Minolta Dynax 800si, Maxxum 800si Instruction Manual

1

FOR PROPER AND SAFE USE

Read and understand all warnings and cautions before using this
product.

Batteries may become hot or explode due to improper use.

• Use only the batteries specified in this instruction manual.

• Do not install the batteries with the polarity (+/–) reversed.

• Do not subject batteries to fire or high temperatures.

• Do not attempt to recharge, short, or disassemble.
Use caution, accidents may occur when using this product near young

children.
Keep batteries or things that could be swallowed away from young

children. Contact a doctor immediately if an object is swallowed.
Immediately remove the batteries and discontinue use if...

• the camera is dropped or subjected to an impact in which the interior
is exposed.

• the product emits a strange smell, heat, or smoke.

Do not disassemble. Electric shock may occur if a high voltage circuit
inside the camera is touched. Take your camera to a Minolta Service
Facility when repairs are required.

Do not look directly at the sun through the viewfinder.
Fire may occur if the camera is subjected to focused sunlight. Replace

the lens cap when the product is not being used.

WARNING

Names of Parts.............................4

Loading the Film...........................16

Handling the Camera ...................18

Diopter Adjustment.......................19

Special Focusing Situations.........30

Manual Focus...............................31

Flash Range.................................36

Red-Eye Reduction......................38

Landscape Mode..........................43

Close-up Mode.............................44

A: Aperture Priority Mode.............53

S: Shutter Priority Mode...............56

Focus Frame................................67

Wide Focus Area..........................67

AE Lock........................................75

Exposure Bracketing....................77

Flash Bracketing...........................79

Flash Compensation ....................91

Wireless/Remote Off-camera

Flash Control................................92

For Owners of the Quartz Date

Model............................................112

Depth-of-Field Preview.................114

Troubleshooting............................123

Care and Storage .........................126

For Proper and Safe Use..................................1

Standard Accessories.......................................11

Installing the Batteries ......................................12

Battery Condition Indicators..............................13

Attaching and Removing the Lens....................14

Focus Signals...................................................26

Focus Lock .......................................................27

Using the Built-in Flash.....................................34

Flash Signals....................................................35

Subject Program Selection...............................41

Portrait Mode....................................................42

Exposure Modes...............................................49

P: Programmed Autoexposure Mode...............51

Autofocus Modes..............................................64

Changing the Autofocus Mode.........................66

Metering............................................................71

Selecting a Metering Method............................73

Exposure Compensation ..................................74

High-speed Flash Sync.....................................87

Slow-shutter Sync .............................................88

Rear-flash Sync................................................89

Memory.............................................................99

Customized Settings.........................................102

Data Memory....................................................106

Program-reset button........................................120

Accessory Information......................................121

Quick Operation ...........................8

Eye-Start.......................................20

Shooting in Full-Auto Mode..........22

Rewinding the Film.......................24

AF Illuminator...............................32

Fill Flash.......................................39

Sports Mode.................................45

Night Portrait Mode ......................46

M: Manual Exposure Mode..........59

Bulb ..............................................62

Local Focus Area..........................68

Release Priority............................69

Multiple Exposure.........................81

Metering Index..............................84

PC Terminal..................................97

Setting Film Speed Manually .......115

Self-timer......................................117

Film-drive Modes..........................118

Technical Details ..........................129

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A

B
C

D

E

F

G

H

12. PC terminal (97)

13. Strap eyelet (11)

14. Flash-compensation button (91)

15. Lens release (14-15)

16. Back-cover release (16)

17. Focus-mode button (31)

18. Exposure-compensation
button (74)

19. Mirror*

20. Lens contacts*

21. Depth-of-field preview button
(114)

22. Eyepiece sensor* (20)

23. Viewfinder*

24. Main switch

25. Eyepiece cup (11)

26. Accessory shoe

27. Diopter-adjustment dial (19)

28. AE-lock button (75-76, 88, 95)

29. Rear control dial

30. Control panel door

31. AF button (28-29, 68)

32. Remote-control terminal (62)

33. Eye-start switch (21)

34. Rewind button (24)

35. Film window (16)

A. Data-memory button (108, 111)
B. Self-timer/drive-mode button (77-83, 117,

118)
C. AF-mode button (66)
D. Flash-mode button (38, 89, 92-96)
E. Metering-mode button (73)
F. Enter button (100)
G. ISO button (115)
H. Adjust button (69, 77, 81, 104-105, 109-111)

CONTROL PANEL

* Do not touch.

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5

1. Panorama frame

2. Local-focus areas

3. Horizontal wide-focus frame

4. Vertical wide-focus frame

5. Spot-metering area

6. Flash-on indicator

7. High-speed sync flash indicator

8. Flash signals

9. Wireless-flash indicator

11. Data-memory indicator

12. Frame counter

13. Film-transport signal

14. Film-cartridge mark

15. Exposure-bracketing indicator

16. Drive-mode indicator

17. Multiple-exposure indicator

18. AF-mode indicator

19. Focus-area indicator

20. Manual-focus indicator

21. Metering-mode indicator

22. High-speed sync indicator

23. Release-priority indicator

10. Focus signals

11. Shutter-speed/Focus-area
display

12. AEL indicator

13. Aperture/Exposure­compensation/Flash­compensation display

14. Metering index

15. Frame counter

Insert the batteries.

• The camera uses one 2CR5 cell.

Attach a lens.

• Align the red marks, then turn it
gently clockwise until it clicks.

Turn the camera on.

• Set the main switch to ON.

Load the film.

• Line the film-tip with the red mark,
then close the back cover.

Set the camera to full-auto
operation.

• Press the program-reset button.

Turn eye-start on.

Frame the picture.

• Align your subject in the focus
frame and the camera will
automatically focus.

Take the picture.

• Gently press the shutter release
button all the way down.

STANDARD ACCESSORIES

11

NECKSTRAP

Attach the neckstrap as shown.

EYEPIECE CUP

Attach the eyepiece cup as
shown.

EYEPIECE AND ACCESSORY SHOE CAPS

An eyepiece cap is attached to the
strap. Before using the self-timer or
making long exposures, remove
the the eyepiece cup and attach
the cap to the viewfinder eyepiece
to prevent stray light from entering
the camera and affecting exposure.

The camera also comes with an accessory-shoe cap which
protects the accessory-shoe contacts. When using a flash or other
accessory, slide the accessory-shoe cap into the eyepiece cap for
safekeeping.

BASIC

OPERATION

Set the main switch to LOCK.
Slide the battery-cover release
in the direction indicated to
open the cover.

Insert the battery according to
the marks on the inside of the
chamber cover.
Snap the cover closed.

BA

TTERY CONDITION INDICATORS

Full-battery symbol:

Power is sufficient for all camera
operations.

Low-battery symbol:

Power is low, but all functions are
operational. Keep a fresh battery ready.

Blinking low-battery symbol:

Power is extremely low. The battery will
need to be replaced very soon.

Blinking low-battery symbol only:

Power is too low for normal camera
operations. Replace the battery.

• This indicator will appear even while the
main switch is set to LOCK.

No display: Power is too low for any camera operations.
Replace the battery or check that it is inserted correctly.

A battery-condition indicator will appear in the data panel for 5
seconds each time the camera is turned on. This mark signifies
the power status of the battery.

Remove the camera body cap
and the rear lens cap as
shown.

Align the red bead on the lens
with the red dot on the camera's
lens mount.

Gently insert the lens into the
mount and turn it clockwise
until it clicks into the locked
position.

