Adorama Heavy Use lens: Keep or Return?

Earl Goodson · Oct 27, 2025

After my good experience with a Heavy Use Lumix 35-100 f2.8, I figured I'd try another round of roulette. This Panasonic Leica 10-25 f/1.7 was listed with a damaged aperture ring, and "may have other issues." $515 marked down from $1,035! It looked incredible when I got it out of the box.

But if I push it enough, the aperture ring comes undone. When it does, the zoom doesn't turn. I'm not a videographer, so not a deal-breaker. Glass is flawless, zoom ring otherwise works, in-camera aperture control and manual focus clutch work, no signs of de-centering so far. And I have to try to get the ring to come undone. It stays put with normal use.

Once I snap the aperture ring in place, the lens could pass for brand new. It even came with the box and all of the other accessories still wrapped in the original manufacturer paper.

Keep, ~~repair~~, or return? ~~I'm waiting on an estimate from Panasonic, but~~ figured I'd get some thoughts.

(just got a message from a tech saying it's not repairable.)

jeffharris · Oct 29, 2025

Earl Goodson said:
JakeJY said:

drj3 said:

jeffharris said:

Sorry, but that’s really dumb. We called that a Mickey Mouse solution in New England.
Tape the thing up and it may work for how long?
The thing is clearly broken and they SOLD IT TO YOU broken. Return it.
Maybe Adorama has one in working condition. Try MPB, B&H or KEH.

Click to expand...

MPB and B&H do have used ones for $1579 and $1612 instead of the $515 the OP paid for the lens.

Click to expand...

Yeah I don't think people commenting understand the context of the price he got it for. This lens typically sells $1000 or higher for a good condition working one even on eBay. Even parts-only ones (with no AF or even completely no response) sell for $600-700.

Click to expand...

Exactly this. The Leica 10-25 f1.7 is the videography/low-light event/documentary lens for M43. I've wanted one for ages, but it was always beyond my budget. 75% off the price of a new one is pretty legit. I'm open to everyone's opinions, but it's hardly a "dumb" buy. It's a gamble, but a good one.

OK, bad choice of words. Sorry about that. Me, I prefer a sure thing.

But the thing is already broken. Even if you duct tape the thing together. How reliable will it be. How long will it stay in one piece?

You paid basically 1/3 the cost of a new lens.

Earl Goodson said:
Earl Goodson said:

If the lens tests fine optically and AF and camera aperture control works properly, losing the aperture ring functionality is a small price to pay, given OP's camera doesn't work with it anyways. OP just needs to figure out a way to secure it so it doesn't pop off during use, potentially causing further damage.

Click to expand...

I'm pretty close to committing, as it's passed every test I can think of, and folks here are offering some great ideas on securing the aperture ring. My local camera shop also offered to look it over for free for fix ideas. Thanks for your thoughts!

If the camera shop can fix it, that seems like a reasonable route to take.

HicHic · Oct 29, 2025

jeffharris said:
Earl Goodson said:

JakeJY said:

drj3 said:

jeffharris said:

Sorry, but that’s really dumb. We called that a Mickey Mouse solution in New England.
Tape the thing up and it may work for how long?
The thing is clearly broken and they SOLD IT TO YOU broken. Return it.
Maybe Adorama has one in working condition. Try MPB, B&H or KEH.

Click to expand...

MPB and B&H do have used ones for $1579 and $1612 instead of the $515 the OP paid for the lens.

Click to expand...

Yeah I don't think people commenting understand the context of the price he got it for. This lens typically sells $1000 or higher for a good condition working one even on eBay. Even parts-only ones (with no AF or even completely no response) sell for $600-700.

Click to expand...

Exactly this. The Leica 10-25 f1.7 is the videography/low-light event/documentary lens for M43. I've wanted one for ages, but it was always beyond my budget. 75% off the price of a new one is pretty legit. I'm open to everyone's opinions, but it's hardly a "dumb" buy. It's a gamble, but a good one.

