The camera doesn't focus using the autofocus (AF) setting

Autofocus issues that result in blurry, unclear pictures can be caused by settings selection, distance from the subject, and environmental issues among other factors. The information below will provide you with various recommendations to troubleshoot and resolve issues with auto-focusing.

Note: Refer to the operating instructions of the product if model-specific information is needed to complete any of the steps in this solution. Manuals are posted on your model support page.

1. Make sure the subject is within the minimum focusing distance.

   • The minimum focusing distance from the subject in which you can take a picture is determined by the lens you are using. Shoot at the focus distance or further away from the subject to avoid out-of-focus images.
   • The minimum focusing distance is written on the front or side of the lens.
     Example: For SEL35F18F (FE 35MM F1.8), the minimum focusing distance is noted as "0.22m/0.73ft" in meters (m) and feet (ft).

     

2. In some cases, the subject or the environment where the pictures will be taken may affect focusing:

   • Subjects with no contrast such as the blue sky or white walls.
   • Multiple subjects with different distances within the focus area.
   • Bright or backlit subjects.
   • Shiny subjects such as water surfaces.
   • Fast-moving subjects.

   • Try these tips to help focus on a subject in a difficult environment:

     1. Lightly press the shutter button to display the green or white frame on the LCD screen of your camera. This locks the focus of the camera until the image is taken.
     2. Switch the camera or the lens to Manual Focus (MF).
     3. Check the following and try changing to the desired setting.
        • Focus Mode: The focus mode setting allows you to select the focusing method according to the movement of the subject.

          

        • Focus Area: Focus Area settings let you choose the area within the frame to focus on.

          

     4. If the photographs are partly in-focus you can adjust the camera aperture to get the desired focus of the image.
        • Photograph with the aperture opened (Aperture value of 2.8)

          

        • Photograph with the aperture narrowed down (Aperture value of 16)

          

     5. Adjust the aperture value of the camera or set the camera to the Aperture Priority mode (A) to avoid partially focused images.
        Note: Aperture mode automatically sets the camera so variables other than the aperture are at optimum exposure.

     6. Increase or decrease the aperture value (F-value) of the camera when shooting in dark locations. This reduces or increases, respectively, the amount of light allowed through the lens.
        Note: Tripod use is recommended to avoid camera shake.

3. For ILCA-77M2, SLT-A77V, SLT-A99V, or DSLR-A900 models

   If the image is still out of focus then adjust the AF Micro Adjustment function of every lens used:

   • MENU → 3 Setup → AF Micro Adj. → AF Adjustment Setting → ON
     • When the scale displays, adjust the control wheel, dial, or joystick of the camera to select the desired value.
     • Press the center button of the control wheel or the joystick of the camera when finished.

   Notes:

   • The adjustment value cannot be registered if the AF Micro Adj. is not set to On.
   • It is recommended to adjust the AF fine adjustment value of your camera under actual shooting conditions.
   • The registered value is displayed when a registered lens is attached.
   • The registered value is zero (0) for unregistered lenses.
   • A total of 30 registered lenses if a dash (-) is displayed as a value. To register a new lens, attach a lens for which you can delete the registered value and adjust the value to 0. Alternatively, you can clear the adjustment values to reset all registered adjustment values.
   • The registered setting for Sony, Minolta®, or Konica Minolta™ lenses may be affected if the AF fine adjustment is made to an unsupported lens.
   • You cannot individually perform AF fine adjustment when using the Sony, Minolta, and Konica Minolta lenses that have the same specifications.

The troubleshooting steps listed above should resolve your issue. If you have completed all of the steps and the issue is not resolved, service may be required. Send the camera body along with the lens used in performing the troubleshooting steps and sample pictures showing the issue.  Go to Product Repair.