While pressing the lens
release, turn the lens
counterclockwise until it stops.

Gently remove the lens from
the mount.

REMOVING THE LENS

• Do not force the lens onto the body if it does not turn smoothly.

• Do not touch the inside of the camera, especially the lens contacts and
mirror.

• Touching or lifting the mirror may impair the mirror's alignment or
scratch it. Dust on the mirror will not affect meter readings or picture
quality. If it is distracting, have the camera cleaned at an authorized
Minolta Service Facility.

• Remove dust, dirt, and moisture from the lens mount before attaching
or removing the lens.

• The use of a lens hood is recommended to reduce flare and ensure
maximum image quality when the flash will not be used.

Attach the body cap or another lens to the camera and
replace the rear lens cap.

• This will protect the camera interior, lens contacts, and lens elements.

Slide the back-cover release
down to pop open the back
cover.

Place the film cartridge in the
film chamber as shown.

Extend the leader between the
guide rails to the film-leader
index.

• If the film tip extends beyond the
red mark, gently push the excess
film back in the cartridge.

Close the back cover and
slide the main switch to ON.

• The camera will automatically
advance the film to the first frame
and 1 will appear in the frame
counter in the data panel.

• If DX-coded film is used, the
camera will automatically set the
correct film speed and display it in
the data panel for 5 seconds after
loading.

• will blink in the frame counter and the shutter will
remain locked if the film is loaded incorrectly. Open
the back cover and repeat steps 2 through 4.

• Never touch the shutter curtain with your fingers or
with the film tip. Its precision design makes it
extremely sensitive to pressure.

• Always load film in subdued or shaded light to reduce the chances of
fogging the film.

• Do not use Polaroid instant 35mm film. Winding problems may occur.

• Non DX-coded film:
If non-DX-coded film is used, the ISO setting of the previous roll of film
will be used.
The camera assumes the number of frames is no more than 36. If a
roll of non-DX-coded film with more than 36 exposures is loaded,
please change the Film Rewind Start customized setting to manual
start (p 102).

Protective Cover

Right Wrong

DIOPTER ADJUSTMENTHANDLING THE CAMERA

Slide the main switch to on.

Look through the viewfinder
and turn the diopter-adjustment
dial until the focus frame
outlines appear the sharpest.

• If the focus frame does not appear,
press the shutter-release button
partway down.

• Turn the dial in the + direction if you
are farsighted. Turn the dial in the –
direction if you are nearsighted.

If you are near or far sighted, use the diopter adjustment to adjust
the eyepiece for your eyesight. The diopter adjustment range is
from -2.5 to + 0.5 diopters.

✎If additional correction is needed, a Minolta Eyepiece Corrector can be

attached to the camera's eyepiece.

✎The diopter adjustment dial is easier to turn if the eyepiece cup is

removed.

TURNING EYE-START ON/OFF

Slide the eye-start switch to ON
or to OFF.

• When eye-start is off, activate the
camera by pressing the shutter­release button partway down.

• When the camera is on, the focus
frame will appear in the viewfinder
even with eye-start off.

Customize Function #15 - Eye-start Switch

The function of eye-start switch can be changed to add a dial
lock. Dial lock is convenient when you are shooting in M, PA, or
PS mode, so an accidental turn of the control dials does not
change your shutter speed or aperture setting. Custom settings:
1 - Normal. Eye-start switch ON - Eye-start on.

Eye-start switch OFF - Eye-start off.

2 - Eye-start always on. Eye-start switch ON - dial lock on.

Eye-start switch OFF - dial lock off.

3 - Eye-start always off. Eye-start switch ON - dial lock on.

Eye-start switch OFF - dial lock off.

Customize Function #7 - Eyepiece Sensor Activation

The eyepiece sensor can be activated by the grip (standard
method) or can be activated with only the main switch set to ON.
This is convenient when you are wearing gloves or won't be
touching the grip sensor. See page 102.

Turn the camera on.

Press the program-reset
button.

• The camera will return to the default
settings.

Turn eye-start on.

Raise the flash if flash is
desired. Put the flash down if
no flash is to be used.

• The flash always fires when up.

Rotate the zooming ring, if
using a zoom lens, until your
subject is framed as desired.

• For AF Zoom xi or AF Power Zoom
lenses, slide the lens' AZ/MZ switch
to AZ.

Gently press the shutter­release button all the way
down to take the picture.

• The film automatically advances to
the next frame.

When there are only nine frames
remaining on the roll of film, the
camera will start a countdown.

The number remaining will appear in the viewfinder.

• The countdown will not appear for non-DX-coded film.

Align the subject within the
focus area and press the
shutter-release button partway
down to lock focus and
exposure.

Wait until rewind is complete.
Slide the back-cover release

down to pop open the back
cover.

Press the rewind button.

• To rewind the film in high-speed,
press the rewind button twice.

FOCUS

BASICS

FOCUS LOCKFOCUS SIGNALS

Continuous focusing - focus
confirmed.

Focus is confirmed and locked.

Focusing in autofocus mode ­shutter locked.

Focus cannot be confirmed;
shutter locked; the subject is too
close or in one of the special
focusing situations listed on
page 30.

Use focus lock when you want to take a picture with your subject
outside the focus frame or when autofocus is difficult to
confirm. There are two ways to lock the focus: using the shutter­release button and using the AF button.

Center your subject in the
focus area .

Press and hold the shutter­release button partway down.

• The camera will focus on the
subject, then lock focus. When
focus is locked, will appear in the
viewfinder.

Recompose the scene while
continuing to hold the shutter­release button, then press the
button all the way down.

• Focus will remain locked as long as
your finger depresses the AF button.

LOCKING FOCUS WITH THE SHUTTER-RELEASE BUTTON

• Make sure your finger has lifted completely off the shutter-release button
before taking another photograph if you want the camera to re-focus.

Continued on next page.

Center your subject in the
focus area .

Press and hold the AF button.

• The camera will focus on the
subject, then lock focus. When
focus is locked, will appear in the
viewfinder.

• A local focus area indicator appears
in the viewfinder to show where the
camera is focusing on the subject.
Choose a different area by turning
the front control dial (p 68).

Recompose the scene while
continuing to hold the AF
button, then press the shutter­release button all the way
down.

• Focus will remain locked as long as
your finger depresses the AF
button.

• If the camera is set to 14-segment honeycomb metering, exposure is
also locked.

• When Automatic Autofocus is selected, focus may not be able to lock
in some situations. In such cases, set the camera to Single-shot
Autofocus (p 65).

• The camera cannot lock focus when in Continuous Autofocus mode or
if the subject is moving.

• With an xi-series lens, autofocus can be locked by pulling the lens
control ring toward the camera. Focus can also be locked with some
manual zoom lenses by pressing their focus-hold button.

• It is possible to change between wide-focus area and local-focus area.
Turn the front dial while pressing the AF button. See page 67.

Customized Function #9 - AF-Area Selection

The function of the AF button can be changed.
Setting 1 - Normal. Pressing the AF button changes wide-focus
frame to local focus area selection (p 102).
Setting 2 - While the AF button is pressed, the center local-focus
area is active.

MANUAL FOCUSSPECIAL FOCUSING SITUATIONS

If two subjects at different
distances overlap within the
focus frame.

If a subject composed of
alternating light and dark lines
completely fills the focus
frame.

If the subject within the focus
frame is very bright, very dark,
or low in contrast.

Press the focus-mode button
to set the camera to manual
focus mode.