Click to expand...

OK, bad choice of words. Sorry about that. Me, I prefer a sure thing.

But the thing is already broken. Even if you duct tape the thing together. How reliable will it be. How long will it stay in one piece?

You paid basically 1/3 the cost of a new lens.

jeffharris said:

jeffharris said:

If the lens tests fine optically and AF and camera aperture control works properly, losing the aperture ring functionality is a small price to pay, given OP's camera doesn't work with it anyways. OP just needs to figure out a way to secure it so it doesn't pop off during use, potentially causing further damage.

Click to expand...

I'm pretty close to committing, as it's passed every test I can think of, and folks here are offering some great ideas on securing the aperture ring. My local camera shop also offered to look it over for free for fix ideas. Thanks for your thoughts!

Click to expand...

If the camera shop can fix it, that seems like a reasonable route to take.

The aperture ring is broken - not the entire lens. He doesn't need the aperture ring. He's okay with the compromised weather sealing, given the price.

Satyaa · Oct 29, 2025

lot of comments already

If there is a way to lock that aperture ring in 'A' setting, and seal it without any leak, may be a chance?

Cannot still rule out any other damage inside. So, $500 lottery that you may or not win.

I would take that risk with $100, but $500 is too steep for me.

JakeJY · Oct 29, 2025

Satyaa said:
lot of comments already

If there is a way to lock that aperture ring in 'A' setting, and seal it without any leak, may be a chance?

Cannot still rule out any other damage inside. So, $500 lottery that you may or not win.

I would take that risk with $100, but $500 is too steep for me.

Gato Amarillo · Oct 29, 2025

Satyaa said:
lot of comments already

If there is a way to lock that aperture ring in 'A' setting, and seal it without any leak, may be a chance?

Cannot still rule out any other damage inside. So, $500 lottery that you may or not win.

I would take that risk with $100, but $500 is too steep for me.

Almost exactly what I was going to say. With that kind of damage you'll never be able to really trust it. Even if it checks out fine now, no way to know how it will be doing in six months -- or even six weeks.

Good luck.

Gato

StevoPhilo · Oct 30, 2025

I think you have to ask yourself if it's worth the price for you and whether it matters to you. As someone who likes to use the aperture ring, I would pass. I also like to resell my gear. Something like this isn't likely to sell again and I'd imagine if it was an easy fix that Adorama would've just done it themselves.

drj3 · Oct 30, 2025

StevoPhilo said:
I think you have to ask yourself if it's worth the price for you and whether it matters to you. As someone who likes to use the aperture ring, I would pass. I also like to resell my gear. Something like this isn't likely to sell again and I'd imagine if it was an easy fix that Adorama would've just done it themselves.

Obviously it would require parts for repair. Panasonic is probably like OM Systems and does not supply parts for others to repair their equipment.

Panasonic often defines lenses as not repairable and then offers a refurb at a discounted price (possibly one that was previously defined as not repairable at one of their repair centers but sent back to the factory for rebuilding).

Adorama would not be interested in sending a damaged lens to Panasonic and paying for a repair even if Panasonic would do the repair since they would not be able to sell the lens at a profit.

Keeping this lens would be a gamble (better odds than the lottery). It may have internal damage that would result in early failure. If. however, there is no internal damage, then the lens probability of failure is probably no different than any other used lens.

Henry's in Canada has one for $1810 condition 8, Camera Canada has a new one for $2300. If the OP really wants the lens, then the decision is to gamble $515 on the lens to save $1300 on a used condition 8 lens or save $1800 on a new lens. If it fails, maybe he could send it to Panasonic for repair and get a refurb at a discounted price.

