Sony a6600 Autofocus Not Working: Causes and How to Fix It

The Sony a6600 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 Sony a6600.

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 Sony a6600’s autofocus system and continue enjoying a smooth photography or videography experience. Let’s delve into troubleshooting the autofocus issues of the Sony a6600.

Table of Contents

Sony a6600 Autofocus Not Working: Causes and How to Fix It

1. Incorrect Focus Mode

One possible cause of Sony a6600 autofocus not working is using an incorrect focus mode. The focus mode determines how the camera focuses on the subject, and different modes are suitable for different situations. For example, if you are shooting a moving subject, you should use AF-C (Continuous AF) mode, which tracks the subject and adjusts the focus continuously. If you are shooting a still subject, you should use AF-S (Single-shot AF) mode, which locks the focus when you press the shutter button halfway. If you use the wrong focus mode, the camera may fail to focus on the subject or lose focus during shooting.

To change the focus mode, press the Fn button and choose Focus Mode, then select the desired mode. You can also assign the Focus Mode function to a custom button for quick access. The available focus modes are:

AF-S: The camera focuses and locks when the shutter button is pressed halfway. Use this mode for stationary subjects.
AF-C: The camera focuses continuously while the shutter button is pressed halfway. Use this mode for moving subjects.
AF-A: The camera automatically switches between AF-S and AF-C depending on the subject’s movement.
DMF: The camera uses auto focus, but you can also fine-tune the focus manually by turning the focus ring on the lens.
MF: The camera does not use auto focus, and you have to adjust the focus manually by turning the focus ring on the lens.

You can also choose the focus area, which is the part of the frame that the camera uses to focus on the subject. The focus area can be changed by pressing the Fn button and choosing Focus Area, then selecting the desired option. The available focus areas are:

Wide: The camera focuses on a subject in all ranges of the image automatically.
Zone: The camera focuses on a subject within a selected zone on the image. You can move the zone using the multi-selector.
Center: The camera focuses on a subject in the center of the image.
Flexible Spot: The camera focuses on a very small area that can be moved using the multi-selector. You can also change the size of the area by pressing the left or right side of the control wheel.
Expand Flexible Spot: The camera uses a small focus area, and if the subject moves, uses the focus points around the flexible spot as a secondary priority area for focusing.
Tracking: The camera tracks the subject and maintains focus on it. You can select the subject by touching the screen or pressing the center of the control wheel. You can also change the tracking mode by pressing the left or right side of the control wheel.

By choosing the appropriate focus mode and focus area, you can improve the performance and accuracy of the Sony a6600 autofocus system.

2. Manual Focus Mode Activated

Another possible cause of Sony a6600 autofocus not working is activating the manual focus mode. The manual focus mode allows you to adjust the focus manually by turning the focus ring on the lens. This mode can be useful for situations where the autofocus system may have difficulty focusing, such as macro photography, low light, or creative effects. However, if you accidentally activate the manual focus mode, the autofocus system will be disabled and the camera will not focus automatically.

To check if the manual focus mode is activated, look at the LCD screen or the viewfinder. If you see MF or a distance scale on the screen, it means that the manual focus mode is on. To deactivate the manual focus mode, press the Fn button and choose Focus Mode, then select AF-S, AF-C, AF-A, or DMF. You can also assign the Focus Mode function to a custom button for quick access.

Alternatively, you can use the AF/MF switch on the lens (if available) to toggle between auto focus and manual focus modes. Some lenses have a switch that lets you choose between AF and MF, while others have a switch that lets you choose between A and M. The A position enables the DMF mode, which allows you to use both auto focus and manual focus, while the M position enables the MF mode, which disables the auto focus.

By making sure that the manual focus mode is not activated, you can enable the Sony a6600 autofocus system to work properly.

3. Autofocus Lock Engaged

A third possible cause of Sony a6600 autofocus not working is engaging the autofocus lock. The autofocus lock is a feature that allows you to lock the focus on a subject and recompose the shot without losing focus. This can be useful for situations where you want to place the subject off-center or change the angle of view. However, if you forget to release the autofocus lock, the camera will not focus on a new subject or adjust the focus when the distance changes.

To use the autofocus lock, you need to assign the AF lock function to a custom button. You can do this by pressing the MENU button, then selecting Camera Settings 2, then Custom Key, then choosing a button and selecting AF lock. Once you have assigned the AF lock function, you can press and hold the custom button to lock the focus on a subject, then release the button to unlock the focus.

To check if the autofocus lock is engaged, look at the LCD screen or the viewfinder. If you see a green AF lock indicator on the screen, it means that the autofocus lock is on. To release the autofocus lock, press the custom button again or press the shutter button halfway.

By making sure that the autofocus lock is not engaged, you can enable the Sony a6600 autofocus system to work properly.

4. Low Light or Low Contrast Scenes

A fourth possible cause of Sony a6600 autofocus not working is shooting in low light or low contrast scenes. The autofocus system relies on the contrast between light and dark areas in the image to detect and lock on the subject. If the scene is too dark or too uniform, the autofocus system may have difficulty finding the subject or maintaining the focus. This can result in blurry or out-of-focus images.

