BASIC
OPERATION
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
FOCUS
BASICS
E
FLASH
BASICS
SUBJECT
PROGRAM
MODES
EXPOSURE
BASICS
ADVANCED
AUTOFOCUS
ADVANCED
EXPOSURE
ADVANCED
FLASH
ADDITIONAL
FEATURES
APPENDIX
FOR PROPER AND SAFE USE
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.
Read and understand all warnings and cautions before using this
product.
WARNING
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.
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).
• the product emits a strange smell, heat, or smoke.
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:
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.
• 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.
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
For Proper and Safe Use..................................1
Names of Parts.............................4
Quick Operation ...........................8
BASIC OPERATION
Standard Accessories.......................................11
Installing the Batteries ......................................12
Battery Condition Indicators..............................13
Attaching and Removing the Lens....................14
Loading the Film...........................16
Handling the Camera ...................18
Diopter Adjustment.......................19
Eye-Start.......................................20
Shooting in Full-Auto Mode..........22
Rewinding the Film.......................24
Focus Signals ...................................................26
Focus Lock .......................................................27
Special Focusing Situations .........30
Manual Focus...............................31
AF Illuminator ...............................32
Fill Flash.......................................39
FOCUS BASICS
FLASH BASICS
Using the Built-in Flash.....................................34
Flash Signals ....................................................35
Flash Range.................................36
Red-Eye Reduction ......................38
Subject Program Selection ...............................41
Portrait Mode ....................................................42
Landscape Mode..........................43
Close-up Mode.............................44
Sports Mode.................................45
Night Portrait Mode ......................46
SUBJECT PROGRAM
MODES
Exposure Modes...............................................49
P: Programmed Autoexposure Mode ...............51
A: Aperture Priority Mode.............53
S: Shutter Priority Mode...............56
M: Manual Exposure Mode ..........59
Bulb ..............................................62
EXPOSURE BASICS
Autofocus Modes..............................................64
Changing the Autofocus Mode .........................66
Focus Frame ................................67
Wide Focus Area..........................67
Local Focus Area..........................68
Release Priority............................69
ADVANCED
AUTOFOCUS
Metering............................................................71
Selecting a Metering Method............................73
Exposure Compensation ..................................74
AE Lock........................................75
Exposure Bracketing ....................77
Flash Bracketing...........................79
Multiple Exposure.........................81
Metering Index..............................84
ADVANCED EXPOSURE
ADVANCED FLASH
High-speed Flash Sync.....................................87
Slow-shutter Sync.............................................88
Rear-flash Sync ................................................89
Flash Compensation ....................91
Wireless/Remote Off-camera
Flash Control................................92
PC Terminal..................................97
Memory.............................................................99
Customized Settings.........................................102
Data Memory ....................................................106
For Owners of the Quartz Date
Model............................................112
Depth-of-Field Preview.................114
Setting Film Speed Manually .......115
Self-timer ......................................117
Film-drive Modes..........................118
ADDITIONAL
FEATURES
Program-reset button........................................120
Accessory Information ......................................121
Troubleshooting............................123 Technical Details ..........................129
Care and Storage.........................126
APPENDIX
2
3
NAMES OF PARTS
For information on specific parts, refer to the page numbers shown
in parenthesis.
25
26
27
28
(13)
BODY
(9)
5
6
7
8 9 10
24
23
22
29
30
4
3
11
12
13
35
34
33
31
32
2
1
14
15
16
22. Eyepiece sensor* (20)
23. Viewfinder*
29. Rear control dial
30. Control panel door
24. Main switch
25. Eyepiece cup (11)
26. Accessory shoe
27. Diopter-adjustment dial (19)
28. AE-lock button (75-76, 88, 95)
31. AF button (28-29, 68)
17
32. Remote-control terminal (62)
33. Eye-start switch (21)
34. Rewind button (24)
35. Film window (16)
21
1.Grip sensor (20)
2. AF illuminator/Self-timer lamp
(32, 117)
3. Front control dial
4. Shutter-release button
5. Data panel (6)
20 19 18
12. PC terminal (97)
13. Strap eyelet (11)
CONTROL PANEL
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)
A. Data-memory button (108, 111)
B. Self-timer/drive-mode button (77-83, 117,
118)
A
B
C
6. Program-reset button (9, 120)
7. Built-in flash (34-39)
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)
D
F
8. Subject program button (41-47) 19. Mirror*
E
9. Memory-recall button (101)
10. Memory-number lever (100)
11. Exposure-mode button (50)
20. Lens contacts*
21. Depth-of-field preview button
G
(114)
* Do not touch.
H
4
5
NAMES OF PARTS
DATA PANEL
VIEWFINDER
1
2 3
4
5
6
3
2
3
1
7
8
4
9
3
5
10
11
12
13
14
6
23 22 21 20 19
17
18
16 15
7 8 9 10
11
12 13
14
15
1. Subject Program Selection icons 11. Data-memory indicator
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
10. Focus signals
11. Shutter-speed/Focus-area
display
2. Battery-condition indicator
3. Film-speed mark
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
4. Flash-mode indicators
5. Shutter-speed/Film-
speed/Focus-area display
6. Aperture/Exposure-
compensation/Flash-
12. AEL indicator
13. Aperture/Exposure-
compensation/Flash-
compensation display
14. Metering index
15. Frame counter
compensation display
7. Exposure-compensation
indicator
8. Exposure-mode indicator
9. Flash-compensation display
10. Self-timer indicator
19. Focus-area indicator
20. Manual-focus indicator
21. Metering-mode indicator
22. High-speed sync indicator
23. Release-priority indicator
9. Wireless-flash indicator
6
7
QUICK OPERATION
Insert the batteries.
• The camera uses one 2CR5 cell.
Set the camera to full-auto
operation.
• Press the program-reset button.
Attach a lens.
• Align the red marks, then turn it
gently clockwise until it clicks.
Turn eye-start on.
Frame the picture.
Turn the camera on.
• Set the main switch to ON.
• Align your subject in the focus
frame and the camera will
automatically focus.
Load the film.
Take the picture.
• Line the film-tip with the red mark,
then close the back cover.
• Gently press the shutter release
button all the way down.
8
9
STANDARD ACCESSORIES
NECKSTRAP
Attach the neckstrap as shown.
EYEPIECE CUP
Attach the eyepiece cup as
shown.
BASIC
OPERATION
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.
10
11
INSTALLING THE BATTERIES
Your camera uses one 6-volt 2CR5 battery to supply power for all
camera operations. Please read all warnings in the For Proper and
Safe Use section of this manual, as well as warnings supplied by
the battery manufacturer.
BATTERY CONDITION INDICATORS
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.
Set the main switch to LOCK.
Slide the battery-cover release
in the direction indicated to
open the cover.
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.
Insert the battery according to
the marks on the inside of the
chamber cover.
Snap the cover closed.
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.
12
13
ATTACHING AND REMOVING THE LENS
ATTACHING THE LENS
REMOVING THE LENS
Remove the camera body cap
and the rear lens cap as
shown.
