Sony SupportILCE-7M3

Article ID : 00026086 / Last Modified : 07/08/2020Print

My Camera Won't Take A Picture and Release the Shutter Button

    IMPORTANT:

    If an error message or icon appears, check your manual for more information. Manuals are posted on your model support page.

    Solution

    Check the following to resolve the issue:

    • Make sure the battery is fully charged.
    • Make sure to power on your device
    • Check the lens to make sure it is properly attached.
    • Don't set the Drive Mode to Self-Timer.
    • If you are using the built-in flash, you need to recharge it before you take another picture.
    • If you are using the Cont. Shooting mode, wait until the image data is written to the memory card before you take the next picture.
    • Insert the recording media properly.
      • If the recording media has a write-protect or lock switch, set it to the OFF or UNLOCK position.
    • If you are using autofocus (AF), do the following:
      1. Press the shutter button halfway down.
        • Your device will focus automatically.
        • A flashing green indicator will be visible in the LCD or viewfinder.
        • Your device is ready to take picture when the indicator stops flashing.
        • You can't release the shutter button until the picture is in focus.
      2. Press the shutter button all the way down to take picture.

    Additional Troubleshooting

    If the issue still occurs after trying the steps above, you can also try the following:

    1. Power off your device.
    2. Remove the battery pack and wait for one minute.
    3. Power on your device.
    4. Check if it resolves the issue

    Note:

    • Some devices have a Priority setup option in the menu. If your device has this option and it's set to Release, you can force the shutter button to take a picture without autofocusing. However, if you change scene modes on the mode dial or power off your device, it will default back to the previous auto focus mode. Thus, you need to select Release each time you change to a different scene mode or power the camera off and on.
    • If you attach your camera body to an astronomical telescope or other similar device, check the following:
      1. Set the mode dial to Manual (M).
      2. Set the Release w/o Lens option in the camera menu to Enable.
      3. Set the Shutter lock option in the camera menu to Off: no lens.

    If the issue still occurs, service may be required.  Go to Product Repair.