Holding device for holding a manually operated medical device in place, comprising: a connector arranged to connect the holding device to a positioning apparatus; a clamp member arranged to clamp the medical device, wherein the clamp member is moveable between a locking position wherein the medical device is clamped and a moving position wherein the medical device is moveable with respect to the holding device; a joint assembly arranged to allow movement between the clamp member and the connector, wherein the joint assembly is moveable between a moving position wherein the clamp member is moveable with respect to the connector and a locking position wherein movement between the clamp member and the connector is prevented, and; an actuator for moving both the joint assembly and the clamp member between the moving positions and the locking positions.