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The Pentax K100D's hand grip is rubber-covered with a diagonal ridge running down the front and a sensor for an infrared remote set flush about halfway down. The KA lens mount is spaced far enough from the grip to allow room for the user's fingers. The lens release button is at about 7 o'clock on the mount, and the autofocus switch is at 4 o'clock. The viewfinder hump juts forward over the lens, housing a pop-up flash, and featuring a Pentax logo on the front. There is a strip of resilient material along the right side of the front, adding more gripping surface for users who don't hold the camera by the lens. Some of Pentax's “pancake” lenses are so thin that there really isn't anywhere to grip them, so the second grip may be popular for users who own those lenses.
Back (7.0)
The Pentax K100D's back is dominated by a 2.5-inch LCD display. The viewfinder is above it, with flash activation button to the left. The diopter adjustment is on top of the viewfinder. The buttons running down the left side of the LCD are, from top to bottom, Menu, Trash, Information and Playback. The K100's only control dial is to the right of the viewfinder, well to the left of the exposure/focus lock button, which is close to the right side. The 4-way controller is a set of five buttons – up, down, left, right and OK in the center. The K100D has a function button below the 4-way controller, and a status light is directly below it. The shake reduction switch is to the right of the function button.
The Pentax K100D has a curved ridge along the right side of the back that acts as a thumb rest.
Left Side (6.0)
A stiff plastic door covers ports for a wired remote control, a USB/analog video port, and a DDC power input. There's a large, wide strap lug toward the top. The plastic door is less durable than the flexible rubber doors on competing cameras. Though breaking the door probably wouldn't incapacitate the Pentax K100D, it would leave the jacks completely unprotected, and would be an eyesore. The door does not offer much of a seal against dust and moisture, which could damage the USB and other jacks, and possibly lead to more damage deeper inside the camera.
Right Side (6.5)
Most of the right side of the Pentax K100D is plain and serves as a comfortable gripping surface. The SD memory card door takes up part of the side. Because SD cards are physically small, the door is small. The door slides back and swings out to expose the card slot. It's preferable for doors to have latches, which not only prevent them from opening accidentally but are usually more durable. The strap lug on the top of the right side is wide and sturdy, and it doesn't get in the way of a comfortable grip.
Top (7.5)
The Pentax K100D's mode dial is on the left side of the top. The viewfinder hump is crested with a dedicated hot shoe. A large monochrome LCD covers much of the right side, providing readable and convenient shooting information. The shutter release is a large button at the summit of the grip. The power switch is a ring around it, with three positions – Off, On, and Depth-of-Field Preview.
Bottom (7.0)
Though the Pentax K100D's memory card door lacks a latch, the battery compartment door has one. The bottom is mostly plain. The tripod bushing is under the optical axis, which is convenient for aligning the camera on most tripods. Unfortunately, the smooth bottom will show scuffs and scrapes from tripod studs. Some competing cameras have a patch of protective material around the bushing, to hide wear. The Pentax K100D has small bumps at the margins of the bottom, to keep the camera off whatever surface it sits on.
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