Best Back of the Unnamed K camera yet

drypenn · 01-12-2015, 04:05 AM - **4 Likes**

Originally posted by stillshot2

Am I the only one who thinks there isn't a whole lot of room to place your thumb at the back of the camera? It seems the play button will be too easy to push by mistake and should have been put somewhere else.

Valid concern BUT, there are only a handful of options that Pentax designers can do:

1. Reduce screen size to make room for the thumb, (and we will all be crying that this isn't 2007 anymore).
2. Reduce button sizes: (and we will all be crying that Pentax designed the camera for Hobbits)
3. Increase camera size: (and we will all be crying "Hey, Ricoh, this isn't Pentax!")
4. Place the button elsewhere (front? sides? top? or bottom?): (and we will all be crying: "What is Pentax thinking? This is like K3's video button deja vu")

So, a compromise has to be made! We are a difficult bunch to please!

Sandy Hancock · 01-12-2015, 04:28 AM

The grip and ergonomics of the K-S1 are *much* better than I expected, so I am willing to bet you will pleasantly surprised with this camera too.

It looks like the thumb will rest nicely between the rear control wheel up and left, the AF/AE lock button up and right, and the review button underneath.

JimmyDranox · 01-12-2015, 04:44 AM

Depending of the size of the hands, can be OK, or not. For me, even K-5 is a little small, and my thumb never find a very good place on my camera with grip mounted all the time.

**monochrome** · 01-12-2015, 04:58 AM

Originally posted by Na Horuk

a true K-3 replacement, WR (maybe without articulated back LCD) and the works, sometime later

maybe a hinged LCD as on the 645z? - like a refconverter.

Sandy Hancock · 01-12-2015, 05:11 AM

Originally posted by JimmyDranox

Depending of the size of the hands, can be OK, or not. For me, even K-5 is a little small, and my thumb never find a very good place on my camera with grip mounted all the time.

I'm 6'3", and have pretty big hands. I hold the K-S1 differently from my K-3, but since I worked out the right technique for me it works brilliantly.

**LaurenOE** · 01-12-2015, 08:14 AM

With Pentax on the back, I'm good.

LOVE the SMC on the lens too.

Looks like someone at Ricoh started to realize some of the "brands" mean something to Pentaxians.

Docrwm · 01-12-2015, 08:23 AM

Originally posted by LaurenOE

With Pentax on the back, I'm good.

LOVE the SMC on the lens too.

Looks like someone at Ricoh started to realize some of the "brands" mean something to Pentaxians.

Let's hope so. In the past they have had Pentax on the demo version and then Ricoh on the production version of cameras.

**c.a.m** · 01-12-2015, 08:43 AM

Originally posted by stillshot2

Am I the only one who thinks there isn't a whole lot of room to place your thumb at the back of the camera?

I wonder if they consulted the model who appeared the Photoshopped K-S1 image. If she didn't have problems with the prototype that was displayed at CES, we will probably be okay with thumb placement and button operation.

severalsnakes · 01-12-2015, 08:51 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by Docrwm

Let's hope so. In the past they have had Pentax on the demo version and then Ricoh on the production version of cameras.

It could say "Pink Poodle Pants" on the back and I'd probably still buy it.

kentishrev · 01-12-2015, 08:57 AM

Originally posted by stillshot2

Am I the only one who thinks there isn't a whole lot of room to place your thumb at the back of the camera? It seems the play button will be too easy to push by mistake and should have been put somewhere else.

Others comments are valid here, but also worth noting the raised rest next to the play button. I can imagine this will work well to minimise the risk. I guess there may have been some response to feedback from the K-50 too, where plenty of reviews suggested the thumb rest (lack-of) was a negative point. In the grand scheme of things, I think this is workable.

JimmyDranox · 01-12-2015, 10:57 AM

Originally posted by Sandy Hancock

I'm 6'3", and have pretty big hands. I hold the K-S1 differently from my K-3, but since I worked out the right technique for me it works brilliantly.

My case it's not a rule. And I didn't pretend to be. And comparison between persons are not always appropriate, even if they have the same size.