While pressing the lens
release, turn the lens
counterclockwise until it stops.
Gently remove the lens from
the mount.
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.
Align the red bead on the lens
with the red dot on the camera's
lens mount.
• 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.
Gently insert the lens into the
mount and turn it clockwise
until it clicks into the locked
position.
• 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.
• Do not press the lens-release button while attaching the lens. The lens
will turn past its mark and will not work.
14
15
LOADING FILM
Remove and discard the protective cover in the
film gate before loading film for the first time.
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.
Protective Cover
Check the film window before loading film. If a
film cartridge is loaded, do not open the back cover. See page 24
for instructions on rewinding a partially exposed roll of film.
• 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.
Slide the back-cover release
down to pop open the back
cover.
•
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.
Place the film cartridge in the
film chamber as shown.
• 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.
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.
• 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).
Right
Wrong
16
17
HANDLING THE CAMERA
DIOPTER ADJUSTMENT
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.
HOLDING THE CAMERA
Slide the main switch to on.
Hold the camera grip firmly with your right hand while supporting
the lens with your left hand. Keep your elbows at your side and
your feet shoulder-width apart to hold the camera steady. Always
keep the camera strap around your neck or wrist in the event you
accidentally drop the camera.
Look through the viewfinder
and turn the diopter-adjustment
dial until the focus frame
• Do not touch the focusing ring of an AF lens or the end of the lens barrel
of an xi-Series Autozoom lens.
outlines appear the sharpest.
• Do not block the AF illuminator when autofocus is in use.
• Use a tripod when shooting with long shutter speeds or a telephoto lens.
• 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.
PRESSING THE SHUTTER RELEASE BUTTON
Press the shutter-release button partway down to activate the
camera's autofocus and autoexposure systems. Gently press the
shutter-release button all-the-way down to take the picture - never
use a quick jab.
✎ 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.
18
19
EYE-START
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 shutter-
release button partway down.
• When the camera is on, the focus
frame will appear in the viewfinder
even with eye-start off.
Grip sensor
Eyepiece sensor
The eye-start system automatically activates the 800si’s main
systems as soon as you bring the camera to your eye. When you
set the main switch to ON, the data panel and grip sensor activate.
Touching the grip sensor activates the infrared emitter detector
located beneath the eyepiece. When an object is detected near
the viewfinder, autofocus and autoexposure immediately activate
so the camera is already operating by the time you frame your
subject.
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.
• When an object is no longer detected near the eyepiece or you break
contact with the grip sensor while looking through the viewfinder,
autofocus and autoexposure will remain active for an additional five
seconds.
• Wearing sunglasses that absorb infrared light or gloves may affect the
operation of eye-start.
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.
20
21
SHOOTING IN FULL-AUTO MODE
Turn the camera on.
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.
Press the program-reset
button.
• The camera will return to the default
settings.
Align the subject within the
focus area and press the
shutter-release button partway
down to lock focus and
exposure.
Turn eye-start on.
Gently press the shutter-
release button all the way
down to take the picture.
• The film automatically advances to
the next frame.
Raise the flash if flash is
desired. Put the flash down if
no flash is to be used.
When there are only nine frames
remaining on the roll of film, the
camera will start a countdown.
• The flash always fires when up.
The number remaining will appear in the viewfinder.
• The countdown will not appear for non-DX-coded film.
22
23
REWINDING THE FILM
After you have exposed the last frame, the camera will automatically
rewind the film silently. When the film is completely rewound, the
motor will stop and will blink in the data panel, indicating it is safe
to open the back cover.
Wait until rewind is complete.
Slide the back-cover release
down to pop open the back
cover.
MANUAL REWIND
Use manual rewind to rewind the film before the roll is finished.
FOCUS
BASICS
Press the rewind button.
• To rewind the film in high-speed,
press the rewind button twice.
Customized Function #12 - Film Rewind Speed
The camera is set for slow/silent rewind when shipped. This can be
changed to high-speed rewind with the customize function.
High-speed rewind setting takes about 8 seconds to rewind a 24-
exposure roll of film. See page 102.
Customized Function #2 - Film Rewind Start
Automatic rewind start (the default setting) will rewind the film when it
reaches the end of the roll (or exposure 36 in non-DX-coded film).
Change the setting to Manual rewind start if desired.
24
25
FOCUS SIGNALS
FOCUS LOCK
The following indicators appear in the viewfinder to report focus
status.
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 shutter-
release button and using the AF button.
Continuous focusing - focus
confirmed.
LOCKING FOCUS WITH THE SHUTTER-RELEASE BUTTON
Center your subject in the
focus area
.
Focus is confirmed and locked.
Focusing in autofocus mode -
shutter locked.
Press and hold the shutter-
release button partway down.
• The camera will focus on the
subject, then lock focus. When
focus is locked, will appear in the
viewfinder.
Focus cannot be confirmed;
shutter locked; the subject is too
close or in one of the special
focusing situations listed on
page 30.
Recompose the scene while
continuing to hold the shutter-
release button, then press the
button all the way down.
• No signals appear while the lens is focusing.
• Focus will remain locked as long as
your finger depresses the AF 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.
26
27
FOCUS LOCK
LOCKING FOCUS WITH 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).
Center your subject in the
focus area
.
• 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.
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).
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.
Recompose the scene while
continuing to hold the AF
button, then press the shutter-
release button all the way
down.
• Focus will remain locked as long as
your finger depresses the AF
button.
• Make sure your finger has lifted completely off the AF button before
taking another photograph if you want the camera to re-focus.
28
29
SPECIAL FOCUSING SITUATIONS
MANUAL FOCUS
In situations like those described below, it may be difficult or
impossible for the camera to focus accurately; you may need to
use focus lock (p 27) or manual focus (p 31).
When autofocus is not suitable and focus lock is not possible,
focus the lens manually.
Press the focus-mode button
to set the camera to manual
If two subjects at different
distances overlap within the
focus frame.
focus mode.
• M.FOCUS will appear in the data
panel.
AF-series lens: turn the
focusing ring until your subject
appears sharp.
If a subject composed of
alternating light and dark lines
completely fills the focus
frame.
Xi-Series lens/AF power zoom
lens: pull and turn the control
ring until your subject appears
sharp.
If the subject within the focus
frame is very bright, very dark,
or low in contrast.
• 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.
30
31
AF ILLUMINATOR
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.
• Be careful not to obstruct the AF illuminator while holding the camera.
• The range of the AF illuminator is 0.7 - 7m.
• The AF illuminator will not operate if the camera is in Continuous
Autofocus Mode (p 64).
• The AF illuminator will not operate with a 300mm or longer focal length
lens (excluding the AF Zoom/AF Zoom xi 100-300 and AF Zoom 75-
300).
• The AF illuminator will not operate with the 3x-1x Macro Zoom.
• When a program flash is attached, its AF illuminator will be active in
place of the camera’s AF illuminator.
