Focus

I had a similar problem, and found I had set focus mode for C-AF or continuas focus. I set for S-AF single point focus, and I can focus on the foreground or backgroung. Remember it will focus on a high contrast feature in the focus zone, so tree limbs in the foreground can cause an error.

I've solved the focus error on my S6500fd by dropping it on the ground and violently shakeing it.
I will never buy a Fuji camera again, next time it will be a Nikon.

Did you find the solution?

I have had an E550 for about two years and a few months ago found the focus error message came up and the camera failed to function. A friend of mine was with us at the time and suggested that as the price had now been considerably reduced since I purchased mine it was effectively dead in the water, so if he ruined it there was no loss.
In short what he did was as follows:
1. The camera fails with the lens barrel open.
2. Turn the camera towards you, holding it in your left hand.
3.Grip the lens barrel with the right and and put a firm torque in an anticlockwise direction until you hear (and feel a clunk).
4. Maintaining the torque on the barrel, press the on off button.
5. After a few turns and presses the system appears to re-connect with its focusing system.
I have had to do this a couple of times but IT WORKS FOR ME.
Maurice Ward

I have the same problem I am thinking that Fujifilm does this as to make money and ripped comsumers off