FUJIFILM X-T4 Autofocus Not Working: Causes and How to Fix It

The FUJIFILM X-T4 is a highly regarded mirrorless camera, celebrated for its superior image quality, rapid autofocus system, and user-friendly operation. It’s an ideal choice for capturing everyday moments and is equally adept at both photography and videography. However, even with its impressive performance, users might occasionally face challenges, such as autofocus not working properly. This article is here to assist if you’re experiencing this issue with your FUJIFILM X-T4.

We will explore the various reasons why the autofocus might malfunction and offer practical solutions to resolve these problems. By identifying the root causes and applying the recommended fixes, you can restore the full functionality of your FUJIFILM X-T4’s autofocus system and continue enjoying a smooth photography or videography experience. Let’s delve into troubleshooting the autofocus issues of the FUJIFILM X-T4.

Table of Contents

1. Incorrect Focus Mode

One of the possible causes of autofocus not working on your FUJIFILM X-T4 is that you have selected an incorrect focus mode. The X-T4 has three focus modes: S (Single AF), C (Continuous AF), and M (Manual Focus) . Each mode is suitable for different shooting scenarios and subjects. If you choose the wrong mode, you may end up with blurry or out-of-focus images.

For example, if you are shooting a stationary subject, such as a portrait or a landscape, you should use the S mode, which locks the focus when you press the shutter button halfway. This mode allows you to fine-tune the focus manually or use the Focus Check function to magnify the focus point . However, if you use the S mode for a moving subject, such as a car or a bird, you may miss the focus as the subject changes its distance from the camera.

Similarly, if you are shooting a moving subject, you should use the C mode, which continuously adjusts the focus to track the subject while you hold the shutter button halfway. This mode is useful for subjects that are moving predictably or unpredictably across the frame . However, if you use the C mode for a stationary subject, you may get inconsistent focus results as the camera may hunt for focus unnecessarily.

Lastly, if you are shooting in manual focus mode, you should use the M mode, which lets you adjust the focus manually using the lens focus ring. This mode is ideal for situations where the camera cannot focus using autofocus, such as low-light or low-contrast scenes, or when you want to have full control over the focus . However, if you use the M mode without checking the focus carefully, you may end up with inaccurate or missed focus.

Therefore, it is important to select the correct focus mode for your subject and scene. You can change the focus mode by rotating the focus mode selector next to the lens mount . You can also choose different autofocus options, such as Single Point, Zone, or Wide/Tracking, depending on how you want the camera to focus within the frame . By choosing the right focus mode and option, you can ensure that your autofocus works properly and delivers sharp and clear images.

2. Manual Focus Mode Activated

Another possible cause of autofocus not working on your FUJIFILM X-T4 is that you have accidentally activated the manual focus mode. The X-T4 has a focus mode selector next to the lens mount that lets you choose between S (Single AF), C (Continuous AF), and M (Manual Focus) . If you rotate the selector to M, you will disable the autofocus function and switch to manual focus mode.

In manual focus mode, you have to adjust the focus manually using the lens focus ring. The camera will not autofocus when you press the shutter button or the AF-ON button. You can use various focus aids, such as focus zoom, focus peaking, digital split image, or digital microprism, to help you achieve critical sharpness . However, if you are not familiar with these aids or you do not check the focus carefully, you may end up with blurry or out-of-focus images.

Therefore, it is important to check the focus mode selector before you start shooting. If you want to use autofocus, make sure the selector is set to either S or C, depending on your subject and scene. You can also use the Instant AF function to quickly focus on the subject in the selected focus area by pressing the button to which focus lock or AF-ON has been assigned . This function works in both S and M modes and allows you to use either single or continuous AF according to the option chosen for AF/MF SETTING > INSTANT AF SETTING .

By checking the focus mode selector and using the Instant AF function, you can avoid activating the manual focus mode unintentionally and ensure that your autofocus works properly and delivers sharp and clear images.

3. Autofocus Lock Engaged

Another possible cause of autofocus not working on your FUJIFILM X-T4 is that you have engaged the autofocus lock. The X-T4 has two buttons that can lock the autofocus: the AE-L button and the AF-ON button. These buttons can be customized in the Set Up menu under Button/Dial Setting > Function (Fn) Setting . By default, the AE-L button locks both exposure and focus, while the AF-ON button initiates autofocus .

If you press the AE-L button, you will lock the focus and exposure at the current settings. This means that the camera will not adjust the focus or exposure even if you press the shutter button halfway or move the camera. This can be useful if you want to keep the same focus and exposure for a series of shots, or if you want to recompose the shot after focusing . However, if you forget to release the AE-L button, you may end up with out-of-focus images when you change the subject or the distance.

Similarly, if you press the AF-ON button, you will initiate autofocus without pressing the shutter button. This can be useful if you want to separate the focus and exposure functions, or if you want to use the back-button focusing technique . However, if you assign AF LOCK ONLY to the AF-ON button, you will lock the focus when you press the button, and the camera will not autofocus when you press the shutter button halfway . This can cause problems if you move the camera or the subject after locking the focus.

Therefore, it is important to check the status of the AE-L and AF-ON buttons before you take a picture. If you see a green AE-L or AF-L icon on the LCD screen or the electronic viewfinder, it means that the autofocus lock is engaged. You can release the lock by pressing the button again, or by changing the AE/AF-LOCK MODE setting in the Set Up menu . By checking and releasing the autofocus lock, you can ensure that your autofocus works properly and delivers sharp and clear images.