• M.FOCUS will appear in the data
panel.

W

AF-series lens: turn the
focusing ring until your subject
appears sharp.

Xi-Series lens/AF power zoom
lens: pull and turn the control
ring until your subject appears
sharp.

• The focus confirmation signal will appear in the viewfinder when the
subject is in focus in one of the local focus areas.

• In manual focus mode, the shutter will release even if the subject is not
in focus.

• Make sure your finger has lifted completely off the shutter-release button
before taking another photograph or the exposure will remain locked.

✎Press the focus-mode button to return to autofocus mode.

When autofocus is not suitable and focus lock is not possible,
focus the lens manually.

In low light situations or when the
contrast of your main subject is
too low to be read by the AF
sensors, the autofocus illuminator
will activate automatically. The AF
illuminator projects a pattern of
lines onto your subject which the
AF sensors detect and use to
focus.

FLASH

BASICS

FLASH SIGNALSUSING THE BUILT-IN FLASH

Grip both sides of the flash
and gently lift it. The flash will
fire every time when it is up.

Push the flash down to turn it
off.

The following indicators will appear in the viewfinder to report the
status of the flash.

Flash is charged and ready.

(Blinks after a photograph is taken.) Flash
output was sufficient to provide correct
exposure.

High-speed Sync Flash is ready (p 87).
Only available with the 5400HS flash unit
(sold separately).

Wireless/Remote Flash is selected (p 92).

Use of flash is recommended. This symbol
only blinks when Autoswitchover is
selected in Customized Function #5, the
camera is in P mode, the subject is backlit,
and the built-in flash is down.

Coverage of the Zoom Flash

LENS SHADOWING AND THE BUILT-IN FLASH

• Do not use a lens wider than 28mm, this is wider than the coverage of
the built-in flash.

• Lens shadowing may occur in the following lenses when the lower focal
lengths are used:
AF Zoom 28-70mm f/2.8G
AF Zoom 17-35mm f/3.5-4.3
AF Zoom 28-135mm f/4-4.5

• The built-in flash cannot be used with the following lenses:
AF 300mm f/2.8 [High-speed - Apo/tele]
AF 300mm f/2.8 [Apo/tele]
AF 600mm f/4 [High-speed -Apo/tele]
AF 600mm f/4 [Apo/tele]

Coverage of the Zoom Flash

Customized Function #16 - Built-in Flash Zoom

Setting 1 - Normal. The built in flash zooms with the focal length
of the lens.
Setting 2 - The built-in flash is locked to its widest setting. In this
position, the built-in flash produces an even light distribution for
use with a 50mm macro lens and subject magnification up to 1/2.

FILL FLASH

39

Press the flash-mode button
in the control panel.

Turn either control dial until
appears in the data panel.

Press the shutter-release
button partway down to enter
the selection.

When taking portraits outdoors in daylight, use flash to reduce
harsh, unflattering shadows on your subject’s face. Fill flash
should also be used when the subject is backlit.

Raise the built-in flash or turn
on an attached accessory
flash. The flash will fire every
time the shutter-release
button is pressed.

Press and hold the flash­compensation button.

Wait until appears in the
viewfinder, then take the
picture.

• In A mode or S mode, the aperture or shutter speed will blink in the
viewfinder and data panel if flash will cause the scene to be over­exposed with the aperture or shutter speed selected. Adjust the
aperture or shutter-speed until it stops blinking (p 53, p 56).

If Autoswitchover has been selected (through Customized function
#5) and the camera is in P-mode, the flash will only fire when
necessary (p 34, p 102). Because the overall light level is bright,
the flash will need to be fired manually.

SUBJECT PROGRAM SELECTION

4140

Subject program selection lets you choose one of the five subject
program modes listed below. These program modes customize
the exposure settings for the type of picture you will be taking.

Portrait Mode - for portrait photography

Landscape Mode - for scenic and travel photography

Close-up Mode - for close-up photography

Sports Mode - for sports and action photography

Night Portrait Mode - for night portrait and night scene
photography

MEMORY: The Subject Program selections can be stored in
memory. See page 99 for information.

• Pressing the program-reset button returns the camera to its program
settings (p 120).

MODES

LANDSCAPE MODE

43

Select Landscape mode for scenic,
landscape, or travel photographs.
Landscape photography generally
requires a large depth-of-field to
make sure the entire scene is in focus.
To achieve this, the camera sets the
smallest aperture possible while
maintaining a fast shutter speed to
prevent blur.

Press and hold the subject­program button.

Turn either control dial until
appears alone in the data
panel.

Release the subject-program
button.

Tips:

• Use a wide angle lens to create a feeling of depth in the photograph.

• Use flash when a subject in the foreground is backlit or has strong
shadows across the face. If there is no subject in the foreground, do not
use flash.

• Use a tripod, especially at slower shutter speeds.

Use Portrait mode when
photographing people. Portrait
photography benefits from a shallow
depth-of-field. Ashallow depth-of­field separates the subject from the
background. In portrait mode, the
camera is set to achieve this effect.

Press and hold the subject­program button.

Turn either control dial until
appears alone in the data
panel.

Release the subject-program
button.

SPORTS MODE

45

Select Sports mode when faster
shutter speeds are needed to stop
action. In Sports mode, the camera
sets the fastest possible shutter
speed and continually adjusts the
focus to track fast-moving subjects.

Press and hold the subject­program button.

Turn either control dial until
appears alone in the data
panel.

Release the subject-program
button.

Tips:

• Use fast film and keep the focus frame on your subject.

• Mount the camera on a tripod when using a telephoto lens.

• Flash is only helpful if the subject is within the flash range.

Use Close-up mode when
photographing objects from short
distances. Close-up photography
requires accurate focusing; use
focus hold or manual focus to
ensure sharp focus. The camera will
select the best possible aperture
and shutter speed for your subject.

Press and hold the subject­program button.

Turn either control dial until
appears alone in the data
panel.

Release the subject-program
button.

47

When photographing scenery at
night, set the camera to Night
Portrait mode and do not use the
flash. Longer shutter speeds are
set in this mode, so you can easily
capture beautiful photographs of
twilight scenery and night skylines.

Press and hold the subject­program button.

Turn either control dial until
appears alone in the data
panel.

Release the subject-program
button.

Tips:

• Use faster film and a tripod.

• When photographing dark night scenes, it may be difficult for the
camera to focus. Use manual focus or focus lock.

Use Night portrait mode for taking
portraits with scenic backgrounds at
night. Night portraits require a
balanced exposure between the
camera's flash and the ambient light.
In this mode, the camera sets the
largest possible aperture and a
slower shutter speed to allow the
ambient light in the background
appear in the photograph.

Raise the built-in flash.
Press and hold the subject-

program button.

Turn either control dial until
appears alone in the data
panel.

Release the subject-program
button.

PHOTOGRAPHING NIGHT SCENES

EXPOSURE MODES

4948

P - (PROGRAM) -Programmed Autoexposure Mode

P mode (PROGRAM) is ideal when you want to give your full
attention to the subject and give the camera control over exposure.

A - Aperture Priority Mode

In A mode, you select the aperture and the camera automatically
sets the shutter speed required for proper exposure. Use this
mode when you want to control depth of field.

S - Shutter Speed Priority Mode

You select the shutter speed in S mode and the camera
automatically sets the aperture for the best exposure. Use S
mode to have full control over shutter speed settings.

M - Manual Mode

In M mode, you have full control of exposure and the camera's
meter index will show you how your settings relate to the TTL
meter.