**Marktax** · 01-12-2015, 12:45 PM

Only if "Pentax" still refers to some of the old Pentax ethic of a photographer-centric interface, compact and robust build quality, quality lenses with state-of-the-art coatings, and the occasional willingness to innovate in ways others have not yet considered -- only in that case does "Pentax" actually mean anything.

And from what I can tell, all of those things remain true in their current products. The sensor-vibrate approach to AA filtering on the K-3, for example, was a fresh idea. The new releases of the Limited lenses to give them the new coatings and rounded blades reflects dedication to good glass. All of their bodies are robustly built, and the menus and interface are very intuitive. I think Ricoh is aware of that heritage, and it looks as though they intend to keep it. (Are you listening, Ricoh?) I think that's is why they have retained the Pentax branding -- It still means something.

So I will probably buy the new camera we have a peek at at CES. Not because I need it, but because it looks like a fun, Pentax-style offering.

Tanzer · 01-12-2015, 04:35 PM

I like that the Pentax name on the back screen is written sideways: eyecatching, without screaming too loudly or clashing next to the same name on the pentaprism housing. It's an elegant solution for a screen that can flip around, and might otherwise show the name upside down, if they inscribed the name horizontally.

Yikes, I am talking like some kind of fashion expert.

Anyhow, this should stand out in a sea of other brands.

Uluru · 01-12-2015, 06:39 PM

Nah. Ricoh is learning. Slowly. Indeed they had no idea what they have purchased back in 2011.
But they are realising it. They will repeat some moderate mistakes couple of times, but not crucial mistakes.
They learn. Slowly.

Mistral75 · 01-13-2015, 01:39 AM

Originally posted by Uluru

Nah. Ricoh is learning. Slowly. Indeed they had no idea what they have purchased back in 2011.
But they are realising it. They will repeat some moderate mistakes couple of times, but not crucial mistakes.
They learn. Slowly.

Uluru, beware! It commences like the above and tomorrow, insidiously, you will begin to praise Ricoh and their actions

.

01-12-2015, 08:14 AM	#156
LaurenOE Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Back in Florida, but worldwide gigs! Photos: Albums Posts: 3,690	With Pentax on the back, I'm good. LOVE the SMC on the lens too. Looks like someone at Ricoh started to realize some of the "brands" mean something to Pentaxians. Last edited by LaurenOE; 01-12-2015 at 08:19 AM.

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01-12-2015, 04:05 AM - 4 Likes	#151
drypenn Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Photos: Albums Posts: 963	Originally posted by stillshot2 Am I the only one who thinks there isn't a whole lot of room to place your thumb at the back of the camera? It seems the play button will be too easy to push by mistake and should have been put somewhere else. Valid concern BUT, there are only a handful of options that Pentax designers can do: 1. Reduce screen size to make room for the thumb, (and we will all be crying that this isn't 2007 anymore). 2. Reduce button sizes: (and we will all be crying that Pentax designed the camera for Hobbits) 3. Increase camera size: (and we will all be crying "Hey, Ricoh, this isn't Pentax!") 4. Place the button elsewhere (front? sides? top? or bottom?): (and we will all be crying: "What is Pentax thinking? This is like K3's video button deja vu") So, a compromise has to be made! We are a difficult bunch to please!

01-12-2015, 04:28 AM	#152
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 10,671	The grip and ergonomics of the K-S1 are much better than I expected, so I am willing to bet you will pleasantly surprised with this camera too. It looks like the thumb will rest nicely between the rear control wheel up and left, the AF/AE lock button up and right, and the review button underneath.

01-12-2015, 04:44 AM	#153
JimmyDranox Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Ploiesti, Romania Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,631	Depending of the size of the hands, can be OK, or not. For me, even K-5 is a little small, and my thumb never find a very good place on my camera with grip mounted all the time.

01-12-2015, 04:58 AM	#154
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by Na Horuk a true K-3 replacement, WR (maybe without articulated back LCD) and the works, sometime later maybe a hinged LCD as on the 645z? - like a refconverter.

01-12-2015, 05:11 AM	#155
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 10,671	Originally posted by JimmyDranox Depending of the size of the hands, can be OK, or not. For me, even K-5 is a little small, and my thumb never find a very good place on my camera with grip mounted all the time. I'm 6'3", and have pretty big hands. I hold the K-S1 differently from my K-3, but since I worked out the right technique for me it works brilliantly.