4. Low Light or Low Contrast Scenes

Another possible cause of autofocus not working on your FUJIFILM X-T4 is that you are shooting in low light or low contrast scenes. The X-T4 has a hybrid AF system that uses both phase-detection and contrast-detection pixels on the sensor . However, both types of autofocus rely on a certain amount of light and contrast to detect and lock on the subject. If the light is too dim or the subject is too similar to the background, the autofocus may struggle to find and maintain focus.

For example, if you are shooting at night or indoors with poor lighting, the autofocus may hunt for focus or fail to focus at all. This is because the phase-detection pixels need a minimum amount of light to work, and the contrast-detection pixels need a minimum amount of contrast to work . Similarly, if you are shooting a subject that has low contrast with the background, such as a white wall or a clear sky, the autofocus may have difficulty distinguishing the subject from the background and focus on the wrong area.

Therefore, it is important to provide enough light and contrast for the autofocus to work properly. You can use an external flash or a continuous light source to illuminate the subject and increase the contrast. You can also use a different focus option, such as Single Point, Zone, or Wide/Tracking, to select a more suitable focus area for the subject . You can also use the Face/Eye Detection function to focus on human faces or eyes, which usually have enough contrast to be detected .

By providing enough light and contrast and using the appropriate focus option and function, you can improve the autofocus performance in low light or low contrast scenes and deliver sharp and clear images.

5. Lens Compatibility Issues

Another possible cause of autofocus not working on your FUJIFILM X-T4 is that you are using a lens that is not compatible with the camera. The X-T4 is compatible with Fujifilm’s XF and XC lenses, which are designed specifically for the X-mount system. These lenses have electronic contacts that communicate with the camera and allow autofocus and other functions to work properly. However, if you use a lens from another brand or a manual lens with an adapter, you may lose the autofocus function or encounter other issues.

For example, if you use a lens from Tamron, Sigma, or other third-party manufacturers, you may need to check if the lens is compatible with the X-T4 and if it requires a firmware update to work . Some third-party lenses may not support all the autofocus modes or options that the X-T4 offers, such as Continuous AF, Face/Eye Detection, or Focus Check . Similarly, if you use a manual lens with an adapter, such as a vintage lens or a lens from another mount system, you will not be able to use autofocus at all, as the lens does not have any electronic contacts or motors. You will have to adjust the focus manually using the lens focus ring and the focus aids on the camera .

Therefore, it is important to check the lens compatibility before you use it on your X-T4. You can find a list of compatible lenses on the Fujifilm website or use the lens compatibility chart from Lensora . You can also use the search web tool to find more information about specific lenses and their compatibility with the X-T4 . By using compatible lenses and updating the firmware if needed, you can ensure that your autofocus works properly and delivers sharp and clear images.

6. Dirty or Damaged Lens Contacts

Another possible cause of autofocus not working on your FUJIFILM X-T4 is that you have dirty or damaged lens contacts. The lens contacts are the metal pins on the back of the lens and the corresponding terminals on the camera body. They allow the lens and the camera to communicate and control the autofocus and other functions . However, if the lens contacts are dirty or damaged, the communication may be interrupted or corrupted, and the autofocus may not work properly or at all.

For example, if you change lenses frequently or expose the camera to dust, moisture, or other contaminants, the lens contacts may get dirty or oxidized. This may prevent the lens from sending or receiving the correct signals to the camera, and the autofocus may fail to focus or lock on the subject. Similarly, if you drop the lens or the camera, or apply excessive force when attaching or detaching the lens, the lens contacts may get bent or broken. This may cause a short circuit or a loose connection, and the autofocus may stop working or behave erratically.

Therefore, it is important to keep the lens contacts clean and undamaged. You can use a blower to remove dust from the lens contacts, and then gently wipe them with a soft, dry cloth . If there are any stains or marks, you can use a piece of FUJIFILM lens-cleaning paper with a small amount of lens-cleaning fluid to gently wipe them off . You should also avoid touching the lens contacts with your fingers, as the oil or dirt from your skin may cause problems. You should also handle the lens and the camera with care, and avoid dropping or bumping them.

By keeping the lens contacts clean and undamaged, you can ensure that the lens and the camera communicate properly and that the autofocus works properly and delivers sharp and clear images.

7. Camera Firmware Outdated

Another possible cause of autofocus not working on your FUJIFILM X-T4 is that you have an outdated camera firmware. The firmware is the software that controls the camera’s functions and performance. Fujifilm regularly releases firmware updates to improve the camera’s features, fix bugs, and enhance compatibility with lenses and accessories . If you do not update the firmware, you may miss out on the latest improvements and encounter issues with the autofocus or other functions.

For example, the latest firmware update for the X-T4 (version 2.01) fixes a bug that causes the camera to freeze under certain shooting conditions after updating to version 2.00 . It also adds new features, such as support for the new application software “FUJIFILM XApp” that allows wireless communication and data transfer between the camera and a smartphone or tablet . Previous firmware updates have also improved the autofocus performance and accuracy, especially in continuous AF mode and face/eye detection mode .

Therefore, it is important to check the firmware version of your camera and update it if needed. You can check the firmware version by holding down the DISP/BACK button while turning on the camera . You can download the latest firmware from the Fujifilm website and follow the instructions to update the firmware using an SD card or a smartphone or tablet . By updating the firmware, you can ensure that your camera works properly and delivers the best possible performance and image quality.