FLASH
BASICS
32
33
USING THE BUILT-IN FLASH
FLASH SIGNALS
The built-in flash provides coverage for lens focal lengths from
24mm to 80mm. The flash output is automatically controlled by
the camera's TTL flash metering system.
The following indicators will appear in the viewfinder to report the
status of the flash.
Flash is charged and ready.
Grip both sides of the flash
and gently lift it. The flash will
fire every time when it is up.
(Blinks after a photograph is taken.) Flash
output was sufficient to provide correct
exposure.
Push the flash down to turn it
off.
High-speed Sync Flash is ready (p 87).
Only available with the 5400HS flash unit
(sold separately).
Wireless/Remote Flash is selected (p 92).
• The flash is fully charged when appears in the viewfinder.
• The flash has a limited range that is dependent on the aperture and film
speed. See page 36.
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.
Customized Function #5 - Flash Control in P-Mode
The default setting is Manual Switchover; the flash will fire every
time the shutter-release button is pressed when the flash is up.
Autoswitchover is available though the customize settings; the
flash will fire only when necessary when it is up and P-mode is
set. See page102.
34
35
FLASH RANGE
The range of the built-in flash depends on the speed of the film
and the selected aperture. Make sure your subject is within the
working range of the flash, specified in the tables below.
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.
With ISO 100 Film
Coverage of the Zoom Flash
Aperture
f/2.8
24mm Focal Length
1.0-5.0m/3.3-16.4 ft.
1.0-4.0m/ 3.3-13.1 ft.
1.0-3.5m/3.3-11.5 ft.
1.0-2.5m/3.3-8.2 ft.
80mm Focal Length
1.0-7.1m/3.3-23.3 ft.
1.0-5.7m/3.3-18.7ft.
1.0-5.0m/3.3-16.4 ft.
1.0-3.5m/3.3-11.5 ft.
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:
f/3.5
f/4
f/5.6
AF Zoom 28-70mm f/2.8G
AF Zoom 17-35mm f/3.5-4.3
AF Zoom 28-135mm f/4-4.5
With ISO 400 Film
• 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
Aperture
f/2.8
24mm Focal Length
80mm Focal Length
1.0-14.2m/3.3-46.6 ft.
1.0-11.4m/3.3-37.4 ft.
1.0-10.0m/3.3-33 ft.
1.0-7.1m/3.3-23.3 ft.
1.0-10.0m/3.3-33 ft.
1.0-8.0m/3.3-26.2 ft.
1.0-7.0m/3.3-23 ft.
1.0-5.0m/3.3-16.4 ft.
f/3.5
f/4
f/5.6
• A shadow in the bottom of your picture (lens shadowing) may appear
when using the built-in flash if the subject distance is less than 1
meter/3.3 feet.
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37
RED-EYE REDUCTION
FILL FLASH
When photographing people or animals at night or other low-light
situations, the effect called red-eye may occur due to the flash
reflecting off the inside of the subject's eyes. To reduce this effect,
use the built-in flash's red-eye reduction mode. When selected,
the flash fires a series of small bursts before the main flash burst.
This causes the subject's pupils to close, greatly reducing the
amount of light which will reflect off the retina.
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 the flash-mode button
in the control panel.
• 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 over-
exposed with the aperture or shutter speed selected. Adjust the
aperture or shutter-speed until it stops blinking (p 53, p 56).
Turn either control dial until
appears in the data panel.
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.
Press the shutter-release
button partway down to enter
the selection.
Press and hold the flash-
compensation button.
• Warn your subject that the flash will fire a few short bursts just before
the picture is taken.
Wait until appears in the
viewfinder, then take the
picture.
✎ Cancel red-eye reduction by selecting another flash mode.
MEMORY: The Red-eye Reduction setting can be stored in
memory. See page 99 for information.
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39
SUBJECT PROGRAM SELECTION
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
SUBJECT PROGRAM
MODES
Night Portrait Mode - for night portrait and night scene
photography
• Pressing the program-reset button returns the camera to its program
settings (p 120).
MEMORY: The Subject Program selections can be stored in
memory. See page 99 for information.
40
41
PORTRAIT MODE
LANDSCAPE MODE
Use Portrait mode when
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.
photographing people. Portrait
photography benefits from a shallow
depth-of-field. A shallow depth-of-
field separates the subject from the
background. In portrait mode, the
camera is set to achieve this effect.
Press and hold the subject-
program button.
Press and hold the subject-
program button.
Turn either control dial until
appears alone in the data
panel.
Turn either control dial until
appears alone in the data
panel.
Release the subject-program
button.
Release the subject-program
button.
Tips:
• Use a lens in the mid-telephoto range.
• Use flash when your subject is backlit or there are strong shadows
across the face.
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.
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43
CLOSE-UP MODE
SPORTS MODE
Use Close-up mode when
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.
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 subject-
program button.
Press and hold the subject-
program button.
Turn either control dial until
appears alone in the data
panel.
Turn either control dial until
appears alone in the data
panel.
Release the subject-program
button.
Release the subject-program
button.
Tips:
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.
• For best results, use an AF macro lens.
• Do not use the built-in flash when your subject is closer than 1 meter.
• Use a tripod to reduce camera shake.
• Be aware of the minimum focus distance of the lens.
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45
NIGHT PORTRAIT MODE
Use Night portrait mode for taking
PHOTOGRAPHING NIGHT SCENES
When photographing scenery at
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.
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 subject-
program button.
Raise the built-in flash.
Press and hold the subject-
program button.
Turn either control dial until
appears alone in the data
panel.
Turn either control dial until
appears alone in the data
panel.
Release the subject-program
button.
Release the subject-program
button.
Tips:
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.
• Warn your subject not to move while the picture is taken.
• Use faster film and a tripod.
• Set the flash to when using night portrait mode.
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47
EXPOSURE MODES
The 800si has four exposure modes.
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
EXPOSURE
BASICS
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.
Continued on next page.
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49
P - PROGRAM EXPOSURE MODE
EXPOSURE MODES
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.
CHANGING THE EXPOSURE MODE
Press and hold the exposure-
mode button.
Turn either control dial until
the mark for the desired mode
appears in the data panel.
While pressing the exposure-mode button, turn either
control dial until P appears in the data panel.
Release the exposure-mode
button.
Release the exposure-mode button to enter the selection.
Compose your scene and take the picture.
SHUTTER SPEED
✎ 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).
PA AND PS: CREATIVE EXPOSURE CONTROL
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.
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.
Continued on next page.
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51
A - APERTURE PRIORITY MODE
P - PROGRAM EXPOSURE MODE
PS - Turn the front dial until the
In A mode, you select the aperture
desired shutter speed setting
appears in the viewfinder and body
data panels. PS appears in the
body data panel.
and the camera automatically sets
the shutter speed required for
proper exposure. Use A mode when
you want to control the depth-of-
field in an image (p 55, p 114).
• The shutter-speed will not change,
even if lighting conditions change.
