This. I hate menus and having to navigate for minutes (or carrying the manual) to know where to activate or change a function. Add to all those buttons/wheels you mention a white balance selector and we're done.
You may try with lead from lead shot or for fishing. Since it's pretty soft and malleable, you may work it with just a knife. Or using the soldering iron and adding some tin.
Long ago I used to smoke in pipe. I've always loved the eye pattern of briar wood. I think it could look great for knobs, plus it's hard and very resistant.