David5833 · Oct 30, 2025

$515 seems like a steal. My first thought was that if it's pretty much perfect except for the aperture ring, I'd find a way to secure the ring. Only you can know your priorities and why you wanted such a lens to add to what you already have. It's more convenient than your three primes in that range to be sure, but it's considerably bigger and heavier than your 12-60 and its integrity is questionable. It's potentially a bargain and a wonderful solution for some limited applications, but if it's one or the other, I'd get the 60mm macro lens on your wish list.

--
https://www.flickr.com/photos/143821723@N06/

Bobapingu · Oct 30, 2025

It depends on you. If you're a pragmatic professional photographer struggling to make a living and this lens would pay for itself in a job coming up, then yes, keep it, use it and chuck it. However, if you have pride in your gear, send it back.

SeeingSomeThingsMissingMany · Oct 30, 2025

What is our write off limit?

The €¥$£ we can just shrug off if something seriously goes wrong with our camera gear.

[ o ]

Earl is your write off limit $500.

My write off limit is £100? Not even £100.01. Eggs actly £100.

--
Photography after all is interplay of light alongside perspective.

Gato Amarillo · Oct 30, 2025

After some thought and research, maybe I'll temper my advice a bit.

But first -

- Have you checked to be sure the aperture is actually working properly? Stopping down to the correct amount when you shoot? I saw you checked the action of the ring.

- I would not be taking that ring off and on any more than necessary. Looks as if there are electrical contacts involved which could be damaged, if they are not already. Once it's back on lock it down and leave it.

My post yesterday was based on your mention of a thousand dollar price in the OP. A quick online search now tells me that lens is going for $1,500 or so used.

Risking 500 to possibly save 500 is one kind of bet. Risking 500 to save 1,000 or more is more interesting. So today the deal looks much more interesting than it did before.

There is always the possibility the lens will fail in use, but if it does you can send to Panasonic repair. Most likely they will declare it beyond repair and offer you a deal on a refurbished lens, in which case you might still come out pretty well.

Gato

Earl Goodson · Oct 30, 2025

Gato Amarillo said:
After some thought and research, maybe I'll temper my advice a bit.

But first -

- Have you checked to be sure the aperture is actually working properly? Stopping down to the correct amount when you shoot? I saw you checked the action of the ring.

Hey Gato! That's a better read on the situation. Maybe I didn't explain it well enough in my opening message. I have checked that the aperture is working properly. Each f-stop is correct, with changes in exposure and depth of field.

Gato Amarillo said:
- I would not be taking that ring off and on any more than necessary. Looks as if there are electrical contacts involved which could be damaged, if they are not already. Once it's back on lock it down and leave it.

That's the plan. I have some camera repair techs taking a look at it now. Hopefully, they can lock it down better than I can.

Gato Amarillo said:
My post yesterday was based on your mention of a thousand dollar price in the OP. A quick online search now tells me that lens is going for $1,500 or so used.

Risking 500 to possibly save 500 is one kind of bet. Risking 500 to save 1,000 or more is more interesting. So today the deal looks much more interesting than it did before.

Yes. It had been marked down from $1035 to $515 - but that was an already discounted price. Guessing Adorama tried to sell it and had no interested parties at that price.

Gato Amarillo said:
There is always the possibility the lens will fail in use, but if it does you can send to Panasonic repair. Most likely they will declare it beyond repair and offer you a deal on a refurbished lens, in which case you might still come out pretty well.

Gato

Also a possibility. Either way, it's not so bad a gamble.

Earl Goodson · Oct 30, 2025

SeeingSomeThingsMissingMany said:
What is our write off limit?

The €¥$£ we can just shrug off if something seriously goes wrong with our camera gear.

[ o ]

Earl is your write off limit $500.

My write off limit is £100? Not even £100.01. Eggs actly £100.

I mean, maybe? I wouldn't be thrilled if I lost the $500. But I also don't think I'd be looking at a complete loss. Adorama, MPB, KEH, etc all buy gear that's completely dead. After all, someone sold it to Adorama in this condition.

Plus this lens is far from dead. So even if I only got a few hundred $$ back from my initial $500, it's substantially better than $0.