To fix this problem, you can try the following solutions:

Increase the amount of light in the scene by using a flash, a reflector, or an external light source. This will create more contrast and make it easier for the autofocus system to work.
Use a faster lens with a wider aperture, such as a prime lens or a zoom lens with a constant aperture. This will allow more light to reach the sensor and improve the autofocus performance in low light. You can also use a lens with a larger maximum aperture, such as F1.4 or F1.8, which will create a shallower depth of field and make the subject stand out from the background.
Use a higher ISO setting, which will increase the sensitivity of the sensor and allow the camera to capture more light. However, this may also introduce more noise and reduce the image quality, so you should use the lowest ISO setting that gives you a good exposure.

5. Lens Compatibility Issues

A fifth possible cause of Sony a6600 autofocus not working is using incompatible lenses. The Sony a6600 features an APS-C sensor and supports Sony E-mount lenses from both Sony and third-party manufacturers. However, not all E-mount lenses are compatible with the Sony a6600 autofocus system, especially older or manual lenses that do not have electronic contacts or motors. If you use an incompatible lens, the camera will not be able to communicate with the lens or control the focus.

To fix this problem, you can try the following solutions:

Check the compatibility of your lens with the Sony a6600. You can refer to the official Sony website or the lens manufacturer’s website for the compatibility information.
Use a compatible lens adapter if you want to use a lens that is not designed for the Sony E-mount, such as a Canon EF, Nikon F, or Sony A-mount lens. A lens adapter is a device that attaches between the camera and the lens and allows you to use different types of lenses on your camera. However, not all lens adapters support autofocus, and some may degrade the image quality or performance. You should look for a lens adapter that has electronic contacts and supports autofocus, such as the Sigma MC-11 or the Metabones Smart Adapter.
Use the manual focus mode or the DMF mode, which allow you to adjust the focus manually by turning the focus ring on the lens. You can use the focus magnifier or the focus peaking features to assist you with manual focusing. You can activate the manual focus mode by pressing the Fn button and choosing Focus Mode, then selecting MF or DMF.

6. Dirty or Damaged Lens Contacts

A sixth possible cause of Sony a6600 autofocus not working is having dirty or damaged lens contacts. The lens contacts are the metal pins on the back of the lens and the camera mount that allow the camera and the lens to communicate and exchange information. If the lens contacts are dirty, dusty, corroded, or bent, the communication between the camera and the lens may be interrupted or distorted, and the autofocus system may not function properly.

To fix this problem, you can try the following solutions:

Clean the lens contacts with a soft, dry, and lint-free cloth, such as a microfiber cloth. Gently wipe the contacts on both the lens and the camera mount, and make sure there is no dirt, dust, grease, or moisture on them. Do not use any liquids, solvents, or abrasive materials to clean the contacts, as they may damage them.
Check the lens contacts for any signs of damage, such as cracks, scratches, or bends. If the contacts are damaged, you may need to repair or replace the lens or the camera. You can contact the Sony customer service or the lens manufacturer’s customer service for assistance.
Try a different lens or a different camera to see if the problem persists. If the autofocus works with a different lens or a different camera, it means that the problem is with the original lens or camera. If the autofocus does not work with any lens or camera, it means that the problem is with the Sony a6600 autofocus system itself.

7. Camera Firmware Outdated

A seventh possible cause of Sony a6600 autofocus not working is having an outdated camera firmware. The camera firmware is the software that controls the camera’s functions and features, such as the autofocus system, the image quality, the performance, and the compatibility with lenses and accessories. Sony regularly releases firmware updates for its cameras to improve the functionality, fix bugs, and add new features. If you have an outdated camera firmware, you may experience problems with the autofocus system or miss out on the latest improvements and enhancements.

To fix this problem, you can try the following solutions:

Check the current firmware version of your camera. You can do this by selecting Menu → Setup [6] → Version on the camera. The firmware version is displayed as illustrated below. The latest firmware version for the Sony a6600 is Ver.1.10, which was released on September 2, 2020. If your firmware version is lower than Ver.1.10, you should update it to the latest version.
Download and install the firmware update for your camera. You can download the firmware update from the Sony support website, where you can also find the instructions and requirements for the update process. You will need a computer, a USB cable, and a fully charged battery for the update. You should also remove the memory card from the camera and close all other programs on your computer before starting the update. Follow the steps carefully and do not turn off the camera or disconnect the USB cable during the update, as this may damage the camera or the firmware.
Enjoy the benefits and improvements of the firmware update. The firmware update Ver.1.10 for the Sony a6600 adds support for the LA-EA5 A-Mount Adapter (sold separately), which allows you to use A-mount lenses with full support for focal plane phase-detection AF, AF and AE tracking, Real-time Eye AF (human, animal), and Real-time Tracking. The firmware update also improves the overall stability of the camera.