Ricoh published another article on the upcoming Pentax K-new flagship APS-C DSLR camera, this time discussing the user interface:
The camera grip shape can’t be determined just by the ease of hold. If the photographer grabs the grip too firmly, the fingers may freeze in place, hindering the smooth operation of the camera. During the camera grip design process, we also pay careful attention to control parts — the buttons and dials — carefully checking their shape and positioning to assure smooth operation, as well as provide maximum holding comfort and maneuverability.
The most important element in the design process is finding the positioning of the middle finger. Once we figure out the best position, we use a trial-and-error process to verify that this position will provide smooth, flawless operation of all control parts. We check camera operation from many angles: whether the index finger can be extended smoothly in relation to the middle finger when it presses any of the control buttons; and whether any discomfort is caused by the index finger rubbing against the middle finger when it operates the electronic dial. Since the middle finger has the most important role in holding the camera body firmly, we continue to make fine adjustments to the grip design until we get it just right, and ensure comfort as the middle finger contacts and holds the grip.
After increasing or decreasing the overall size of the grip (in units of one-hundredth of a millimeter!), we input the dimensions into a computer to obtain three-dimensional data for evaluation. After repeating this process many times, we come to the grip design that provides the best possible camera hold and maneuverability.
Read the full article here.
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