The aperture value will be set
automatically.
While pressing the exposure-
mode button, turn either
control dial until A appears in
the data panel.
• In PA mode, if the shutter speed blinks, turn the rear control dial until
the blinking stops.
• If the aperture blinks in PS mode, turn the front control dial until the
blinking stops.
• The built-in flash or an attached accessory flash cannot be used in PA
and PS mode. If the built-in flash is up or an accessory flash is
attached to the camera and the flash-on indicator appears in the
viewfinder, PA and PS mode cannot be selected.
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.
CANCELLING PA OR PS MODE
To cancel PA or PS and return to P mode, press the exposure-
mode button.
PA and PS will also be cancelled when the built-in flash is raised.
• 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.
Continued on next page.
52
53
A - APERTURE PRIORITY MODE
A-MODE FLASH
APERTURE CONTROL
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.
Large Aperture
(small f-number)
Small Aperture
(large f-number)
• When the flash is ready, will appear in the viewfinder.
• The shutter will stay at or below the camera's top x-sync speed of
1/200. Faster shutter speeds can be used when high-speed flash sync
is selected (p 87).
• A larger f-number will result in a smaller flash range.
• Push the flash down if it is not needed.
The size of the aperture (lens opening) determines the depth-of-
field 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.
• 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.
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.
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55
S - SHUTTER PRIORITY MODE
In S mode, you select the shutter
speed and the camera
S-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.
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 exposure-
mode button, turn either
control dial until S appears in
the data panel.
• 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.
Release the exposure-mode
button to enter the selection.
• 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.
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.
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57
M - MANUAL MODE
S - SHUTTER PRIORITY 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.
SHUTTER CONTROL
While pressing the exposure-
mode button, turn either
control dial until M appears in
the data panel.
Fast Shutter Speed
Slow Shutter Speed
Release the exposure-mode
button to enter the selection.
• The metering index will appear in
the viewfinder.
Because the shutter speed controls the duration of exposures, it
also determines how moving subjects will appear in the final
image.
Use a slow shutter speed to blur the motion of your subject. Use a
fast shutter speed to stop the motion of your subject. In addition
to stopping action, fast shutter speeds can help prevent blur
caused by camera movement during the exposure.
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.
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59
MANUAL MODE
METER INDEX
M-MODE FLASH
In manual mode, the metering index will show you how the
exposure you have set compares with the camera's meter
reading. The 0 position on the index represents the camera's
suggested exposure using the current metering method. The
pointer indicates your settings in relation to the reading in EVs.
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.
• For Metering Index Information, see page 85.
• For Metering Methods, see page 71.
Your settings match 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.
+ 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
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61
BULB
When bulb is selected, the shutter will remain open as long as the
shutter-release button is pressed. Use the bulb function to make
long exposures.
Mount the camera on a tripod.
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.
ADVANCED
Compose the scene and focus the lens.
AUTOFOCUS
• If the scene is too dark for autofocus to operate, press the focus-
mode button and focus the lens manually.
• Attach the eyepiece cap (p 11).
Press and hold the shutter-release button to take the
picture.
• The shutter will remain open as long as the button is pressed.
✎ To reduce or prevent blurring of the photograph, attach either the
Remote Cord RC-1000S or RC-1000L (both sold separately).
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.
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63
AUTOFOCUS MODES
This camera has three autofocus modes that can be changed at
any time.
SINGLE-SHOT AUTOFOCUS
When the shutter-release button is
pressed partway down, the camera
focuses until sharp focus is
MEMORY: The Focus Mode setting can be stored in memory.
See page 99 for information.
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.
AUTOMATIC AUTOFOCUS MODE
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.
CONTINUOUS AUTOFOCUS
The camera continues focusing
while the shutter-release button is
pressed partway down. The shutter-
release 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.
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65
FOCUS FRAME
AUTOFOCUS MODES
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. A local focus area allows for precise control over the
location of focus.
CHANGING THE AUTOFOCUS MODE
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
Vertical
appears in the data panel, press
the focus-mode button to select
autofocus.
Horizontal (Wide)
Horizontal (Local)
• The selected AF mode will remain
when a Subject Program Selection
is made.
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 AF Illuminator will not operate
when mode is selected.
The default setting of the camera is
wide focus area.
Continued on next page.
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67
RELEASE PRIORITY
FOCUS FRAME
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.
LOCAL FOCUS AREA
Select a specific local focus AF sensor for the camera to use.
While pressing the AF button,
turn the front control dial to
display each local focus area.
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.
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.
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.
• When the RF 500mm lens or the AF Power Zoom 35-80mm lens is
attached, only the center local focus area can be selected.
• If Customized Function #6 is on setting 3 (Lens’ focus hold button
operates Continuous Autofocus), operation of continuous autofocus will
be suspended while the dial is turned to select a local focus area.
Customized Function #1 - Release/AF Priority
This page describes the Release/AF Priority customize function.
For additional information, see page 99 and page 102.
MEMORY: The Release Priority setting can be stored in memory.
See page 99 for information.
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69
METERING
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 program-
reset 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.
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71
METERING
SELECTING A METERING METHOD
Press the metering-mode
CENTER-WEIGHTED AVERAGE METERING
In center-weighted average mode, the exposure is based on an
average of the reading made by each of the honeycomb
segments - with emphasis placed on the center of the image.
Take care when photographing backlit, spotlit, or off-center
subjects because the meter may include non-subject areas of
your scene when calculating the exposure.
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.
SPOT METERING
Spot metering uses only the center segment of the honeycomb
pattern. The spot-metering circle appears in the viewfinder to
indicate the metering area.
MEMORY: The Metering Mode setting can be stored in memory.
See page 99 for information.
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73
EXPOSURE COMPENSATION
AE LOCK
This function enables you to bias the camera's exposure
calculation up to 3 EVs over or under the normal metered setting.
Use this function to lock the automatic exposure settings without
locking the autofocus.
While pressing the exposure
compensation button, turn
either control dial.
Center the subject of which
the meter-reading will be
made.
When the desired compensation value
appears in the viewfinder and data
panel, release the exposure
compensation button.
• The compensation value will disappear from the
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.
body data panel, but
panel.
will remain in the data
• Press the exposure-compensation button at any time to make the
exposure factor appear in the data panel.
• In P, A, and S modes and each subject program mode, the metering
index will appear in the viewfinder when the autofocus is activated by
Eye-start or pressing the shutter-release button partway down.
✎ Cancel exposure compensation using the above procedure to set the
compensation value to 0.0.
MEMORY: The Exposure Compensation setting can be stored in
memory. See page 99 for information.
Continued on next page.
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75
EXPOSURE BRACKETING
AE LOCK
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.
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.
Press the drive-mode button
in the control panel.
Press the shutter-release button all the way down to take
the photograph.
• Exposure will remain locked as long as your finger depresses the
AE-lock button.
Turn either control dial until
the exposure-bracketing
✎ If the flash is up and
Sync will be activated (p 88). The spot-metering frame and a
second mark on the index meter will not appear.
appears in the viewfinder, Slow-shutter
indicator
appears in the
data panel.
