[PentaxPoke]

Thank you again for all the kind comments. I was really looking forward to posting the pictures here to share with other Pentax enthusiasts, and I sure wasn't dissapointed.

Here are a couple more details I neglected to mention:

Time lapse was done using external triggering from a Pclix LT100. Lithium batteries are used since other battery technologies cannot handle the extreme cold. (K10d uses Lithium as well of course) Triggering was set to 1 picture every 15 seconds, and the flight lasted for 102 minutes.

Before we fly, we file a high-altitude NOTAM with the FAA. That way, air traffic control can notify aircraft of our flight. There are also certain regulations we have to follow regarding the design and operation of the system.

We have used other cameras before (film and digital) but nothing has even come close to the outstanding results from the k10d. Some even malfunctioned due to the cold. It is amazing that the k10d exposures came out so perfect with that payload swinging, spinning and bouncing around, especially after the balloon burst, when the payloads are coming down on the 'chute.

Lens was the DA 18-55 II kit lens. We set the lens to 18mm, and focus to infinity. Then we used electrical tape to lock the focus and zoom in place, and set focus to manual. Also remember that lens was sticking out of the box in direct exposure to space. I think this experience confirms the quality of Pentax kit lenses!