The camera does not focus using the auto focus (AF) setting.

Auto focus (AF) setting is not supported on manual focus (MF) lens. Check your lens manual to see if it supports auto focus (AF). 

The image shows focus mode switch of the SEL50F14GM.

The focus mode can be switched between AF and MF on the lens. For AF photography, both the camera and lens should be set to AF. Refer to the camera manuals to set the focus mode of the camera. Manuals are posted on your model support page.

Note: The focus mode switch of this lens does not function with some camera models. For more information about compatibility, refer to Lens Compatibility Information 

The minimum distance from the subject in which you can photograph (minimum focusing distance) is determined by the individual lens.
Photographs will not be in focus if you attempt to shoot at less than the minimum focusing distance. Please shoot at the focus distance or farther away from the subject.

Minimum focusing distance is noted on the front or side of the lens.

Example: For SEL35F18F (FE 35MM F1.8), minimum focusing distance is noted as "0.22m/0.73ft" in meters (m) and feet (ft).

• Subjects with no contrast, such as the blue sky or white walls
• Situations where multiple subjects are at different distances within the focus area
• Subjects with repeating patterns, such as building exteriors
• Bright or backlit subjects
• Shiny subjects, such as water surfaces, and glossy subjects
• Fast-moving subjects

Focus as follows for such subjects or in situations where it is difficult to focus.

1. Compose the shot with the focus locked using a subject at the same distance (Lightly press the shutter button to keep a green frame displayed.)

2. Switch the lens or camera body to MF (manual focus), and adjust the focus manually.

• 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.
  

Note: For details on how to check and change the setting, refer to the Help Guide.

By narrowing down the camera aperture, you can shoot with the entire photograph in focus with little blurring in the background or foreground.

• Photograph with the aperture opened (example: Aperture value of 2.8)
  
• Photograph with aperture narrowed down (example: Aperture value of 16)
  

Try the following operations.

1. Turn the camera's mode dial to A (Aperture Priority mode).
   This mode automatically sets the camera so variables other than aperture are at optimum exposure.
2. Increase the F-value with the dial.
   Increasing the aperture in dark locations reduces the amount of light received, making it easier for camera shake to occur. In such cases, use a tripod or similar mechanism to prevent camera shake.

If the photograph is not in focus with subjects and situations other than those noted above, you can adjust the focusing position for each lens used.
In MENU →  3 (Setup menu) → AF Micro Adj., change to On and make fine adjustments from the amount.

The focusing position shifts behind the subject the more you set to the + (plus) side and in front of the subject the more you set to the - (minus) side.
Set the adjustment value while taking test photographs.

Notes:

• If AF Micro Adj. is not set to On, the adjustment value cannot be registered.
• It is recommended that you adjust to the actual environment where you will actually be photographing.
• If you attach a lens that has already been registered, the registered adjustment value will be displayed.
• If the lens has not been registered, ±0 will be displayed.
• If - (dash) is displayed for the adjustment value, 30 types of lenses have already been registered. To register a new lens, attach the lens to be deleted and set the adjustment value to ±0, or clear the adjustment values to reset all registered adjustment values.
• Making AF fine adjustments with lenses of other manufacturers may affect the adjustment values of your Sony, Minolta, and Konica Minolta lenses. Do not use the function with lenses of other manufacturers.
• If using lenses of the same specifications as Sony, Minolta, and Konica Minolta lenses, AF fine adjustments cannot be set individually.