Customize Function #10 - AE Lock Button
Setting 1 - In default operation the AE lock button is only active
while it is being pressed.
Press the adjust button in the
control panel.
• The exposure-bracketing indicator
will start blinking.
Setting 2 - The operation of the AE-lock button can be changed
so AE lock is active after the button is pressed. AE lock remains
active until the AE-lock button is pressed a second time. In this
setting, AE lock is also cancelled by turning the camera off,
turning on the flash, or removing the lens.
Continued on next page.
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77
FLASH BRACKETING
EXPOSURE BRACKETING
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.
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.
Raise the built in flash or turn
the accessory flash on.
Press the shutter-release button partway down to enter the
settings.
Follow instructions 1 through 6
for Exposure Bracketing (p 77).
Compose the picture, then press and hold the shutter-
release button until the all the frames in the series have
been exposed.
• The camera will not take all of the pictures if you remove your finger
from the shutter-release button before the series is complete.
• After the settings are entered, F br 1 appears in the
data panel and the viewfinder.
• Focus and metering are locked on the first frame of the series.
• Exposure compensation can be used to change the exposure of the
bracket.
Wait for the flash-ready signal
to appear in the viewfinder.
Customized Function #11 - Exposure Bracketing Sequence
Setting 1 - The default exposure-bracketing sequence is
NORMAL, –, +.
Setting 2 - The optional exposure-bracketing sequence is –,
NORMAL, +.
Press the shutter-release
button all the way down to
take the picture.
In this setting, take care when making bracketing series at the
end of a roll of film. The roll may finish before the NORMAL
exposure is made.
Continued on next page.
78
79
MULTIPLE EXPOSURE
FLASH BRACKETING
The multiple-exposure mode lets you overlap up to 9 images on
the same frame.
Repeat steps 3 and 4 until the series is complete.
• The data panel and viewfinder will change to
indicate the frame number in the bracketing series.
Press the drive-mode button
in the control panel.
• Flash bracketing is equivalent to fill-flash mode.
• Do not turn off or remove the accessory flash before the series is
complete. The remaining shots will be exposed at the flash sync speed,
causing the pictures to be underexposed.
• Flash bracketing will not operate with an accessory flash that is
connected to the camera's PC terminal or the Vertical Control Grip VC-
700's PC terminal via a sync cord (the VC-700 is sold separately).
Turn either control dial until
the multiple exposure
indicator
data panel.
appears in the
✎ To cancel the flash bracketing series before it is complete, push the
built-in flash down or turn the camera off.
Press the adjust button in the
control panel.
•
will start blinking.
Continued on next page.
80
81
MULTIPLE EXPOSURE
Turn either dial to select the
number of exposures.
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.
Press the shutter-release button partway down to enter
the setting.
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.
Press the shutter-release button all the
way down to take the first picture.
• M2 will appear in the data panel.
• Values 0 - 9 are available.
Repeat step 6 until all the exposures have been made.
• Multiple-exposure mode is cancelled and the camera is automatically
set to single frame advance after all the exposures have been made.
• If the battery is removed before a multiple exposure series is
complete, multiple exposure will be cancelled, but the film will not
have advanced to the next frame.
• Tell your photofinisher there are multiple exposure frames on the film.
Some photofinishers may not automatically print multiple exposure
frames.
✎ You may want to use exposure compensation to underexpose each
exposure so the final image on the frame is not overexposed (p 74).
82
83
METERING INDEX
The table below summarizes the meaning of the metering index.
MODE
CAMERA STATUS
DISPLAY
POINTER
The 0 position represents the
exposure calculated by the
camera. The pointer is on the
exposure-compensation value.
Exposure compensation is set in
any of the metering methods.
The exposure
compensation is –1 EV
of normal exposure.
P
/
A
/
S
-
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.
Subject Program
Modes
The spot-meter area is
+1.5 EV of the locked
exposure.
AE Lock is activated in any of the
metering methods.
The 0 position represents the
exposure calculated by the
camera. The pointer represents
the exposure provided by the
manual camera settings.
M Mode
The manual exposure is
–1.5 EV of the camera's
calculated exposure.
• The arrow pointer blinks if the value is ≤ –3.0 EV OR ≥+3.0 EV.
84
85
HIGH-SPEED FLASH SYNC
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.
ADVANCED
FLASH
Attach the 5400HS flash and set it to standard mode.
• The camera will automatically switch to HSS mode and
the viewfinder.
will appear in
• 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 A mode, 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.
86
87
SLOW-SHUTTER SYNC
REAR-FLASH SYNC
With Slow-shutter Sync
Without Slow-shutter Sync
With Rear-flash Sync
Without Rear-flash Sync
In P and A modes, slow-shutter sync sets a slower shutter speed
to increase the background or ambient lighting exposure in a flash
picture. Flash output will automatically be decreased to maintain a
correct exposure of your subject.
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.
Frame your subject.
While pressing the AE-lock
button, press the shutter-
release button all the way
down to take the picture.
• 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.
• If the background is bright or a large aperture is set (in A mode), the
shutter speed may not be reduced.
• Use a tripod if the shutter speed becomes too slow to allow sharp,
hand-held pictures after you press the AE-lock button.
CAUTION: Customized Function #10 - AE-Lock Button
Setting 2: The AE-lock button is pressed once to turn AE
Lock/Slow-shutter Sync on, then must be pressed a second time
to turn AE Lock/Slow-shutter Sync off. The AEL indicator will
remain in the viewfinder when AE Lock/Slow-shutter Sync is on.
See page 102 for more information.
Continued on next page.
88
89
FLASH COMPENSATION
REAR-FLASH SYNC
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.
Turn either dial to display
in the data panel.
While pressing the flash-
compensation button, turn
either control dial.
When the desired
Press the shutter-release button partway down to enter
the selection.
compensation factor appears
in the viewfinder and data
panel, release the button.
Press the shutter release button all-the-way down to take
the picture.
• Select a shutter speed of 1/90 or slower. If a faster shutter speed is
selected,
be made.
will remain in the viewfinder, but a normal exposure will
•
will remain in the viewfinder and data panel.
• Flash compensation does not operate with flash units connected to the
PC terminal.
• Rear flash sync is not compatible with flash units that have a very long
firing duration. An incomplete exposure will occur.
✎ Check the compensation amount by pressing the flash-compensation
button.
✎ Cancel flash compensation by resetting it to 0.0.
MEMORY: The Flash Compensation setting can be stored in
memory. See page 99 for information.
90
91
WIRELESS/REMOTE OFF-CAMERA FLASH
When used with Minolta 5400HS,
5400xi, or 3500xi flash units (all
sold separately), the 800si offers
the flexibility of remote/wireless off-
camera flash control with TTL flash
metering.
SETTING WIRELESS/REMOTE FLASH MODE
Attach the flash to the
camera, then turn it on.
