I went to Ricoh Imaging Square in Tokyo today, because I had feeling they would have a pre-production KP there. Fortunately, my trip wasn't wasted. They had a black one on display, and I was able to have a few minutes with it. I didn't try to evaluate image quality, but I'll give my impressions about the feel of the camera.
Overall, I didn't have any big surprises. The camera is pretty much what it looks to be - a shrunken K-3. It doesn't really give off a strong feeling of "retro". Like DPR said about the design of the K-1, the word "classic" is probably more fitting. Also, while it's smaller than the K-3, it doesn't feel a lot smaller, and you certainly aren't going to mistake this camera for a mirrorless camera, even one of the bigger ones.
Build quality
The build quality is basically the same as my point of reference, the K5iis. It's very solid metal, and definitely not like the K-50/K-70 level cameras. The only part that doesn't feel as strong is the tilt screen, which has clearly been designed for thinness. The good thing is that it closes very flat against the rear of the camera.
Ergonomics
It had the small grip attached. The camera is not that thin, so there is plenty to grip on to. I think it's just right for a lens liked the DA 20-40, which was attached. For front heavy lenses, the large grip will be preferable. The vertically oriented front dial is easy to use too. Given the position of the shutter button and the shape of the grip, your index finger is in a more vertical position than with the K-5/K-3, so the wheel is the right way round.
Shutter sound
The shutter sound is like the K-3, not the clattery sound of the cheaper models. I was able to compare directly. It's a nice shutter feeling, especially when going at 7fps.
SR in video mode
Finally, I asked about IBIS in video mode, because I thought the wording on Ricoh's web page was a bit ambiguous. Unfortunately, it's still digital, and not using sensor shift.
Overall, I thought it was a very nice camera, but one very much in the same DNA as previous Pentax bodies. I think too much has been made of the retro looks and small size. It's not that controversial. I have a feeling that when I get around to buying a replacement for my K-5iis, this is probably the one that will be right for me. But I've got lenses on my wish list before that.
Last edited by JPT; 01-29-2017 at 02:25 AM.