Oddly Satisfying: Watch A Tokina 100MM f2.8 Macro Being Taken Apart

Today I came across a newer website, Fixyourcamera.org, that released an informative video back in October of a Nikon mounted Tokina 100mm f2.8 macro being taken apart and repaired because of a squeaking noise in the lens.

Mike, a professional camera technician who runs the site takes apart the lens to figure out where the noise is coming from and suspects the factory didn’t lubricate the lens properly. As you continue watching his suspicions are confirmed when he finds one of the parts should be lubricated has none whatsoever. It’s also important to note that this can happen sometimes by accident when lenses are being constructed, so don’t tear down you lens like this, just use your warranty or get it fixed professionally…

He goes into great detail about lens construction and explains why Tokina, a third-party lens manufacturer, can sell a fast lens for a cheaper price than Nikon or Canon.

Tokina makes affordable, fast lenses with constant apertures that many people swear by their performance and sharp focusing. I have used the Toking 11-16mm on my old Nikon D300 back in the day, and it’s true, the lens was sharp! The simple answer Mike gives for this is because of the simplicity of the construction and the lack of higher-end lens technology.

Mike explains how more expensive lenses have technologies like GMR sensors, silent wave ultrasonic motors, Vibration Reduction (VR in Nikon lens) or image stabilization system, and no diaphragm flex cable. So the Tokina 100mm is less expensive because it lacks all of these technologies and features. Basically the more simple the construction, the cheaper the lens…

Although the video is long (17:55), the breakdown is well worth the trouble. Mike says he plans to continue making lens tear down videos, and his site offers more that just tear downs, it aims to teach you how to fix lenses and cameras the D.I.Y. way.

Check out the video below:

Tokina AT-X 100mm f/2.8 PRO D Macro Lens for Nikon Auto Focus Digital and Film Cameras – Fixed