Wireless/Remote flash lets you
experiment with creative lighting
Normal Flash
techniques using off-camera
accessory flashes without the usual
tangle of accessory cords and
connectors.
Press the flash mode button
in the control panel.
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
Turn either control dial
signal stops it once the camera's
Wireless/Remote Flash
until
appears in the data
TTL flash meter detects that proper
exposure has been received. A 2:1
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.
panel. Press the shutter-
release button partway down
to enter the selection.
Detach the accessory flash
unit, then raise the built-in
flash.
Wireless/Remote
Ratio Flash
Continued on next page.
92
93
WIRELESS/REMOTE OFF-CAMERA FLASH
TAKING PICTURES IN WIRELESS/REMOTE FLASH MODE
The off-camera flash will provide 100% of the exposure.
Wait for both flash units to
become fully-charged.
• When the off-camera flash is
charged, its AF illuminator will blink
Position your camera and flash unit using the information
on this page.
• These instructions use the 3500xi as the example. For the 5400HS
and 5400xi, please refer to the flash unit's instruction manual.
and will glow in the flash’s data
panel.
• The built-in flash is charged when
glows in the viewfinder.
3500xi-Subject
Distance
Camera-Subject
Distance
Press the AE-lock button to
test fire the accessory flash,
then wait for both flashes to
recharge.
The off-camera flash may not detect
the control signals if it is placed
behind the subject.
The maximum flash-subject
distance for the 3500xi is 5.0m (16.4 ft.).
3500xi Flash-Subject Distance
Camera-Subject Distance
ISO 100
ISO 400
ISO 100
ISO 400
Aperture
2
Press the shutter-release button all the way down to take
the picture.
2-5m
6.6-16.4 ft.
1.4-5.0m
4.6-16.4 ft.
1-5m
3.3-16.4 ft.
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
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.
2.8
4
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 slow-
shutter sync on. Test-firing the flash a second time will turn
slow-sync off. See page 102 for more information.
1-5m/3.3-16.4 ft.
(1-4m/3.3-13.1 ft.)
1-5m/3.3-16.4 ft.
(1.0-2.8m/3.3-9.2 ft.)
5.6
8
3.3-16.4 ft.
* Values in parentheses indicate the maximum distance for wireless/remote
ratio control (p 96).
• Make sure the AF illuminator on the flash is pointing at the subject.
94
Continued on next page.
95
PC TERMINAL
WIRELESS/REMOTE OFF-CAMERA FLASH
This camera is equipped with a PC connector which enables you
to connect PC-capable flash units with a flash sync cord.
WIRELESS/REMOTE RATIO FLASH
Follow the instructions for wireless/remote (p 94), but press the
flash-compensation button before taking the picture. The built-in
flash will also fire and the flash ratio will be 2:1. The built-in flash
will provide 1/3 of the exposure and the accessory flash will
provide 2/3 the exposure.
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.
CANCELLING THE WIRELESS/REMOTE FLASH
Attach the accessory flash to
the camera and turn the
camera and flash on.
• 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).
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.
96
97
MEMORY
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
P/ A/ S/ M, Portrait , Landscape , Sports
Exposure Mode
Subject Program
,
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
Automatic autofocus , Continuous autofocus
or Single-shot autofocus
Single-frame advance , Continuous
,
ADDITIONAL
FEATURES
AF Mode
Film Drive Mode
Flash Mode
.
advance
bracketing
, Multiple exposure
, or self-timer
, exposure-
.
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)
14-segment honeycomb , Center-weighted
average , Spot
Metering Mode
.
Wide focus frame, or any one of the local focus
areas.
Focus Frame
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.
Continued on next page.
98
99
MEMORY
STORING SETTINGS IN MEMORY
RECALLING CAMERA SETTINGS IN MEMORY
Turn the memory-number
Set the camera with all the function setting you want to
save (see chart on the previous page).
lever to the desired number.
Assign the group a number by
turning the memory-number
lever to the desired number.
Press the memory-recall
button.
Press the Enter button in the
control panel.
•
will briefly appear in the
data panel.
• Saving a new set of functions in a memory number that already has
settings stored will replace the old settings with the new.
• The memory settings are not affected by turning the camera off or
removing the batteries.
• When settings are stored or recalled in memory, shutter speed,
aperture, exposure compensation values, and flash compensation
values do not appear in the data panel, but are set in memory.
✎ Clear all three sets of memory settings by pressing and holding the
enter button while turning the camera off, then on again.
100
101
CUSTOMIZED SETTINGS
The customize option lets you reprogram certain camera functions
according to your personal preferences.
Setting Action
Custom Function Control
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
3
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
3
1
2
1
2
3
1
2
AF Priority
Release Priority
Auto
Manual
Rewind into cartridge
Out of rewound cartridge
On
Off
Manual switchover
Autoswitchover
Focus hold
Center-area select
Continuous AF
Grip switch
Main switch
Normal
Counts down
Wide or Local
Center only while pressing AF button
Active while button is pressed
Active after button is pressed, cancelled after button is pressed again
Normal, –, +
–, Normal, +
Silent (slow)
Fast
5 sec.
10 sec.
30 sec.
1
2
3
4
5
Release Priority*
Film Rewind Start
Film Tip
DX Memory
Flash Control in P-Mode
6
Lens Focus Hold Button (if applicable)
7
Eyepiece Sensor Activation
Frame Counter
8
9
AF Area Selection
10
11
12
AE Lock Button
Exposure Bracket Sequence
Film Rewind Speed
13
14
15
16
Viewfinder Display Duration
Show AF Area
When AF button is pressed
When focus is locked
Turns eye-start on & off
Turns dial-lock on & off, eye-start is always on
Turns dial-lock on & off, eye-start is always off
Linked with focal length
Fixed to wide
Eye-start Switch
Built-in Flash Zoom
Continued on next page.
102
103
CUSTOMIZED SETTINGS
All customized settings were set to1 before your camera was
shipped.
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.
CHANGING THE CUSTOMIZED SETTINGS
While pressing the adjust
button, press the ISO button.
✎ 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.
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.
Turn the front dial to select the
number of the Customized
Function.
• In the example: Customized
Function #3 - Film Tip has been
selected.
RESETTING ALL THE CUSTOMIZED SETTINGS TO 1
Turn the rear dial to change
the setting.
• In the example: Setting 2 - (leaving
the film tip out of a rewound
Press and hold the adjust
button in the control panel.
Slide the main switch to LOCK
then return it to ON.
cartridge) has been selected.
• When the operation is complete,
will blink in the data panel and every
custom setting will be set to 1.
• Repeat steps 2 and 3 until all the desired functions are selected.
104
105
DATA MEMORY
When data memory is selected, the following information about each
photograph is stored at the time of exposure:
OVERWRITING THE FILM AREAS
When all 9 film areas are full,
will appear in
• Aperture
• Lens focal length
• Exposure compensation
the data panel as a warning before Film Area 1
is overwritten.
