The compact version of MRMC's Bolt High-Speed Cinebot — smaller and more portable, but with the same precision. Ideal for mobile setups and smaller studios.
What is the Bolt Jr?
The Bolt Jr (also: Bolt Junior) is the compact version of the Bolt High-Speed Cinebot from Mark Roberts Motion Control. It offers the same precision and speed as the large Bolt, but in a smaller, more portable format – ideal for mobile setups and smaller studios.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Bolt Jr | Bolt (Original) |
|---|---|---|
| Max. Speed | 5 m/s | 7 m/s |
| Reach | 2m | 3.5m |
| Payload | 15 kg | 25 kg |
| Repeatability | ±0.1mm | ±0.1mm |
| Axes | 6 | 6 |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
Comparison: Bolt Family
| Model | Size | Speed | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bolt Jr | Compact | 5 m/s | Mobile Setups |
| Bolt | Standard | 7 m/s | Studio Standard |
| Bolt X | Extended | 7 m/s | Large Sets |
| Bolt Plus | Heavy-Duty | 7 m/s | Heavy Cameras |
Advantages of the Bolt Jr
Compactness
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Transport | Easier to move |
| Setup | Quicker to assemble |
| Space | For small studios |
| Location | Usable on location |
Performance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Precision | Identical to the large Bolt |
| Software | Same Flair software |
| Quality | No compromises |
Typical Applications
Ideal Use Cases
| Application | Why Bolt Jr |
|---|---|
| Small Tabletop Studios | Fits in tight spaces |
| Location Shoots | Portable |
| Multi-Day Jobs | Fast setup/teardown |
| Small Products | Shorter reach is sufficient |
Less Suitable For
| Situation | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Large Products | Bolt or Bolt X |
| Maximum Speed | Bolt Original |
| Heavy Cameras | Bolt Plus |
Workflow
Setup
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Transport | Compact case |
| Assembly | In ~2 hours |
| Calibration | Standard procedure |
| Ready | Faster than large Bolt |
On Set
| Phase | Activity |
|---|---|
| Programming | Via Flair software |
| Test Runs | As with all Bolts |
| Shooting | Identical workflow |
Equipment Combination
Cameras for Bolt Jr
| Camera | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| RED Komodo | Ideal (lightweight) |
| ARRI Mini LF | Good |
| Phantom VEO | Good (lightweight) |
| Sony Venice | At its limit |
Accessories
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Lightweight Lenses | Recommended |
| Compact Rigs | Consider payload |
| Wireless Video | Standard |
Cost
| Item | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Bolt Jr (Rental) | €3,000–€6,000/day |
| Operator + Tech | €2,000–€4,000/day |
| Total Setup | €8,000–€15,000/day |
vs. Bolt Original
| Aspect | Bolt Jr | Bolt |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Rental | Cheaper | More Expensive |
| Transport | Simpler | More Complex |
| Crew | Smaller possible | Larger |
The Legacy
Development
- After the success of the Bolt
- Demand for a compact version
- Today: Standard for mobile jobs
Influence
The Bolt Jr has made high-speed motion control accessible to more productions – smaller budgets, smaller locations.
Today
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Availability | Worldwide from MoCo providers |
| Demand | High for mobile jobs |
| Trend | Increasingly popular |
| Alternative | For when the large Bolt is too much |
Modern Situation
The Bolt Jr fills an important niche – high-speed quality without the cost and space requirements of the large Bolt.
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