diff --git a/src/process_pipeline.c b/src/process_pipeline.c
index 1794b26..b6d4503 100644
--- a/src/process_pipeline.c
+++ b/src/process_pipeline.c
@@ -528,10 +528,13 @@ process_aaa()
                                 // Raise sensor gain if exposure limit is hit
 				update_exp(&state_proc.gain, direction);
                                 printf("Gain + %d\n", state_proc.gain.value_req);
-                        } else {
+                        } else if (state_proc.dgain.value < state_proc.dgain.max) {
                                 // Raise sensor dgain if out of ananlog gain
 				update_exp(&state_proc.dgain, direction);
                                 printf("D/Gain + %d\n", state_proc.dgain.value_req);
+			} else {
+				printf("AE: out of options\n");
+				exit(1); /* HACK HACK don't merge */
 			}
                 } else if (direction < 0) {
                         // Preview is too bright