Minolta's 1997 advanced-amateur film SLR — flagship of the Dynax line (Maxxum 800si in the US).
The Minolta Dynax 800si, released in 1997 (sold as the Maxxum 800si in North America), was the flagship of Minolta's advanced-amateur autofocus SLR line — the most capable Dynax below the professional 9-series, using the Minolta AF (A-type) bayonet.
Highlights include a top shutter speed of 1/8000 second, Minolta's acclaimed 14-segment honeycomb metering plus spot metering, predictive autofocus with a built-in motor drive, an unusually powerful built-in flash with wireless off-camera TTL control of Minolta system flashes, an eyepiece shutter, extensive custom functions and a big top-deck LCD — all powered by a single 2CR5 lithium battery.
Its significance is as peak late-90s Minolta engineering at pocket-money prices: the A-mount it uses lived on through Sony's DSLRs, so lenses are abundant and cheap in the UK, and the 800si's spec still embarrasses many modern film-shooter choices — one reason it maintains steady ten-listing volume.
UK used-buying checks: put a 2CR5 in and check the top LCD for bleed or missing segments, the most common age fault; work the command dials and mode buttons for dead detents; fire at 1/8000 and listen for consistent shutter sound, and check the shutter blades for oil; test the pop-up flash and, if you use Minolta flashes, the wireless TTL trigger; inspect the film door seals and pressure plate; and remember grip rubber often turns sticky — cosmetic, but a haggling point. With bodies this cheap, prioritise one sold with a decent Minolta AF lens, since the glass is where the value hides.