I love threads like this. They teach me latin phrases, argument logic, and aesthetic design principles. I'm encouraged to know that this sort of thing is valuable here.
Class A: Thanks for informing me of Deiter Ram's design rules! I hadn't expected that turn on this forum - and thank-you also for such a level head in your response posts. I think it is commendable when fire retardant is used generously.
I agree that Marc Newson and Deiter Ram share some similar elements in their design philosophy (though - I'm only basing this on the relatively limited exposure I've had to either of their work) - and therefore it is reasonable to use some of the guidelines he has devised to gauge similar products. It seems that the (though this is a horribly overused cliche and will probably earn me negative points from the actual artists who know better than I) 'form follows function' approach (in fact, no. I'm retooling this a bit. Form follows function is now: 'McLaren F1')...
It seems that the "McLaren F1" approach to design that pentax has seemingly espoused in past products (think the iconic 67 - Marc actually nods to this in his video interview regarding the K-01 at launch) - is allowed a bit of exaggeration from time to time:
I'm not sure that the K-01 follows this to a fault - but I'm not sure that in this case it is entirely necessary. I think there may yet be a way to inform my extra-pyramidal faculties the best way to hold, and operate a K-01 - but it may require me to loosen my grip on the practiced functional ergonomic of past pentax products (but I agree it's just as likely the K-01 will give me Parkinson's disease).
I'll just have to wait and see if it makes me shake.
Much of pentax' prior product base have been "happy in the hand" - where ergonomic was the chief operant. Other things are happy in my hand - so this maybe this shouldn't be my primary focus...
In any case - I'll be taking the camera that 'works the best' rather than the camera that 'looks' the best, unless there are cases where the best 'looking' camera, 'works' the best. Too many quotes? Try not to imagine me using my fingers to illustrate that sentence out loud. I hate those people.
Quick addendum - it should be noted that the McLaren F1 is a three seater. Getting in and out is a pain in the arse. A pain I'd happily tolerate. Plus, I'd wager that it looks as good today, as it did the 20 (?) years ago it was introduced.