• Shutter speed • Flash status (on/off) • Flash compensation (if used)
• Bracketing/flash bracketing (on/off)
• This warning appears only when the film area changes from 9 to 1. The
warning disappears after the first exposure is made.
Data memory can store information from 9 rolls of film with up to
40 exposures on each roll.
The old information in the data area is
overwritten one frame at a time. A frame
between the old and the new information is
erased and left blank.
FILM AREAS
The data from each of the 9 rolls of film is stored separately in nine
different areas called "film areas". The first roll of film is stored in film
area 1, the second in film area 2, and so on. When all the data areas
are full, information from the next roll of film will be stored in data area
1, erasing the previous data.
Film Areas
8
9
1
2
Data for the Data for the
1st roll 2nd roll
Data for the Data for the
9th roll
8th roll
Data for the Data for the
17th roll 18th roll
Data for the Data for the
10th roll 11th roll
• Film area selection is automatic. It is not possible to select a certain film
area on to which you want to record.
Continued on next page.
106
107
DATA MEMORY
SELECTING DATA MEMORY
DATA RECALL
Press the data-memory button
in the control panel.
Press the data-memory button
in the control panel.
Turn either control dial until
appears in the data
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 shutter-release button partway down to enter
the selection.
Continue turning the dial until the number
for the desired data area appears.
•
will appear in the data panel when data-memory is on.
✎ Turn data memory OFF using the steps above, turn either control dial
until appears in the data panel in step 2.
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.
CONFIRMING THE DATA AREA
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.
108
109
DATA MEMORY
Turn the rear control dial one click to view more information
about the frame. The display will change as follows:
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,
Shutter speed
Aperture
Exposure compensation ON/OFF
Flash ON/OFF
Flash compensation ON/OFF
turn either dial until either
appears, then press the shutter-release button partway down to enter
the setting.
or
Frame number
Bracketing ON/OFF
DELETING ALL OF THE STORED DATA
Press and hold the data-
Focal length
Flash/Exposure compensation value*
Exposure compensation
memory button in the control
panel.
Flash ON/OFF
Flash compensation ON/OFF
Press the adjust button.
Frame number
Bracketing ON/OFF
•
will appear and
the data panel.
• Release both buttons.
will blink in
* If flash compensation was used, exposure compensation and flash
compensation will alternate blinking in the data panel.
Press the data-memory button
again.
Turn the front control dial to
change frames.
• Repeat step 5 to view information
about the displayed frame.
•
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.
110
111
FOR OWNERS OF THE QUARTZ DATE MODEL
The Quartz-data function enables you to record the date or time
onto the lower-right portion of the photograph. The 800si has an
automatic calendar through the year 2019.
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.
• In this section, when the ADJUST button is referred to, it is the ADJUST button
for the Quartz Data function. It is not the adjust button in the control panel.
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.
SELECT button
Print
indicator
MODE
button
ADJUST
button
SETTING THE DATE AND TIME
• 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).
Press the MODE button to choose the data
imprinting format.
• M will appear above the month.
• The display will change as follows:
REPLACING THE QUARTZ DATA BACK BATTERY
year, month, day
no imprinting
24-hour format
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.
day, month, year
month, day, year
Slide the battery cover in the
direction indicated.
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.
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.
113
112
DEPTH-OF-FIELD PREVIEW
SETTING FILM SPEED MANUALLY
When the lens is focused on a subject, there is a range behind
and in front of the subject that appears sharp. This range is called
depth of field.
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.
• 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 f-
number) the image will look darker
through the viewfinder. This is normal.
Load the film, then press the
ISO button in the control
panel.
Aperture
Large
Range in focus
Turn either control dial to
change the ISO value.
Small
Range in focus
• The exposure setting cannot be changed while the depth-of-field preview
button is pressed.
When the desired value appears in the data panel, press
the shutter-release button partway down to enter the
selection.
Depth of field can be increased by:
• For flash exposures, we recommend film speeds between ISO 25 and
1000.
1. Using smaller apertures (larger f-stop numbers).
2. Using short focal length (wider angle) lenses.
3. Moving farther away from your subject.
Continued on next page.
114
115
SELF-TIMER
SETTING FILM SPEED MANUALLY
The self-timer delays the release of the shutter for approximately
10 seconds after the shutter-release button is pressed.
DX Memory
If you change the ISO of a DX-coded roll of film, the new speed
is recorded and used for all following rolls with the same initial
film speed. This is called DX Memory.
Example: You manually change the film speed of a DX-coded roll
of ISO 100 film to ISO 400. The next time you insert a DX-coded
roll of ISO 100 film, the camera automatically resets the ISO to
400.
Place the camera on a tripod,
then press the self-timer/drive-
mode button in the control
panel.
The default DX Memory setting is ON.
Turn either control dial until
appears in the data panel.
Press the shutter release
button partway down to enter
the setting.
Customized Function #4 - DX Memory
Setting 1 - DX Memory is on.
Setting 2 - DX Memory is off. The camera will not automatically
change the ISO of any DX-coded film. See page 102.
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).
116
117
FILM DRIVE MODES
The 800si has two film-drive modes: Continuous Advance
and
Single Frame Advance . In Single Frame Advance, the camera
makes one exposure and advances the film one frame each time
the shutter-release button is pressed. In Continuous Advance, the
camera will release the shutter and advance the film (up to 3 frames
per second) as long as the shutter-release button is held down.
Press the self-timer/drive-
mode button in the control
panel.
APPENDIX
Turn either control dial until
appears in the data panel.
Press the shutter-release
button partway down to enter
the setting.
• When Autofocus Priority is selected, the shutter will not release until
sharp focus is confirmed. To release the shutter even if sharp focus is
not confirmed, change Customized Function #1 (AF Priority/Release
Priority) to Release priority (setting 2). See page 69 and page 102.
• When the camera is in release-priority mode (RP), the shutter releases
even if the subject is not in focus.
• Lens "Power Zoom" functions do not operate in Continuous mode (AF
Zoom xi and AF Power Zoom lenses included).
118
119
PROGRAM RESET BUTTON
ACCESSORY INFORMATION
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.
Press the program-reset button to return the following camera
functions to their program settings.
Function
Program Setting
P mode
Page
51
Exposure mode
Subject Program
Focus area
COMPATIBILITY OF LENSES AND ACCESSORIES
None (P mode)
51
Lenses
Wide
67
• 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.
Focus
Autofocus
31
AF Mode
Automatic autofocus
64
Metering mode
Exposure compensation
Flash compensation
Film-drive mode
Self-timer
14-segment honeycomb pattern
71
+/– 0.0
74
+/– 0.0
91
Single frame advance
118
117
92
Off
Flash Units
Wireless Flash
Rear-flash Sync
Shutter-release mode
Off
• 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.
Off
89
Autofocus priority
69
• The program-reset button will not change:
- Red-eye Reduction (on/off)
- Data Memory (on/off)
- Film Speed (ISO setting)
• If you have a dedicated accessory flash attached to the 800si, pressing
the program-reset button will also return it to its own program settings.
