0x5b Error Code in Digital Camera Sony DSLR-A100
The 0x5b error code indicates that the amount of light passing through the aperture lens is not being controlled by the F-Stop selected.

What is the aperture?
A camera collects light in order to deliver the image. The Aperture regulates how much light is being allowed into the lens.
A diaphragm is inside each lens and it is what controls the lens opening and closing to the size you have set it to, this is what is called the aperture setting. Size settings are referred to as f-stops such as f/2.8, f/5.6, f/11, etc.
The smaller the F-stop, the larger the aperture.
Camera specifications are clearly marked on any camera specifications and generally show as any of the following three ways:
- F2.8 is considered Maximum aperture.
- F2.8-F8.0 A stating the maximum and minimum aperture, and there are standard increments between these.
- F2.8-3.5 or F2.8(W)-F3.5(T) Describing the maximum aperture for the wide-angle (F2.8) and telephoto (F3.5) focal lengths of a zoom lens.

Remember, the smaller the F-stop, the larger the aperture.
This might be a bit more technical than you are used to, or you are enjoying this level of detail.
Either way, when the Error 0x5b presents itself it is communicating that the aperture is not doing its job, and the aperture lens is not being controlled by the F-stop selected.
The culprit?
A malfunctioning has occurred with the AV drive unit. These little pieces wreak havoc quickly in these great yet sensitive cameras.
How the 05xb Error Code comes up?
When you shoot a picture by holding the camera in the normal eye level position and pointing into what would be considered normal daylight. What happens is you press the button, the shutter closes very slowly and the error code 0x5b is displayed. Nothing else can be done and you have to switch the camera off. Upon turning the camera on again, the camera goes through its self check and you get the OK. If you now attempt to shoot a picture into poor light, very dark shade or down to the ground - where you would expect a poor light reading, it will take the shot perfectly.
Now, raise the camera up to horizontal, try to take a picture and you get the error code and again it shuts down. It seems as if the system is being saturated with high light levels.
This shows how it is the AV drive unit which is not doing its job and controlling the aperture of the lens.
For this reason this error appears in bright environments if the AV drive unit is not working properly.
This is repairable and sometimes a cleaning service is enough other times the AV drive unit needs to be replaced.
Can it be fixed!? Absolutely! Sony Camera Repair
We have the expertise to evaluate and test your camera, pinpoint the problem and do the camera repair!
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