A manipulation device for mechanical connection with connection with the proximal end of a shaft, for forming a medical instrument, includes a plurality of retaining devices, wherein each one of the plurality of retaining devices is designed to releasably retain the proximal end of a shaft or the proximal end of a transmission device for transmitting at least either a force or a torque in the shaft, a manually activatable actuation device, and a coupling device for mechanically coupling the actuation device to the plurality of retaining devices, in such a way that a manual activation of the actuation device causes a release of the plurality of retaining devices.