Earl Goodson · Oct 30, 2025

Bobapingu said:
It depends on you. If you're a pragmatic professional photographer struggling to make a living and this lens would pay for itself in a job coming up, then yes, keep it, use it and chuck it. However, if you have pride in your gear, send it back.

Haha, that's me to a T, Bobapingu! A pragmatic professional whose pockets aren't as profuse as preferred. I see this as - mostly - a work lens. It would replace the 2 to 3 primes at this end I juggle. I could easily use just the PL 10-25 f1.7 + my Lumix 35-100 f2.8 for the majority of jobs.

But I also plan on having some fun with it!

Earl Goodson · Oct 30, 2025

David5833 said:
$515 seems like a steal. My first thought was that if it's pretty much perfect except for the aperture ring, I'd find a way to secure the ring. Only you can know your priorities and why you wanted such a lens to add to what you already have. It's more convenient than your three primes in that range to be sure, but it's considerably bigger and heavier than your 12-60 and its integrity is questionable. It's potentially a bargain and a wonderful solution for some limited applications, but if it's one or the other, I'd get the 60mm macro lens on your wish list.

I appreciate the analysis, David. It's definitely a lens you buy for a purpose. In my case, I'm a semi-professional event photographer. The 10-25 would replace my three primes in that range, as it's just as fast and far more versatile. I get tired of juggling three wide-normal primes on jobs. I'll likely keep the PL 15 and sell the other two.

The 12-60 will stay as my "fun" zoom, not the 10-25. But I'll still take it for a spin sometimes

SeeingSomeThingsMissingMany · Oct 30, 2025

Earl Goodson said:
SeeingSomeThingsMissingMany said:

What is our write off limit?

The €¥$£ we can just shrug off if something seriously goes wrong with our camera gear.

[ o ]

Earl is your write off limit $500.

My write off limit is £100? Not even £100.01. Eggs actly £100.

Click to expand...

I mean, maybe? I wouldn't be thrilled if I lost the $500. But I also don't think I'd be looking at a complete loss. Adorama, MPB, KEH, etc all buy gear that's completely dead. After all, someone sold it to Adorama in this condition.

Plus this lens is far from dead. So even if I only got a few hundred $$ back from my initial $500, it's substantially better than $0.

4 of my m4/3 camera purchases this year have issues M1.1 G80 Gx7 E-Pl7 Gf6 as does my A7r2 my 5d2 all picked up approx 1/4 price. That's how I look at them as well can I get my moneys worth from them.

Looking at the photos of this 10-25/1.7 even if it is permanently stuck at f/1.7 after suggestions others made of sealing the aperture ring with tape, yet focuses fine operates fine, then if 1 years utilisation can me made from it reckon it pays for itself in the paid photogrpahy you do. As well as all the photographic opportunities covered by having it.

For me whole whole point of a f/1.7 zoom is to mostly utilise it at f/1.7 else I might as well get a slower zoom. There ain't any other m4/3 lens that does this lens. I've picked up prime f/1.2 zuiko55mm stuck at f/1.2 at 1/4 price because I was only going to utilise it at f/1.2.

I'm all for convenience. Changing multiple lenses just inconvenient particularly where time is short. One fast lens to cover 20-50 pretty darned handy.

[ o ]

For a fast wide more affordable zoom I suppose I would Sigma 18-35/1.8 £270ish becomes approx 13-25 f/1.3 focal reduced on my x0.71 viltrox, still not as wide as this panaleica also probably not a sharp focal reduced. 10mm (20mm) sure is handy dandy.

Currently 17-50mm f/2.8 tamron £70 becomes approx 12-35mm exif says f/1.9 on my x0.71 viltrox is my fast wide zoom. Even this tamy I'm replacing in favour of f/1.7-f/2.8 24-75mm Lx100 pocketable I picked up this week for sheer convenience urban london.

--
Photography after all is interplay of light alongside perspective.

