The Minolta Alpha 807si, manufactured by Minolta, is an SLR camera suitable for use with 35mm film. In the US, a similar model is marketed as the Minolta Maxxum 800si, while the designation in Europe was Dynax 800si.
The Alpha 807si offers an improvement with its built-in scene modes. With options such as Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports and Night Portrait, users can be more creative and enjoy more flexibility in different shooting situations.
Lenses
The 35mm camera enables lens interchangeability and is compatible with Minolta A-bayonet lenses. Minolta AF lenses offer a wide range of focal lengths, from wide-angle to telephoto, as well as various aperture settings that open up versatile photographic possibilities.
Autofocus
The Alpha 807si’s autofocus system offers various modes such as AF-A, AF-S and AF-C, allowing for different autofocus strategies depending on the shooting situation. The built-in AF light with a range of 0.7 to 7 meters ensures precise autofocus even in low-light conditions.
Exposure meter
Naturally, an exposure meter is integrated into the photo camera. The film speed setting ranges from 6 to 6400 ISO/ASA. If one uses the automatic detection, DX-encoded films from ISO 25 to 6400 can be used.
Exposure Modes
The camera offers a variety of exposure modes in addition to scene modes, including aperture priority, shutter priority, program auto, manual exposure, and bulb exposure. For shutter speeds, you can choose between values from 1/8000 second to 30 seconds, while the available aperture values depend on the lens. Exposure compensation is available in the automatic modes and can be adjusted in ±3 EV increments in 1/2 EV steps.
Automatic exposure bracketing
One feature of the Alpha 807si is the auto bracketing function, which allows exposure bracketing of ±1/3, 1/2, or 1 EV and options for 3, 5, or 7 exposures. This feature is especially helpful for photographers who want to ensure they get the perfect exposure in challenging lighting conditions, or for those who want to experiment with different exposure settings for creative reasons.
Flash
The Alpha 807si has a built-in flash with a guide number (GN) of 14 to 20, depending on the sensitivity of the film stock. Additionally, it offers a zoom function with focal length values from 24 to 80 mm.
Furthermore, the camera is equipped with a flash PC port and a wireless High Speed Sync (HSS) flash, which allows more flexibility for off-camera flash shooting.
Additional features
It is possible to mount the Alpha 807si 35mm photo camera on a tripod for group shots or selfies, as it has a thread on the bottom of the body. There is also a built-in self-timer.
An advanced feature of the Alpha 807si is the recording and storing of exposure values for up to 9 rolls of film with up to 40 shots per roll. This feature proves especially useful for photographers who need to store exposure settings for multiple rolls of film for easy review and analysis of their results.
The Alpha 807si offers additional features such as multiple exposure capability with up to 9 shots per frame, automatic film advance with selectable single-frame or continuous shooting modes, and a maximum shooting speed of 3 frames per second.
Weighing 628 grams without battery and lens and measuring 15.35 x 10.7 x 7.15 cm.
Battery
The camera is powered by a 2CR5 battery (eBay / Amazon*), conveniently available online. This type of battery provides reliable power to the camera, allowing you to shoot without worry or interruption.
Films for the Minolta Alpha 807si
Films for the Minolta Alpha 807si, which is designed for 35mm format, are still readily available and can be developed.
Recommended options for this Japanese SLR include the Kodak Gold 200* and the Kodak T-Max 100*, which have won reviews and are well suited for everyday use. There are also a variety of other suitable films for this camera.
C-41 development is a common process for developing color film and is offered by many photo labs with experience in this area. Many drug stores also dispense color film for development.
Black and white films can either be developed in a photo lab or developed by yourself with the appropriate equipment, depending on your preferences and possibilities.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Automatic |
| Film transport mechanism | Motor |
| Pictures per second | 3 |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens mount | Minolta A mount |
| Focus | Autofocus |
| Exposure times | 1/8000 second to 30 seconds, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 6 to 6400 |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | Yes |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic, Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual mode |
| Exposure compensation | ± 3EV (0,5EV to) |
| Date imprinting | Model variant |
| Panorama function | Yes |
| Double and/or multiple exposure function | Yes |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Flash Connection | PC-Flash, Connection for Minolta flash units |
| Flash sync speed | 1/200 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Connection for camera strap | Yes |
| Power supply | 1x 2CR5 battery |
| Battery capacity | circa 528 pictures |
| Size | 15,35 x 10,7 x 7,15 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 6.04 x 4.21 x 2.81 inches |
| Weight | 628 Grams |
| Names in other markets | Europe: Minolta Dynax 800si, USA: Minolta Maxxum 800si |
| Country of production | Japan |
| Estimated value / Used price | 112,85 Euro 20017810693696183371234128 Estimate based on used prices of 3 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of April 28, 2025 |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 117,33 Euro (126.64 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 112,00 Euro (121.23 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta Alpha 807si
What types of autofocus modes does the Minolta Alpha 807si offer?
The Alpha 807si provides AF-A, AF-S, and AF-C autofocus modes, allowing for flexibility based on the shooting situation. Its integrated AF-assist lamp ensures accurate focusing even in low light.
How does the built-in exposure meter of this 35mm camera function, and what ISO range does it support?
The camera features an integrated exposure meter with automatic film speed detection (DX-coded films from ISO 25 to 6400). Manual ISO settings are also available ranging from 6 to 6400 ISO/ASA.
What are some of the creative shooting options available on this SLR camera?
Besides various exposure modes, this Minolta model offers multiple creative scene modes like portrait, landscape, macro, sports, and night portrait. This enables more stylistic flexibility.
Can I use different lenses with the Dynax 800si, and what type of mount does it use?
Yes, the camera uses Minolta's A-bayonet lens mount, offering compatibility with a wide range of Minolta AF lenses of varying focal lengths and apertures.
What is the camera's built-in flash functionality like?
The integrated flash has a guide number (GN) of 14 to 20, depending on film speed, and a zoom function covering 24-80mm. It also supports PC sync and wireless high-speed sync for external flash use.