-to-side to access
screws and slide out the cover.
Unscrew the two hex screws in
each cover or control box, and set
aside the covers if you’re installing.
We’ll reuse the hex screws.
Choose which side for each
control box; typically the dials face
the operator for quick adjustments
while shooting. Carefully route the
cables out the respective sides of
the stage:
• The switch box connector has
8 pins, the dial box has 6 pins.
• Plug in each box.
Fasten the boxes to the stage
chassis with the hex screws, taking
care that they’re right-side-up.
Replace the underside cover,
being careful not to pinch any
wires, and fasten with the screws.
NOTE: If you already own a Volt system, you can use it with the mustache box attached to the rods, same as on an M-1. We won’t
judge. But you can’t remove the circuit board from the Volt box, and put it inside the M-2, because it doesn’t t.
Inside the stage nose are connectors for the Volt control boxes. Installation is straight forward, as shown. Or, you may wish to swap sides of the boxes, so the dials face an operator with regular or goofy stance.
Installing or moving Volt control boxes

20