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Thank you for purchasing the Minolta Dynax/Maxxum 800si. The 800si
features Minolta's highly acclaimed 14-Segment Honeycomb Pattern
Metering, a built-in high-power zoom flash, and built-in Intelligent Card
functions. The built-in flash covers focal lengths from 24 to 80mm and has
a guide number of up to 20. A screw-type PC terminal and Rear-flash
sync function give you maximum control over flash exposures.
The High-Speed Autofocus, Predictive Focus Control functions, and top
shutter speed of 1/8000 second mean the 800si responds quickly,
accurately, and flexibly to virtually any motion, composition, or lighting
condition in the moment of a shutter release.
The 800si also offers full control over all camera systems. In addition, you
can select any of the four local focus areas, take spot meter readings,
lock exposure and focus separately or together, and use Memory to save
and later recall three groups of your most often used camera settings.
This manual has been designed to help you understand the operation of
your camera and its functions. Please familiarize yourself with the names
of the controls and their locations on the camera, then read this manual
thoroughly.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Changes or modifications not
approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the
equipment. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to
correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment
Regulations.

This mark on your camera certifies that this camera meets the requirements of the EU
(European Union) concerning interference causing equipment regulations. CE stands for
Conformité Européenne (European Conformity).

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

2152EE  17/10/97 10:50 AM  Page 2

Summary of Contents for Dynax 800si

Page 1: ......

Page 2: ...ment does cause harmful interference to radio or television ermined by turning the equipment off and on the user is encouraged to try to one or more of the following measures ceiving antenna etween th...

Page 3: ...emoving 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 Autofo...

Page 4: ...utton 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...

Page 5: ...nc 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 i...

Page 6: ...e 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...

Page 7: ...f 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...

Page 8: ...a 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 s...

Page 9: ...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 mi...

Page 10: ...utomatically 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 incorrectl...

Page 11: ...icture never 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 th...

Page 12: ...ay 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...

Page 13: ...d For AF Zoom xi or AF Power Zoom lenses slide the lens AZ MZ switch to AZ Gently press the shutter release button all the way down to take the picture The film automatically advances to the next fram...

Page 14: ...To rewind the film in high speed press the rewind button twice IND nd to rewind the film before the roll is finished ction 12 Film Rewind Speed for slow silent rewind when shipped This can be peed re...

Page 15: ...shutter release button and using the AF button Center your subject in the focus area Press and hold the shutter release button partway down The camera will focus on the subject then lock focus When f...

Page 16: ...t 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 se...

Page 17: ...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 confirm...

Page 18: ...ect which the AF sensors detect and use to focus obstruct the AF illuminator while holding the camera AF illuminator is 0 7 7m r will not operate if the camera is in Continuous p 64 r will not operate...

Page 19: ...button is pressed when the flash is up is available though the customize settings the nly when necessary when it is up and P mode is 02 The following indicators will appear in the viewfinder to repor...

Page 20: ...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 600m...

Page 21: ...aking 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 o...

Page 22: ...or 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...

Page 23: ...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 es...

Page 24: ...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 a...

Page 25: ...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 f...

Page 26: ...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...

Page 27: ...e 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...

Page 28: ...der 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 he shutter speed blinks turn the rear contro...

Page 29: ...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 subje...

Page 30: ...her 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...

Page 31: ...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 increment...

Page 32: ...n EVs dex Information see page 85 ethods see page 71 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 ca...

Page 33: ...focus the lens s too dark for autofocus to operate press the focus and focus the lens manually epiece cap p 11 old the shutter release button to take the will remain open as long as the button is pre...

Page 34: ...cus Mode setting can be stored in memory or information When autofocus is activated by pressing the shutter release button partway down the camera will continue focusing while the subject is moving an...

Page 35: ...lity 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 HE AUTOFOCUS MODE Turn...

Page 36: ...ORY 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 additi...

Page 37: ...ycomb Pattern Metering is the camera s standard metering mode and will be set whenever the program reset button is pressed p 120 This mode uses information from the autofocus system to set the meterin...

Page 38: ...ing Mode setting can be stored in memory See page 99 for information GHTED AVERAGE METERING ed average mode the exposure is based on an eading made by each of the honeycomb emphasis placed on the cent...

Page 39: ...d setting 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...

Page 40: ...ng 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...

Page 41: ...dial to select the exposure increments Turn the rear control dial until the desired number of frames appears in the data panel utter release button partway down to enter the e picture then press and h...

Page 42: ...s complete is equivalent to fill flash mode r remove the accessory flash before the series is emaining shots will be exposed at the flash sync speed ures to be underexposed will not operate with an ac...

Page 43: ...ultiple exposure mode will cancel after 9 more exposures are made Values 0 9 are available Turn either dial to select the number of exposures hutter release button partway down to enter Press the shut...

Page 44: ...the exposure calculated by the camera The pointer represents the exposure provided by the manual camera settings summarizes the meaning of the metering index CAMERA STATUS ram Exposure compensation is...

Page 45: ...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 sh...

Page 46: ...ory shoe or PC terminal Press the flash mode button in the control panel utter Sync Without Slow shutter Sync es slow shutter sync sets a slower shutter speed background or ambient lighting exposure i...

Page 47: ...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...

Page 48: ...rol 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...

Page 49: ...ync off See page 102 for more information URES IN WIRELESS REMOTE FLASH MODE r camera and flash unit using the information tions use the 3500xi as the example For the 5400HS lease refer to the flash u...

Page 50: ...s 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 togeth...

Page 51: ...ULB AF Mode Automatic autofocus Continuous autofocus or Single shot autofocus Film Drive Mode Single frame advance Continuous advance Multiple exposure exposure bracketing or self timer Flash Mode Fla...

Page 52: ...tton 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 t of functions in...

Page 53: ...0 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 l...

Page 54: ...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...

Page 55: ...oll Data for the 18th roll Data for the 17th roll Film Areas n store information from 9 rolls of film with up to each roll Lens focal length Exposure compensation Flash status on off Flash compensatio...

Page 56: ...ss 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 utter releas...

Page 57: ...o 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 s...

Page 58: ...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 locate...

Page 59: ...nd 1000 If a film speed is not set for non DX coded film the ISO of the previous roll will be automatically used focused on a subject there is a range behind e subject that appears sharp This range is...

Page 60: ...l 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...

Page 61: ...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 setting Priority is selected the shutter will not r...

Page 62: ...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 a...

Page 63: ...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...

Page 64: ...ce 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 cond...

Page 65: ...oom temperature before removing it from the bag lens barrel is dirty wipe it gently with a soft If the camera or lens comes in contact with w away loose particles wiping may scratch the s surface firs...

Page 66: ...nt light and flash metering 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 Manu...

Page 67: ...ta Back without battery Specifications are based on the latest information available at the time of printing and are subject to change Type Electronically controlled vertical traverse focal plane shut...

Page 68: ...133 NOTES 02 AM Page 132...

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