MEMORY: The Exposure Mode setting can be stored in
memory. See page 99 for information.

The 800si has four exposure modes.

EXPOSURE

BASICS

Continued on next page.

P - PROGRAM EXPOSURE MODE

51

P mode (PROGRAM) is ideal when you want to give your full
attention to the subject and give the camera control over exposure.
When focused on your main subject, Expert Program Selection
automatically analyzes subject size, motion, and magnification as
well as lens focal length. Then, it sets the shutter speed and
aperture according to the scene requirements.

While pressing the exposure-mode button, turn either
control dial until P appears in the data panel.

Release the exposure-mode button to enter the selection.
Compose your scene and take the picture.

PA AND PS: CREATIVE EXPOSURE CONTROL

PA - Turn the rear control dial until
the desired aperture setting appears
in the viewfinder and body data
panels. PA appears in the body data
panel.

• The aperture will not change, even if
lighting conditions change. The
shutter-speed value will be set
automatically.

After the AE system has been activated, you can change the shutter
speed or aperture, automatically set by Expert Program Selection, in
1/2-stop increments while maintaining a correct exposure.

✎Using the exposure-mode button to set P mode will not change any

other camera settings. To return all camera settings to default, press
the program-reset button.

In the data panel and viewfinder, fraction of a
second shutter speeds are indicated by whole
numbers (from 2 to 8000). For example, if 250
appears, the shutter speed is 1/250 of a
second. Shutter speeds in seconds are
represented by " after the number. For example
3" is a 3 second exposure (0"7 is 7/10 of a
second).

Press and hold the exposure­mode button.

Turn either control dial until
the mark for the desired mode
appears in the data panel.

Release the exposure-mode
button.

Continued on next page.

A - APERTURE PRIORITY MODE

53

In A mode, you select the aperture
and the camera automatically sets
the shutter speed required for
proper exposure. Use Amode when
you want to control the depth-of­field in an image (p 55, p 114).

While pressing the exposure­mode button, turn either
control dial until Aappears in
the data panel.

Release the exposure-mode
button to enter the selection.

Compose your scene and
turn either control dial to
select the desired aperture.
The aperture display will
change in 1/2-stop increments
with each click of the dial.

• Use the depth of field button to check the focusing range (p 114).

• If the shutter speed blinks in the
viewfinder or data panel, the required
setting is beyond the camera's shutter
speed range. Turn the control dial
until the blinking stops to select
another aperture.

PS - Turn the front dial until the
desired shutter speed setting
appears in the viewfinder and body
data panels. PS appears in the
body data panel.

• The shutter-speed will not change,
even if lighting conditions change.
The aperture value will be set
automatically.

Continued on next page.

55

Large Aperture

(small f-number)

Small Aperture

(large f-number)

The size of the aperture (lens opening) determines the depth-of­field in the final image as well as the intensity of the light falling on
the film. Depth of field is the area in front of and behind the point
where the lens is focused which will appear sharp.

Large apertures (small f-numbers) limit the depth of field to a
narrow range. Choose a large aperture if you want a defocused
background so your main subject stands out, such as with
portraits.
Small apertures (large f-numbers) provide greater depth-of-field.
Choose a small aperture when you want maximum focus range,
such as in a landscape photograph.

• In general, wider lenses provide more depth-of-field and longer
(telephoto) provide less depth of field.

• There is less depth of field when your subject is close to the lens.

APERTURE CONTROLA-MODE FLASH

When the built in flash is up or an
attached accessory flash is on, it
will fire each time a picture is
taken. The camera's TTL control
ensures a proper exposure.

• If 200 blinks in the data panel and
viewfinder, the f-number is too low
and the photograph will be
overexposed. Turn either dial to select
a larger aperture number until the
shutter speed stops blinking.

57

S-MODE FLASH

• When the flash is ready, will appear in the viewfinder.

• Choose a shutter speed of 1/200 or slower, as this is the sync speed.
The aperture is set automatically.

• A larger f-number will result in a smaller flash range.

• Push the flash down if it is not needed.

When the built in flash is up or an
attached accessory flash is on, it
will fire each time a picture is
taken. The camera's TTL control
ensures a proper exposure.

• If the aperture blinks in the data panel
and viewfinder, the aperture required
for proper exposure is beyond the
lens' range. Turn the dial to select
another shutter-speed until the
aperture stops blinking.

In S mode, you select the shutter
speed and the camera
automatically sets the aperture
required for proper exposure. This
mode is useful when you want to
control the motion in the
photograph.

While pressing the exposure­mode button, turn either
control dial until S appears in
the data panel.

Release the exposure-mode
button to enter the selection.

Compose your scene and
turn either control dial to
select the desired shutter speed.

• The shutter speed display will
change in 1/2-stop increments with
each click of the dial.

• If the aperture display blinks, a correct
exposure is not possible with the
shutter speed you have selected. Turn
either control dial until the blinking
stops to select another shutter speed.

Continued on next page.

M - MANUAL MODE

59

In M mode, you have full control of exposure and the camera's
meter index will show you how your settings relate to the TTL
meter.

While pressing the exposure­mode button, turn either
control dial until M appears in
the data panel.

Release the exposure-mode
button to enter the selection.

• The metering index will appear in
the viewfinder.

Compose your scene. Turn
the front dial to change the
shutter speed.

Turn the rear dial to change
the aperture.

• The shutter speed and aperture
displays will change in 1/2-stop
increments.

Continued on next page.

61

M-MODE FLASH

When the built in flash is up or
an attached accessory flash is
on, it will fire each time a picture
is taken. The camera's TTL
control ensures a proper
exposure.

Your settings match the camera's
recommended exposure.

+ 1 EV the camera's recommended
exposure

– 1.5 EV the camera's recommended

exposure

+ 2.5 EV the camera's recommended
exposure

– 2.5 EV the camera's recommended
exposure

– 3.0 EV or below the camera's
recommended exposure

+ 3.0 EV or above the camera's
recommended exposure

• When the flash is ready, will appear in the viewfinder.

• Choose a shutter speed of 1/200 or slower, as this is the sync speed.

• A larger f-number will result in a smaller flash range.

• Push the flash down if it is not needed.

63

While in M mode, turn the
front control dial to the left
until "bulb" appears in the
viewfinder and the data panel.

Turn the rear control dial to
select the aperture.

Mount the camera on a tripod.

Remove the remote control terminal
cover. Then, insert the remote cord's
plug into the terminal.

• The shutter will remain open as long as
you hold the remote control button
down.

ADVANCED

AUTOFOCUS

65

SINGLE-SHOT AUTOFOCUS

When the shutter-release button is
pressed partway down, the camera
focuses until sharp focus is
confirmed and then focus is locked.
Focus will remain locked while the
shutter-release button is pressed
partway down or until after the
shutter-release button is pressed all
the way down. Use Single-shot
Autofocus when photographing
non-moving subjects or subjects
that are outside the focus area.
See Focus Lock, page 27.

When autofocus is activated by
pressing the shutter-release button
partway down, the camera will
continue focusing while the subject
is moving and lock focus when it is
still.
Automatic Autofocus Mode works
well in any situation, but is
especially useful for subjects that
move and stop suddenly.

The camera continues focusing
while the shutter-release button is
pressed partway down. The shutter­release button can be pressed all
the way down when the subject is in
focus. Continuous Autofocus
should be used at sporting events
or other occasions when the subject
moves continuously.

Continued on next page.