Refer to the flash instruction manual for details.
• X-series flash units can only be used when connected to the
camera's PC terminal by a sync cord.
Continued on next page.
120
121
TROUBLESHOOTING
Others
BLINKING INDICATORS
• The following accessories are not compatible with the 800si:
Indicators blink in the viewfinder and data panel when there is a
problem with exposure.
Control Grip CG-1000
Data Receiver DR-1000
Creative Expansion Cards
Vertical Control Grip VC-507
• Please contact a Minolta Service Facility before using the Close-
up Defuser CD-1000.
Mode
Indicator
Cause
Solution
Scene or subject
brightness is
beyond the
camera’s metering or reduce the
range.
For bright scenes,
attach a neutral
density (ND) filter
P/A/S/M
and
Subject
Program
Modes
VERTICAL CONTROL GRIP VC-700
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.
overall brightness
of the scene.
For dark scenes,
increase the
brightness of the
area with flash.
Light level is
beyond the range
of available shutter
speeds and
P
• Never twist the battery cover when removing or reattaching it.
• The VC-700’s spot button will function like the camera’s AE-lock button.
apertures.
Select a
The required
larger/smaller
aperture until the
display stops
blinking.
shutter speed is
beyond the range
of the camera.
PANORAMA ADAPTER
P /A
A
The camera’s viewfinder frame must be changed to panorama
when the Minolta Panorama Adapter (sold separately) is inserted
into the camera. Even if the adapter is not inserted, you can use
the panorama frame to compose your shots and later have them
printed as panoramic pictures.
The required
aperture is beyond
the range of the
camera.
Select a
faster/slower
shutter speed until
the display stops
blinking.
P /S
S
While pressing the AF and subject-
program 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.
122
123
TROUBLESHOOTING
Refer to this page to determine the cause of a problem you are
experiencing with your camera.
If the information does not cover the problem you are experiencing
or the condition continues, contact a Minolta Service Facility.
Problem
Check the following
Solution
Page
No display is in the data
panel when the main
switch is set to ON
Is the battery installed correctly?
Is the battery exhausted?
12
Install a new battery if the battery is dead.
Is M. FOCUS displayed in the data
panel?
Autofocus does not
operate when the shutter-
release button is pressed
partway down.
31
27, 31
–
Press the Focus-mode button to select autofocus.
Use focus lock or focus the lens manually.
Is the subject in one of the special
focusing situations listed on page 30?
How close is the camera to the
subject?
Make sure you are not closer than the minimum focus
distance listed in the lens' instruction manual.
Shutter will not release.
Is the lens compatible? Is the lens
attached properly?
14,121
Use a compatible lens and attach it properly.
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.
Is Autofocus-release priority (AF
priority) selected?
69
–
Is the camera attached to a
telescope?
Contact a Minolta Service Facility before attaching the
camera to a telescope.
is displayed in the data
panel.
Remove and reinstall the battery. If normal camera
operation does not resume, contact a Minolta Service
Facility.
12
appears in the data
panel.
Is Data Memory on?
Are all the film areas full?
106
To begin overwriting film area 1, take the next picture.
124
125
CARE AND STORAGE
CLEANING
BEFORE IMPORTANT EVENTS
• If the camera or lens barrel is dirty, wipe it gently with a soft,
clean, dry cloth. If the camera or lens comes in contact with
sand, gently blow away loose particles - wiping may scratch the
surface.
• Check the camera's operation carefully or take test photographs.
• Minolta is not responsible for damages incurred by equipment
malfunction.
• To clean the lens surface, first brush away any dust or sand, then
(if necessary) moisten a lens tissue with lens cleaning fluid and
gently wipe the lens in a circular motion, starting from the center.
• Never place lens fluid directly on the lens.
• Never touch the interior of the camera, especially the mirror and
shutter curtain. Dust on the mirror will not affect the picture
quality.
• Never use compressed air to clean the camera's interior, doing
so may cause damage to sensitive interior parts.
• Never use organic solvents to clean the camera.
• Never touch the lens surface with your fingers.
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.
STORAGE
When storing your camera for extended periods, please follow
these guidelines:
• Remove all batteries from the camera.
• Attach the protective caps.
• Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area away from dust and
chemicals (such as moth balls). For very long periods, place the
camera in an airtight container with a silica gel drying agent.
• Periodically release the camera's shutter to keep it operating
properly.
• Before using after prolonged storage, check the camera's
operation to make sure it is functioning properly.
Continued on next page.
126
127
TECHNICAL DETAILS
CARE AND STORAGE
BATTERIES
Camera Type:
35mm single lens reflex (SLR) with built-in
flash, autoexposure (AE), and action-
predictive autofocus (AF)
Minolta A-type bayonet mount
(Maxxum/Dynax lenses)
• Battery performance decreases with lower operating
temperatures. When photographing in cold weather, we
recommend you keep the camera and spare batteries inside your
coat to keep them warm when you are not shooting. Cold
batteries will regain some of their charge when they warm up.
• The low-battery symbol may appear even with a fresh battery,
depending on storage conditions. To restore camera power, turn
the main switch to LOCK and then to ON.
Lens Mount:
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.
CAMERA HANDLING
• Never touch the camera's shutter curtain, mirror, or lens contacts.
• Never subject the camera to impact.
• The 800si is neither waterproof nor splashproof.
- Inserting/removing film or batteries with wet hands may damage
the camera.
- Take care when using the camera at the beach or near water.
Costly or irreparable damage to the camera may occur.
- If the camera gets wet, immediately discontinue use and contact
a Minolta Service Facility listed on the back cover of this manual.
Exposure:
Modes: P, PA, PS, A, S, M, and 5 Subject
Program modes (Portrait, Landscape, Close-
up, Sports, Night portrait/scene)
Type: TTL metering; direct TTL metering for
flash.
Metering Cell: 14-segment honeycomb
pattern SPC for ambient 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. Manual
setting from ISO 6 to 6400, 1/3 EV
increments. With flash, ISO 25 - 1000.
Continued on next page.
128
129
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Shutter:
Film Transport:
Type: Electronically-controlled, vertical-
traverse, focal-plane shutter.
Speeds: Bulb, 30 sec. - 1/8000 sec.
Maximum flash sync speed is 1/200
(synchronizes with all speeds in HSS mode).
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 (Count-
down display)
Built-in Flash:
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.
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)
Dedicated Flashes: Compatible
Viewfinder:
Power:
2CR5 x 1
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
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)
Focusing Screen: Acute matte
(interchangeable on service basis)
Magnification: 0.75x (with 50mm at ∞)
Diopter: -1
Dimensions:
Weight:
153.5 x 107 x 71.5mm (WxHxD)
628g (without battery)
640g (with Quartz Data Back, without battery)
Diopter Adjustment: -2.5 to +0.5 diopter
Specifications are based on the latest information available at the
time of printing and are subject to change.
130
131
NOTES
NOTES
132
133
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