A versatile specimen manipulator for use in UHV is described, based on the principle of a ball joint. It allows rotation of the target around three mutually independent perpendicular axes with high accuracy. Two rotations are computer-controlled; the third one is operated manually. The manipulator as a whole can be shifted horizontally and rotated with respect to its base flange. The target can be heated up to 500 degrees C. Cooling facilities can be provided for.