Focus Error
Sony Camera
Severity: ModerateWhat it means
Sony Focus Error usually appears on RX-series compact cameras when the lens mechanism cannot extend or focus correctly.
On Alpha mirrorless cameras it means the lens motor has a fault.
A power cycle fixes most cases.
Affected Models
- Sony RX100 VII
- Sony RX100 VI
- Sony ZV-1 II
- Sony A7 IV
- Sony A6700
- Sony ZV-E10 II
Common Causes
- Lens barrel obstructed or impacted after a drop (RX compact series)
- Lens not fully attached (mirrorless with interchangeable lens)
- Sand or grit in the lens mechanism
- Lens motor fault
- Camera powered off while lens was extending or retracting
- Firmware bug on certain lens-body combinations
How to Fix It
-
Power off and back on.
Turn the camera fully off, wait 10 seconds, and power on again.
This re-attempts the lens initialisation sequence. -
For Alpha mirrorless: remove and reattach the lens.
Turn the camera off, remove the lens, check for debris on the contacts, and reattach firmly.
A lens not fully locked causes Focus Error on every shot. -
Check you are not shooting closer than the minimum focus distance.
Every lens has a minimum focus distance.
Shooting too close causes the lens to hunt and report a focus error.
Step back or switch to macro mode. -
Check the focus mode switch.
Ensure the camera or lens is in AF (Autofocus) mode, not MF (Manual Focus).
Some Sony lenses have a physical AF/MF switch on the barrel. -
Send for service if error persists.
A persistent Focus Error after all the above suggests a mechanical fault in the lens motor or barrel.
Contact Sony service at sony.com/support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Sony RX100 show Focus Error on every power-on?
The RX100 series is known for lens mechanism issues after drops or sand ingress.
If it happens every power-on, the lens barrel mechanism has a physical fault.
Sony repair service or specialist camera repair shops can replace the lens assembly.