Your camera may display error messages when there are problems with the lens or how it is attached. Some of these issues can be resolved through troubleshooting if the lens is not damaged.
Troubleshooting
Please check the following points if your camera doesn't recognise the lens or lens features or, displays error messages on the screen of your camera.
Note: Refer to your camera or lens operation manual for additional details on the steps in this article.
Manuals are posted on your model support page.
A compatible lens ensures that your camera's features and functions work correctly. Although other lens manufacturers' products may work with Sony cameras, we don't guarantee full operation.
- Check the lens is compatible with the camera body for full access to all features.
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If possible, try a different but compatible lens.
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If the issue doesn't happen with another compatible lens, the previous lens may require service. However, if the issue occurs with other compatible lenses, then the camera body and defective lens may require service. Go to Product Repair.
Make sure to attach the lens properly. The camera can't communicate with the lens if the metal pins on the camera body and lens don't make contact.
Follow the steps to check the connection between the lens and the camera body.
- Power off your camera.
- Detach the lens from the camera body.
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Examine the metal contacts on the camera body and the lens.
Example picture of metal contacts on the camera body and lens:
- Make sure that the metal contacts are clean and that nothing obstructs them.
Notes:
- Use a dry, soft cloth to clean off any dirt.
- Ensure no debris can fall off inside the camera body or the lens.
- Don't touch the camera sensor.
- Don't touch the lens mirrors.
- Wipe lightly so as not to put pressure on the contacts.
- Make sure the metal contacts are not bent. If any of the pins are bent, your device may need repair. Go to Product Repair.
- Re-attach the lens to the camera body.
Note: Align the two white index marks (mounting indexes) on the lens and camera body, then lightly turn clockwise until it clicks.
- Power on your camera.
- If the issue isn't resolved and you've tried a different, compatible lens, the camera may need repair. Go to Product Repair.
- If you don't have another compatible lens to try, then both the camera and the defective lens should be sent in for repair.
In some cases, a non-Sony lens or accessory can cause a malfunction but may still work. The Release w/o Lens option sets whether the shutter can be released when no lens is attached.
- If using a non-Sony lens, lens adapter, or other speciality attachments such as a telescopic or microscopic lens, set the Release w/o Lens option:
- Set the Release w/o Lens option in the camera menu to Enable. Settings may vary depending on the model. Check your manual for model-specific information.
Manuals are posted on your model support page.
- Select → MENU →
(Shooting) → Shutter/Silent → 
Release w/o Lens→ Enable.
- Set the Shutter lock option, if available, in the camera menu to Off: no lens.
- Set the mode dial to Manual (M).
- Manually set the shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and focus.
Notes:
- If the issue isn't resolved and you're using a lens from another manufacturer, the lens or lens adapter is most likely incompatible.
- The functionality of third-party lenses is not guaranteed.
- Even though a third-party lens may not be able to communicate with the camera for Auto Focus (AF) and Auto Exposure (AE), you should be able to take pictures on your camera with the following settings:
- Set your camera to Manual (M).
- Manually set the shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and focus.
