An automatic focusing system for a camera comprises a motor rotatable in opposite directions, a drive member driven for rotation by the motor, a distance-setting member rotatable together with the drive member to place an objective lens in an initial position and movable to a predetermined forward position, and a holding mechanism for holding the distance-setting member in the predetermined forward position. The position of the drive member is identified at each monitoring point, and a position identification signal is generated. The sequence of movement of the distance-setting member is analyzed from a starting position to the predetermined forward position. The system further provides for preventing improper holding of the distance-setting member at its initial position.