SonyX · Oct 31, 2025

I see the debate over keeping or returning is still ongoing, and everyone is making this case for themselves, even though it's long been clear that the author has already made his decision. And let me remind you, this isn't a separate line of used equipment with a broken aperture ring, but a single case, so you shouldn't be making this case for yourself.

I know what it's like to buy new equipment, use it professionally, and then try to sell it. No, new equipment doesn't offer a 100% guarantee of flawless operation; it breaks too.
With a new lens, you pay a little extra for the possibility of warranty repair or replacement; with used equipment, you take the risk on yourself. This doesn't help me much, since I buy new equipment remotely, pay for shipping, but I still need to work with something, so I have to buy partially duplicate lenses.
Therefore, in recent years, I've been buying either new equipment at very deep discounts (Black Friday is a great time) or used equipment for 30-20% off new. Almost all my recent FF/MFT purchases were like this, and they all work flawlessly to this day. All the defects of used equipment do not affect the final result: scratches and abrasions, missing rubber parts. Now I can sell them for a loss of no more than 10%, and in some cases, I'll make a profit.

Over five years, equipment loses 30 to 70% of its original value, and over ten years, 50 to 90%. If the author expects the lens work for him at least five years, even if he sell it for spare parts later, he won't lose money.

JakeJY · Oct 31, 2025

SeeingSomeThingsMissingMany said:
Earl Goodson said:

SeeingSomeThingsMissingMany said:

What is our write off limit?

The €¥$£ we can just shrug off if something seriously goes wrong with our camera gear.

[ o ]

Earl is your write off limit $500.

My write off limit is £100? Not even £100.01. Eggs actly £100.

Click to expand...

I mean, maybe? I wouldn't be thrilled if I lost the $500. But I also don't think I'd be looking at a complete loss. Adorama, MPB, KEH, etc all buy gear that's completely dead. After all, someone sold it to Adorama in this condition.

Plus this lens is far from dead. So even if I only got a few hundred $$ back from my initial $500, it's substantially better than $0.

Click to expand...

4 of my m4/3 camera purchases this year have issues M1.1 G80 Gx7 E-Pl7 Gf6 as does my A7r2 my 5d2 all picked up approx 1/4 price. That's how I look at them as well can I get my moneys worth from them.

Looking at the photos of this 10-25/1.7 even if it is permanently stuck at f/1.7 after suggestions others made of sealing the aperture ring with tape, yet focuses fine operates fine, then if 1 years utilisation can me made from it reckon it pays for itself in the paid photogrpahy you do. As well as all the photographic opportunities covered by having it.

You misunderstood. The 10-25mm has fully electronic aperture (like practically all M43 AF lenses) and his camera doesn't support the aperture ring function anyways, so the ring has no effect on the camera's ability to control the aperture electronically. He has tested the aperture control via camera works fine. Plus my understanding is it's stuck in the "A" position, so even on a Panasonic body, it shouldn't cause an issue.

Gato Amarillo · Oct 31, 2025

Earl Goodson said:
SeeingSomeThingsMissingMany said:

What is our write off limit?

The €¥$£ we can just shrug off if something seriously goes wrong with our camera gear.

[ o ]

Earl is your write off limit $500.

My write off limit is £100? Not even £100.01. Eggs actly £100.

Click to expand...

I mean, maybe? I wouldn't be thrilled if I lost the $500. But I also don't think I'd be looking at a complete loss. Adorama, MPB, KEH, etc all buy gear that's completely dead. After all, someone sold it to Adorama in this condition.

Plus this lens is far from dead. So even if I only got a few hundred $$ back from my initial $500, it's substantially better than $0.

An interesting and good idea. Your post sent me to ebay where this was the first listing that popped up.

457919803a12430a874ce27f5b66b993.jpg.png

Pardon Our Interruption...

You might make a profit. LOL

Gato

--
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Adorama Heavy Use lens: Keep or Return?

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