FOCUS FRAME

67

Your camera has a wide focus area and four local focus areas. A
wide focus area is ideal for catching subjects in motion and
snapshots. Alocal focus area allows for precise control over the
location of focus.

WIDE FOCUS AREA

The camera uses all of the AF
sensors to focus. It determines
which sensor is focusing on the
main subject. Wide Focus Area
provides flexibility in framing and
makes it easier for the camera to
focus on moving subjects.
The default setting of the camera is
wide focus area.

Press the AF-mode button in
the control panel.

Turn either control dial to set
the AF mode to , , or .

• Make sure the camera is in
autofocus mode. If M. FOCUS
appears in the data panel, press
the focus-mode button to select
autofocus.

• The selected AF mode will remain
when a Subject Program Selection
is made.

• The AF Illuminator will not operate
when mode is selected.

Continued on next page.

Horizontal (Wide)

Vertical

Horizontal (Local)

RELEASE PRIORITY

69

The default setting of the 800si is autofocus-priority shutter release.
When the camera is in autofocus, the shutter will not release if the
subject is not in focus. You can set the camera to shutter-release
priority so the shutter will release even if the subject is not sharply
focused.

Press and hold the adjust
button and press the ISO
button.

• CUSt - 1 and a setting number of
1 will appear in the data panel.

Turn the rear control dial so the
setting number in the lower right
corner is changed to 2.

Press the shutter-release button
partway down to enter the
selection.

• RP will appear in the data panel.

• Pressing the program-reset button will return the camera to AF Priority.

MEMORY: The Release Priority setting can be stored in memory.
See page 99 for information.

Customized Function #1 - Release/AF Priority

This page describes the Release/AF Priority customize function.
For additional information, see page 99 and page 102.

While pressing the AF button,
turn the front control dial to
display each local focus area.

When the desired local focus
area appears in the
viewfinder, release the AF
button. The selected local
focus area indicator will
remain in the viewfinder.

• To return to wide focus area, press
and hold the AF button and turn
the front control dial one click.

METERING

7170

Your camera takes meter readings of the light in the scene to
determine the correct exposure. The 800si has three methods of
taking meter readings. Use the method most appropriate for your
subject.

14-SEGMENT HONEYCOMB-PATTERN METERING

Fourteen-Segment Honeycomb-Pattern Metering is the camera's
standard metering mode and will be set whenever the program­reset button is pressed (p 120). This mode uses information from
the autofocus system to set the metering pattern according to the
position of the main subject in the frame. The camera evaluates
each of the honeycomb segments separately to determine the
degree of spot-lighting or backlighting present in your scene.

ADVANCED

EXPOSURE

Continued on next page.

73

SELECTING A METERING METHOD

Press the metering-mode
button in the control panel.

Turn either control dial until
the icon of the desired method
appears in the data panel.

Press the shutter-release
button partway down to enter
the setting.

MEMORY: The Metering Mode setting can be stored in memory.
See page 99 for information.

AE LOCK

75

Use this function to lock the automatic exposure settings without
locking the autofocus.

Center the subject of which
the meter-reading will be
made.

Press and hold the AE Lock
button.

• AEL appears in the viewfinder and
the data panel.

• The spot-metering frame appears
in the viewfinder.

• The 0 mark in the meter index
represents the AE lock exposure.

• The selected metering method
does not change.

While pressing the exposure
compensation button, turn
either control dial.

When the desired compensation value
appears in the viewfinder and data
panel, release the exposure
compensation button.

• The compensation value will disappear from the
body data panel, but will remain in the data

panel.

Continued on next page.

EXPOSURE BRACKETING

77

Exposure bracketing lets you expose a series of frames with
exposures below and above the normal metered exposure. This
function is especially useful when shooting with reversal film,
because of the film's low tolerance for exposure error.
With the 800si, you can choose a series of 3, 5, or 7 frames. The
exposures can be made in 0.3, 0.5, or 1.0 EV increments.

Press the drive-mode button
in the control panel.

Turn either control dial until
the exposure-bracketing
indicator appears in the
data panel.

Press the adjust button in the
control panel.

• The exposure-bracketing indicator
will start blinking.

While holding the AE-lock
button, recompose the picture.

• A mark on the meter index will
indicate the difference between the
locked exposure (0) and the
exposure value of the area
currently being read.

• Do not release the AE lock button
until after the picture is taken.

Continued on next page.

FLASH BRACKETING

79

Flash bracketing lets you expose a series of frames with exposures
below and above the normal metered exposure while using flash.
With the 800si, you can choose a series of 3, 5, or 7 frames.
Exposures can be made in 0.3, 0.5, or 1.0 EV increments. The
exposure is controlled by the flash output.

Raise the built in flash or turn
the accessory flash on.

Follow instructions 1 through 6
for Exposure Bracketing (p 77).

• After the settings are entered, F br 1 appears in the
data panel and the viewfinder.

Wait for the flash-ready signal

to appear in the viewfinder.

Turn the front control dial to
select the exposure
increments.

Turn the rear control dial until
the desired number of frames
appears in the data panel.

Press the shutter-release
button all the way down to
take the picture.

Continued on next page.

MULTIPLE EXPOSURE

81

Press the drive-mode button
in the control panel.

Turn either control dial until
the multiple exposure
indicator appears in the
data panel.

Press the adjust button in the
control panel.

• will start blinking.

The multiple-exposure mode lets you overlap up to 9 images on
the same frame.

• The data panel and viewfinder will change to
indicate the frame number in the bracketing series.

Continued on next page.

83

CANCELLING MULTIPLE EXPOSURE

Cancel multiple-exposure mode by setting another drive mode.

✎It is also possible to change the number of exposures remaining in the

multiple-exposure series after starting the series. Follow the
instructions for Setting Multiple Exposure. The number of exposures
set will be the number remaining.
Example A: After starting a multiple exposure series, the number of
exposures is changed to 1. Multiple exposure mode will cancel after
the next exposure is made.
Example B: After shooting 8 exposures of a multiple exposure series,
the number of exposures is reset to 9. Multiple exposure mode will
cancel after 9 more exposures are made.

• Values 0 - 9 are available.

Turn either dial to select the
number of exposures.

Press the shutter-release button all the
way down to take the first picture.

• M2 will appear in the data panel.

85

DISPLAY POINTER

The 0 position represents the
exposure calculated by the
camera. The pointer is on the
exposure-compensation value.

The 0 position represents the
exposure locked-in by the AE
button.
The pointer represents the
value of the spot-meter area
when compared to the locked
exposure.

The 0 position represents the
exposure calculated by the
camera. The pointer represents
the exposure provided by the
manual camera settings.

Exposure compensation is set in
any of the metering methods.

AE Lock is activated in any of the
metering methods.

M Mode

The exposure
compensation is –1 EV
of normal exposure.

The spot-meter area is
+1.5 EV of the locked
exposure.

The manual exposure is
–1.5 EV of the camera's
calculated exposure.

HIGH-SPEED FLASH SYNC

87

Conventional Fill Flash High-speed Sync

The maximum sync speed of the 800si is 1/200. However, with
the 5400HS accessory flash (sold separately) shutter speeds up
to 1/8000 can be used. High-speed sync (HSS) is particularly
useful when photographing portraits outdoors. With it, a larger
aperture can be selected to limit the depth of field and separate
your subject from the background.

Attach the 5400HS flash and set it to standard mode.

• The camera will automatically switch to HSS mode and will appear in
the viewfinder.

• HSS cannot be used under fluorescent lights.