01-12-2015, 08:23 AM	#157
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285 Original Poster	Originally posted by LaurenOE With Pentax on the back, I'm good. LOVE the SMC on the lens too. Looks like someone at Ricoh started to realize some of the "brands" mean something to Pentaxians. Let's hope so. In the past they have had Pentax on the demo version and then Ricoh on the production version of cameras.

01-12-2015, 08:43 AM	#158
c.a.m Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Ottawa, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,803	Originally posted by stillshot2 Am I the only one who thinks there isn't a whole lot of room to place your thumb at the back of the camera? I wonder if they consulted the model who appeared the Photoshopped K-S1 image. If she didn't have problems with the prototype that was displayed at CES, we will probably be okay with thumb placement and button operation.

01-12-2015, 08:51 AM - 2 Likes	#159
severalsnakes Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Kansas City, KS Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,612	Originally posted by Docrwm Let's hope so. In the past they have had Pentax on the demo version and then Ricoh on the production version of cameras. It could say "Pink Poodle Pants" on the back and I'd probably still buy it.

01-12-2015, 08:57 AM	#160
kentishrev Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Posts: 180	Originally posted by stillshot2 Am I the only one who thinks there isn't a whole lot of room to place your thumb at the back of the camera? It seems the play button will be too easy to push by mistake and should have been put somewhere else. Others comments are valid here, but also worth noting the raised rest next to the play button. I can imagine this will work well to minimise the risk. I guess there may have been some response to feedback from the K-50 too, where plenty of reviews suggested the thumb rest (lack-of) was a negative point. In the grand scheme of things, I think this is workable.

01-12-2015, 10:57 AM	#161
JimmyDranox Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Ploiesti, Romania Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,631	Originally posted by Sandy Hancock I'm 6'3", and have pretty big hands. I hold the K-S1 differently from my K-3, but since I worked out the right technique for me it works brilliantly. My case it's not a rule. And I didn't pretend to be. And comparison between persons are not always appropriate, even if they have the same size.

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01-12-2015, 12:45 PM	#162
Marktax Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Washington DC Photos: Albums Posts: 610	Only if "Pentax" still refers to some of the old Pentax ethic of a photographer-centric interface, compact and robust build quality, quality lenses with state-of-the-art coatings, and the occasional willingness to innovate in ways others have not yet considered -- only in that case does "Pentax" actually mean anything. And from what I can tell, all of those things remain true in their current products. The sensor-vibrate approach to AA filtering on the K-3, for example, was a fresh idea. The new releases of the Limited lenses to give them the new coatings and rounded blades reflects dedication to good glass. All of their bodies are robustly built, and the menus and interface are very intuitive. I think Ricoh is aware of that heritage, and it looks as though they intend to keep it. (Are you listening, Ricoh?) I think that's is why they have retained the Pentax branding -- It still means something. So I will probably buy the new camera we have a peek at at CES. Not because I need it, but because it looks like a fun, Pentax-style offering.

01-12-2015, 04:35 PM	#163
Tanzer Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Perrineville, NJ Posts: 1,375	I like that the Pentax name on the back screen is written sideways: eyecatching, without screaming too loudly or clashing next to the same name on the pentaprism housing. It's an elegant solution for a screen that can flip around, and might otherwise show the name upside down, if they inscribed the name horizontally. Yikes, I am talking like some kind of fashion expert. Anyhow, this should stand out in a sea of other brands.

01-12-2015, 06:39 PM	#164
Uluru Banned Join Date: May 2010 Location: Back to my Walkabout Creek Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,535	Nah. Ricoh is learning. Slowly. Indeed they had no idea what they have purchased back in 2011. But they are realising it. They will repeat some moderate mistakes couple of times, but not crucial mistakes. They learn. Slowly.

01-13-2015, 01:39 AM	#165
Mistral75 Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Paris, France Posts: 6,964	Originally posted by Uluru Nah. Ricoh is learning. Slowly. Indeed they had no idea what they have purchased back in 2011. But they are realising it. They will repeat some moderate mistakes couple of times, but not crucial mistakes. They learn. Slowly. *Uluru*, beware! It commences like the above and tomorrow, insidiously, you will begin to praise Ricoh and their actions .