Cool offering from R-P. But confusing that Ricoh has not switched over to Pentax's hot shoe standard, surely that would make more sense...

I just received my K-01 this week (B&H $316USD!).

The grip should've been deeper, but I guess it's no worse than my old Super Program or a Leica M, and I've probably been spoiled by the excellent grip of the K-m/K-x and K-7/K-5. I've ordered a leather handstrap which hopefully will improve the grip. The top button placement is a bit silly, again when compared to the perfect layout on K-m/K-x, but I'm adapting to it.

On the other hand, the design, fit and finish is top-notch. The bead-blasted and knurled aluminum parts are really industrial, but elegant as well.

The "live-view" implementation is a revelation, not only far better than any other Pentax sSLR, but better than most compacts that I have used. The AF is again far better than any other Pentax w/ live view and not really slow (at least with a DA15/4). It is noisy however...but that's the Pentax way (joke). Manual focus with old lenses is a joy, better than any optical viewfinder in this class, even without focus peaking.

My only really serious gripe is the omission of wireless flash, this is a great studio camera with it's direct view and large screen. Annoying to have to hook up cords or external wireless triggers.

But all in all, I think it's a deserving camera, it's certainly a bold and unique statement. I hope they see fit to introduce a K-01IIs !

10Q Very Much !