• The shutter will not release in HSS mode while the depth-of-field
preview button is pressed.

• When the 800si is in Amode, manual fill flash is being used, and the
scene background is very bright, HSS can be used with manual fill-flash
(p 39) to obtain a correct exposure.

• Flash bracketing is available in HSS mode.

Please refer to the 5400HS instruction manual for details.

ADVANCED

FLASH

REAR-FLASH SYNC

89

With Rear-flash Sync Without Rear-flash Sync

The rear-flash sync function is designed to create action shots
that leave a blur of motion behind the subject. Rear-flash sync
requires a slow shutter speed to make the 'blur' exposure with the
ambient light, then the flash fires to properly expose the subject.
Using a slow shutter speed with conventional flash does not
produce the same effect, as the flash exposure is made before
the ambient exposure, so the blur motion comes after the subject
and is unnatural.

• Rear-flash sync can be used with the built-in flash and accessory
flashes attached to the accessory shoe or PC terminal.

Press the flash-mode button
in the control panel.

Frame your subject.
While pressing the AE-lock

button, press the shutter­release button all the way
down to take the picture.

Continued on next page.

91

This function enables you to bias the output of the built-in flash or
an accessory flash as much as + or – 3 EVs in .5 increments.

While pressing the flash­compensation button, turn
either control dial.

When the desired
compensation factor appears
in the viewfinder and data
panel, release the button.

MEMORY: The Flash Compensation setting can be stored in
memory. See page 99 for information.

• will remain in the viewfinder and data panel.

• Flash compensation does not operate with flash units connected to the
PC terminal.

✎Check the compensation amount by pressing the flash-compensation

button.

✎Cancel flash compensation by resetting it to 0.0.

FLASH COMPENSATION

Turn either dial to display

in the data panel.

93

SETTING WIRELESS/REMOTE FLASH MODE

Attach the flash to the
camera, then turn it on.

Press the flash mode button
in the control panel.

Turn either control dial
until appears in the data
panel. Press the shutter­release button partway down
to enter the selection.

Detach the accessory flash
unit, then raise the built-in
flash.

When used with Minolta 5400HS,
5400xi, or 3500xi flash units (all
sold separately), the 800si offers
the flexibility of remote/wireless off­camera flash control with TTL flash
metering.
Wireless/Remote flash lets you
experiment with creative lighting
techniques using off-camera
accessory flashes without the usual
tangle of accessory cords and
connectors.
In Wireless/Remote flash mode, the
off-camera flash is triggered by a
coded signal from the camera's
built-in flash when you press the
shutter-release button. Another
signal stops it once the camera's
TTL flash meter detects that proper
exposure has been received. A2:1
lighting ratio can also be obtained
automatically. When selected, the
off-camera flash provides 2/3 of the
full exposure and the built-in flash
provides the remaining 1/3.

Continued on next page.

ISO 400

ISO 100 ISO 400

3500xi Flash-Subject Distance

95

Wait for both flash units to
become fully-charged.

• When the off-camera flash is
charged, its AF illuminator will blink

and will glow in the flash’s data
panel.

• The built-in flash is charged when

glows in the viewfinder.

Press the AE-lock button to
test fire the accessory flash,
then wait for both flashes to
recharge.

Press the shutter-release button all the way down to take
the picture.

CAUTION: Customized Function #10 - AE Lock Button
Make sure the AE lock customized function is on setting 1
(normal). If the AE lock customized function is on setting 2,
pressing the AE lock button to test-fire the flash will turn slow­shutter sync on. Test-firing the flash a second time will turn
slow-sync off. See page 102 for more information.

Camera-Subject

Distance

3500xi-Subject

Distance

The maximum flash-subject

distance for the 3500xi is 5.0m (16.4 ft.).

The off-camera flash may not detect

the control signals if it is placed
behind the subject.

4-5m

13.1-16.4 ft.

2.8-5.0m

9.2-16.4 ft.
2-5m

6.6-16.4 ft.

1.4-5.0m

4.6-16.4 ft.
1-5m

3.3-16.4 ft.

1.4-5.0m

4.6-16.4 ft.
1-5m

3.3-16.4 ft.

0.7-4.5m

2.3-14.8 ft.

0.5-3.2m

1.6-10.5 ft.

0.35-2.25m

1.1-7.4 ft.

2.8-5.0m

9.2-16.4 ft.
2-5m

6.6-16.4 ft.

1.4-5.0m

4.6-16.4 ft.
1-5m

3.3-16.4 ft.

0.7-4.5m

2.3-14.8 ft.

Continued on next page.

97

This camera is equipped with a PC connector which enables you
to connect PC-capable flash units with a flash sync cord.

Set the exposure mode to M,
then set the shutter to 1/200
or slower.

• Turn the flash unit off before
connecting the sync cord to the PC
terminal or the flash unit may fire
unexpectedly while connecting.

• Your camera's PC terminal is center-positive; the most common polarity
used for PC connections.

• Flash units with an extremely low trigger voltage may not work with the
800si. If your flash has a low trigger voltage, contact a Minolta Service
Facility.

• When used with the Vertical Control Grip VC-700 (sold separately) both
the camera’s PC terminal and the VC-700’s PC terminal can be used
(together or separately).

PC TERMINAL

Attach the accessory flash to
the camera and turn the
camera and flash on.

Press the flash-mode button
in the control panel.

Turn either dial to select
another flash mode, then
press the shutter-release
button partway down to enter
the selection.

9998

The memory function allows you to store a variety of camera
settings as a group and recall them at anytime. The 800si is
capable of storing three different sets of camera function settings.
This feature is convenient when you will be repeating the same
shooting conditions and want to use the same settings each time.

FUNCTIONS

SETTINGS THAT CAN BE STORED IN MEMORY

Exposure Mode

Subject Program

P/ A/ S/ M, Portrait , Landscape , Sports ,
Close-up , or Night Portrait .

Aperture Setting f/1.0 - f/64 (depends on lens)

Shutter-speed Setting 30 sec. - 1/8000 sec. or BULB

AF Mode

Automatic autofocus , Continuous autofocus ,
or Single-shot autofocus .

Film Drive Mode

Single-frame advance , Continuous
advance , Multiple exposure , exposure­bracketing , or self-timer .

Flash Mode

Flash on , Red-eye reduction , Rear-flash
sync , Wireless/Remote flash .

Exposure Compensation –3.0 to +3.0 EV (in 0.5 EV steps)

Flash Compensation

–3.0 to +3.0 EV (in 0.5 EV steps)

Metering Mode

14-segment honeycomb , Center-weighted
average , Spot .

Focus Frame

Wide focus frame, or any one of the local focus
areas.

AF Priority/Release

priority*

Autofocus priority or Release priority.

*AF/Release Priority is selected as a customized function. Memory overrides
the AF/Release Priority custom function setting.

ADDITIONAL

FEATURES

Continued on next page.

MEMORY

101

Assign the group a number by
turning the memory-number
lever to the desired number.

Press the Enter button in the
control panel.

• will briefly appear in the
data panel.

RECALLING CAMERA SETTINGS IN MEMORY

Turn the memory-number
lever to the desired number.

Press the memory-recall
button.

