A first rotating member (5) can be fixed to a support post (4) upon a base (1) in a position rotated by a desired angle about a horizontal axis. A second rotating member can be fixed within the first rotating member (5) in a position rotated by a desired angle about a vertical axis. The bottom end of a support rod (16) is coupled to the second rotating member via a universal joint mechanism, and a stage (2) is fixed to the top end of the support rod (16). The center of rotation of the universal joint mechanism is positioned upon the vertical axis. This apparatus is also provided with means (17), (20) for fixing the support rod in a desired inclined position, and means (19), (22) for fixing the support rod in a position rotated from the inclined position by a desired angle about an axis passing through the center of rotation of the universal joint mechanism from among the horizontal axis and an axis that is parallel to the horizontal axis.
