Jump to content

MK-V, The Level


Recommended Posts

  • Premium Members

Anyone else bought one of these yet?  I have seen them being tested. I have yet to receive mine. It has been 3 months since I paid in full!

It was supposed to be delivered within 28 days. 
What’s the story?  Anyone else in the same boat? 
Dean told me earlier this year they were ready to ship, but now I am told still in beta!  
Out $8k and still getting the runaround. 

  • Upvote 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Premium Members
Posted (edited)

Hey Taj,

Haven't bought one, but when they were here in Atlanta two weeks ago, the MKV rep said the Level should be out soon, but didn't give an exact date. They were still finalizing designs (shortening the overall length, maybe adding a mechanical lock, changing the guide bearings) is what we were told and as well as trying to implement some potential last minute software changes based on feedback from operators.

Hope you get an update soon from them. Feels like old business practices resurfacing.

Edited by Maxwel Fisher
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Premium Members

Thank you, Maxwell. You’ve  provided 10 times more information than anyone at MK-V has given me. 
they would do so much to improve the reputation if they’re just forthcoming and honest upfront. 

they have some great products and I’m looking forward to using the level when it’s finalized. 
 

cheers Taj

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Premium Members

I wrote them a few days ago, got a response the next morning.

 

 

 

Email from MKV-

"Thank you for your email. I hope you are well?

The Level is $7,777.00 .It comes with a power cable for a Sled and also D-Tap 12V.

The Level weighs approximately 1 Kg.

The Level is very strong.  It does not need tuning you can mount your camera Nodal if you wish but this is not necessary.
 

It works with at least 6 full degrees of movement each side, so 12 degrees in total after that it will Dutch then pickup smoothly when back in range.

The arc The Level uses is very close to the Camera’s Centre of Len’s Height so there is no big sideways weight shift.

It uses the Stabilisation technology from the AR Omega, so is very well tested.

We have designed The Level to feel as though it is not there! 

 Please find below a link to some limited footage of our Prototype Level. It has also been used on some live jobs and the feedback has been excellent.

 I will send you more footage when it becomes available.

 Please also find attached a picture of  “The Level “ on a Sled. It is with a heavy 20kg load with a long lens and the shot was running over a bumpy field following a child in wind and rain !

 We are looking at shipping in September and are taking orders with a 50% deposit.

 If you have any further questions, I will be more than happy to answer them.

 I look forward to hearing from you.

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZFOKGyUOUx8RGj6B6lA9iuwtpG9ltuSM/view?usp=drive_web"

 

 

image.thumb.png.9f8c7b5fd58210414ea7df72e813ca24.png

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Premium Members

Thank you, Maxwell. You’ve  provided 10 times more information than anyone at MK-V has given me. 
they would do so much to improve the reputation if they’re just forthcoming and honest upfront. 

they have some great products and I’m looking forward to using the level when it’s finalized. 
 

cheers Taj

September?!!!! 
that is so infuriating!  
they took 100% of my money and was supposed to be delivered two months ago. 
And still, the last text was we are sending it to you today and that was two weeks ago. 
 

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Premium Members

Taj,

You could try reaching out to Nikita John Creagh. He has been incredibly active in the steadicam FB group and might have clearer information on the exact stage of finalization for the Level. I don't know his exact role within MKV, but seems to have a lot of information.

The person who came to Atlanta, was actively trying to figure out ways to repair MKV's old reputation, but if the folks managing the company aren't also doing that, it's all for nothing. There definitely is an intentional move to get away from MKV's old ways, but they clearly aren't all on the same page.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Premium Members
On 5/9/2025 at 9:09 AM, Alan Mehlbrech said:

I wrote them a few days ago, got a response the next morning.

 

 

 

Email from MKV-

"Thank you for your email. I hope you are well?

The Level is $7,777.00 .It comes with a power cable for a Sled and also D-Tap 12V.

The Level weighs approximately 1 Kg.

The Level is very strong.  It does not need tuning you can mount your camera Nodal if you wish but this is not necessary.
 

It works with at least 6 full degrees of movement each side, so 12 degrees in total after that it will Dutch then pickup smoothly when back in range.

The arc The Level uses is very close to the Camera’s Centre of Len’s Height so there is no big sideways weight shift.

It uses the Stabilisation technology from the AR Omega, so is very well tested.

We have designed The Level to feel as though it is not there! 

 Please find below a link to some limited footage of our Prototype Level. It has also been used on some live jobs and the feedback has been excellent.

 I will send you more footage when it becomes available.

 Please also find attached a picture of  “The Level “ on a Sled. It is with a heavy 20kg load with a long lens and the shot was running over a bumpy field following a child in wind and rain !

 We are looking at shipping in September and are taking orders with a 50% deposit.

 If you have any further questions, I will be more than happy to answer them.

 I look forward to hearing from you.

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZFOKGyUOUx8RGj6B6lA9iuwtpG9ltuSM/view?usp=drive_web"

 

 

image.thumb.png.9f8c7b5fd58210414ea7df72e813ca24.png

 

 

 

I think the logical conclusion why you got a timely reply and Taj is getting the runaround is sadly simple.

They already have his money. They don't have your money YET. So they are being prompt and informative.

I really hope they do deliver Taj's unit on monday like they have promised.

All of those who are tempted by thier new product but dissuaded by thier horrendous historic customer service are watching.

I am very interested in the level but the MKV reputation is holding me back until they have shipped many units and have many happy customers and the finished device proves reliable.

 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...