103

1 AF Priority
2 Release Priority
1 Auto
2 Manual
1 Rewind into cartridge
2 Out of rewound cartridge
1 On
2 Off
1 Manual switchover
2 Autoswitchover
1 Focus hold
2 Center-area select
3 Continuous AF
1 Grip switch
2 Main switch
1 Normal
2 Counts down
1 Wide or Local
2 Center only while pressing AF button
1 Active while button is pressed
2 Active after button is pressed, cancelled after button is pressed again
1 Normal, –, +
2 –, Normal, +
1 Silent (slow)
2 Fast
1 5 sec.
2 10 sec.
3 30 sec.
1 When AF button is pressed
2 When focus is locked
1 Turns eye-start on & off
2 Turns dial-lock on & off, eye-start is always on
3 Turns dial-lock on & off, eye-start is always off
1 Linked with focal length
2 Fixed to wide

Setting Action

according to your personal preferences. The customize option lets you reprogram certain camera functions

Continued on next page.

105

Press the shutter-release button partway down to enter
the selections.

• Turning the camera off or removing the batteries will not affect the
Customized Function Settings.

Note: When Customized Function #15 - Eye-start Switch is on
setting 2 or 3, the dials are completely disabled when the switch
is set to ON. In this case, the only function the dials will operate
is the Customized Setting.

RESETTING ALLTHE CUSTOMIZED SETTINGS TO 1

Press and hold the adjust
button in the control panel.

Slide the main switch to LOCK
then return it to ON.

• When the operation is complete,
will blink in the data panel and every
custom setting will be set to 1.

✎Release Priority is the only customized function that can be set in

memory. It is also the only customized function that can be changed by
the memory-recall button and program-reset button.

While pressing the adjust
button, press the ISO button.

Turn the front dial to select the
number of the Customized
Function.

• In the example: Customized
Function #3 - Film Tip has been
selected.

Turn the rear dial to change
the setting.

• In the example: Setting 2 - (leaving
the film tip out of a rewound
cartridge) has been selected.

107

98

Data for the
9th roll

Data for the
8th roll

Data for the
18th roll

Data for the
17th roll

Film Areas

When all 9 film areas are full, will appear in
the data panel as a warning before Film Area 1
is overwritten.

The old information in the data area is
overwritten one frame at a time. Aframe
between the old and the new information is
erased and left blank.

• This warning appears only when the film area changes from 9 to 1. The
warning disappears after the first exposure is made.

OVERWRITING THE FILM AREAS

Continued on next page.

109

DATA RECALL

Press the data-memory button
in the control panel.

Turn either control dial until

appears in the data

panel.

Continue turning the dial until the number
for the desired data area appears.

Press the adjust button.

• The display in the data panel shows
the aperture and shutter speed
information for the first frame.

blinks in the data panel.

Press the data-memory button
in the control panel.

Turn either control dial until
appears in the data panel.

• The film area where the data is to
be stored will appear in the bottom
right corner.

Press the data-memory button at anytime to see
in which data area information is being
recorded.
Example: F3 indicates you are now recording in
film area 3.

Continued on next page.

111

DELETING ALL OF THE STORED DATA

Press and hold the data­memory button in the control
panel.

Press the adjust button.

• will appear and will blink in
the data panel.

• Release both buttons.

Press the data-memory button
again.

• will blink while the data is being
deleted.

• The stored data will be completely
deleted. The data panel will return
to the standard display.

• This will delete the data in all of the film areas. It is not possible to select
a specific film area to clear.

• Do not operate the camera while blinks in the data panel.

Press the adjust button again
to return to the data-memory
ON/OFF/READ screen.

• Repeat steps 2 through 6 to view
information in other data areas.

• To exit the data-memory screen,
turn either dial until either or

appears, then press the shutter-release button partway down to enter

the setting.

Flash/Exposure compensation value*
Exposure compensation
Flash compensation ON/OFF
Frame number
Bracketing ON/OFF

Aperture
Exposure compensation ON/OFF
Flash compensation ON/OFF
Frame number
Bracketing ON/OFF

Turn the front control dial to
change frames.

• Repeat step 5 to view information
about the displayed frame.

113

Press the ADJUST button to change the
data to the correct value. Data continues
changing as long as the button is held down.

• In time mode, pressing the ADJUST button while : is
blinking resets the second counter to 00.

When all data is correct, press the SELECT
button until the data stops blinking.

• The print indicator will flash for 2 seconds after the
picture is taken to indicate that the data was imprinted.

• Imprinted data may be difficult to read if the lower-right corner of the
photograph is bright or non-uniform.

• Imprinting position and size may differ according to printing conditions.

• Do not use the data back when temperatures exceed the operating
range of 0° to 50° C (32° to 122° F).

REPLACING THE QUARTZ DATA BACK BATTERY

Slide the battery cover in the
direction indicated.

Remove the old battery and
replace it with a new one.

• The + side should face up.

Replace the battery cover, then reset the date and time.

The quartz data back uses a CR2025 lithium battery, located on the inside
of the back cover. Replace the battery if the display changes or becomes
dim while the camera batteries are removed.

Press the MODE button to choose the data
imprinting format.

• M will appear above the month.

• The display will change as follows:

Use the SELECT button to move between
different parts of the displayed data. The
selected part will blink, indicating that it is the
data to be changed.

year, month, day

24-hour format

no imprinting

day, month, year

month, day, year

Print
indicator

ADJUST
button

SELECT button

SETTING FILM SPEED MANUALLY

115

The film speed can be set manually when you want to override the
DX-coded film speed or you are using non-DX-coded film. Film
speeds can be set from ISO 6 to ISO 6400 in 1/3EV increments.

Load the film, then press the
ISO button in the control
panel.

Turn either control dial to
change the ISO value.

When the desired value appears in the data panel, press
the shutter-release button partway down to enter the
selection.

• For flash exposures, we recommend film speeds between ISO 25 and

1000.

• If a film speed is not set for non-DX-coded film, the ISO of the previous
roll will be automatically used.

To check how much of your
scene will appear in focus,
press the depth-of-field preview
button.

• The lens is stopped down to the
aperture that appears in the data
panel. If the aperture is small (large f­number) the image will look darker
through the viewfinder. This is normal.

Large

Small

Range in focus

Range in focus

Continued on next page.

SELF-TIMER

117

The self-timer delays the release of the shutter for approximately
10 seconds after the shutter-release button is pressed.

Place the camera on a tripod,
then press the self-timer/drive­mode button in the control
panel.

Turn either control dial until
appears in the data panel.
Press the shutter release
button partway down to enter
the setting.

Center your subject in the focus frame, then press the
shutter-release button all the way down to start the timer.

• The self-timer lamp will blink after the shutter-release button is
pressed. Three seconds before the picture is taken, the self-timer
lamp will blink rapidly.

• To cancel the self-timer before taking the picture, slide the main switch to
LOCK.

• The self-timer is cancelled automatically after the shutter is released.

• If you are not looking through the viewfinder when the shutter-release
button is pressed, light entering the eyepiece may affect the camera's
automatic exposure settings. To prevent this, attach the eyepiece cap
before starting the self-timer (p 11).

119

APPENDIX

Press the self-timer/drive­mode button in the control
panel.

Turn either control dial until

appears in the data panel.
Press the shutter-release
button partway down to enter
the setting.

ACCESSORY INFORMATION

121

The Minolta 800si was designed to work specifically with lenses,
flash units and other accessories manufactured and distributed by
Minolta. Using incompatible products with this camera may result
in unsatisfactory performance or damage to the camera or
accessories.

COMPATIBILITY OF LENSES AND ACCESSORIES

Lenses

• All Minolta AF lenses can be used with this camera.

• Manual focus lenses (MD or MC) cannot be used with the 800si.

• If using an AF Zoom xi or AF Power Zoom lens, display the
current focal length of the lens by pulling the zoom ring toward
the camera body. If eye-start is off, the focal length can be
displayed by pressing the shutter-release button partway down
while pulling the zoom ring.

Flash Units

• All Minolta i, si, and HS series flash units, as well as the Vectis
SF-1 flash, are compatible with this camera. With these flash
units, the flash always fires when the flash unit is on. (Unless
Customized Function #6 is on setting 2; Autoswitchover. In this
case, the flash will fire only when necessary when it is on and the
camera is in P mode.)

• For AF series flash units (4000AF, 2800AF, 1800AF, and Macro
flash 1200AF), the Flash Shoe Adapter FS-1100 is required.
When the flash is on, it will fire every time the shutter is released.
The AF illuminator will not activate.

• X-series flash units can only be used when connected to the
camera's PC terminal by a sync cord.

Wide 67

31

71

Continued on next page.

TROUBLESHOOTING

123

Indicators blink in the viewfinder and data panel when there is a
problem with exposure.

Indicator Cause Solution

Scene or subject
brightness is
beyond the
camera’s metering
range.

Light level is
beyond the range
of available shutter
speeds and
apertures.

The required
shutter speed is
beyond the range
of the camera.

The required
aperture is beyond
the range of the
camera.

Select a
larger/smaller
aperture until the
display stops
blinking.

Select a
faster/slower
shutter speed until
the display stops
blinking.

For bright scenes,
attach a neutral
density (ND) filter
or reduce the
overall brightness
of the scene.
For dark scenes,
increase the
brightness of the
area with flash.

P/A/S/M

and

Subject

Program

Modes

P

P

A

/A

P

S

/S

BLINKING INDICATORS

Mode

To attach the Vertical Control Grip VC-700
(sold separately), the battery chamber
cover must first be removed. Open the
battery chamber and gently press the
cover back until it snaps off. Reattach the
cover by aligning the notch with the bar
and gently pressing them back together.

While pressing the AF and subject­program buttons, slide the main switch
from LOCK to ON.

• The panorama frame will appear in the
viewfinder.

• Repeat the procedure to return to the
standard frame.

Continued on next page.

125

Solution Page

Press the Focus-mode button to select autofocus.

31

Use focus lock or focus the lens manually.

27, 31

Make sure you are not closer than the minimum focus
distance listed in the lens' instruction manual.

–

Use a compatible lens and attach it properly.

14,121

In AF priority, the shutter will not release unless sharp
focus is confirmed. To release the shutter even if focus is
not confirmed, switch to Release priority.

69

Contact a Minolta Service Facility before attaching the
camera to a telescope.

–

Remove and reinstall the battery. If normal camera
operation does not resume, contact a Minolta Service
Facility.

12

Install a new battery if the battery is dead.

12

To begin overwriting film area 1, take the next picture.

106

If the information does not cover the problem you are experiencing
or the condition continues, contact a Minolta Service Facility.

Is M. FOCUS displayed in the data
panel?

Is the subject in one of the special
focusing situations listed on page 30?

How close is the camera to the
subject?

Is the lens compatible? Is the lens
attached properly?

Is Autofocus-release priority (AF
priority) selected?

Is the camera attached to a
telescope?

Is Data Memory on?
Are all the film areas full?

Is the battery installed correctly?
Is the battery exhausted?

127

BEFORE IMPORTANT EVENTS

• Check the camera's operation carefully or take test photographs.

• Minolta is not responsible for damages incurred by equipment
malfunction.

OPERATING TEMPERATURES AND CONDITIONS

• This camera is designed for use from –20° to 50°C (–4° to
122°F).

• Never leave your camera where it may be subjected to extreme
temperatures, such as the glove compartment of a car.

• In colder temperatures, the data panel response time will be
slow. The display will temporarily darken in higher temperatures.
The display will be restored when the camera is returned to
normal temperatures.

• Never subject your camera to extreme humidity.

• To prevent condensation from forming when bringing the camera
from a cold exterior to a warm building, place it in a plastic bag.
Allow it to come to room temperature before removing it from the
bag.

Continued on next page.

TECHNICAL DETAILS

129

Camera Type: 35mm single lens reflex (SLR) with built-in

flash, autoexposure (AE), and action­predictive autofocus (AF)

Lens Mount: Minolta A-type bayonet mount

(Maxxum/Dynax lenses)

Focus:

Type: Through-the-lens (TTL) phase

detection, multi metering with CCD line
sensor metering cell. Autofocus and manual
focus modes.

AF Sensitivity Range: EV -1 to19 (ISO 100)
AF Illuminator: Built-in LED with range of

0.7 - 7m. Automatically activated in low-light,
low-contrast situations
AF Control: Single-shot, continuous,
automatic AF-mode selection.

Exposure:

Modes: P, PA, PS, A, S, M, and 5 Subject

Program modes (Portrait, Landscape, Close­up, Sports, Night portrait/scene)
Type: TTL metering; direct TTL metering for
flash.
Metering Cell: 14-segment honeycomb
pattern SPC for ambient light and flash­metering SPC for flash.
Metering Range (f/1.4 lens): Multi-segment
metering: EV 0 - 20, EV 3- 20 (spot metering)
Film-speed Setting: Automatic setting for
DX-coded film from ISO 25 to 6400. Manual
setting from ISO 6 to 6400, 1/3 EV
increments. With flash, ISO 25 - 1000.

Continued on next page.

131

Film Transport:

Loading: Auto loading (automatically

advances to the first frame when back cover
is closed)
Drive Modes: Single frame, continuous (3
frames/sec.), self-timer, exposure or flash
bracketing, multiple exposure (2 - 9 exposures)
Rewind: Auto rewind, manual start (Count­down display)
Rewind Time: Standard (slow/silent) - approx
23 sec (36 exp. roll), High speed - approx. 12
sec (36 exp. roll)
Frame counter: Forward (shows number of
exposures taken)

Data Panel: Backlit on-body LCD (automatically illuminated

in low-light situations)

Power: 2CR5 x 1
Battery
Performance: 60 rolls with flash 0% (at 20°C)

22 rolls with flash 50% (at 20°C)
13 rolls with flash 100% (at 20°C)

Dimensions: 153.5 x 107 x 71.5mm (WxHxD)
Weight: 628g (without battery)

640g (with Quartz Data Back, without battery)

Specifications are based on the latest information available at the
time of printing and are subject to change.

Type: Electronically-controlled, vertical­traverse, focal-plane shutter.
Speeds: Bulb, 30 sec. - 1/8000 sec.
Maximum flash sync speed is 1/200
(synchronizes with all speeds in HSS mode).

GN: 14 - 20 (ISO 100 in meters)
Control: Manual up/down
Coverage: 24 - 80mm angle of view
Recycling Time: Approx. 3 sec.
Modes: Fill flash, Fill-flash with red-eye

reduction, Wireless flash, Rear-flash sync,
(Flash cancel) Rear-flash-sync is compatible
with the built-in flash and all usable
dedicated flashes.

Dedicated Flashes: Compatible
Type: Eye-level fixed pentaprism with 92 x 94%

field of view
Eyerelief: High-eyepoint; approx. 22.9mm
from the eyepiece,18.9mm from the eyepiece
frame
Focusing Screen: Acute matte
(interchangeable on service basis)

Magnification: 0.75x (with 50mm at ∞)
Diopter: -1
Diopter Adjustment: -2.5 to +0.5 diopter

133132

NOTESNOTES