Lamy 2000, B nib

[f22pilot72]

Review: Lamy 2000

Broad Nib

 

Well, I’m sure this exactly what you want to read: another review of the Lamy 2000. But I’ve written it with the idea that another opinion never hurts and multiple perspectives can only help the reader better understand the pen being reviewed. With that in mind I’ll try to address all that a review should as well as cover those things that I was particularly curious about or couldn’t find information on when I was researching the 2000. This is also my first pen review, so feel free to comment on what could be improved. Here we go:

 

The pen comes in a thin, silver-colored metal box with “Lamy” stamped into it, which in turn comes in a silver-colored cardboard sheath with “Lamy” printed in black on the bottom right corner. The pen rests in the box on a cardboard insert – no fancy padding here. Inside the lid of the box is the instruction packet, which includes instructions for filling a variety of Lamy pens. My first impression of the pen was exactly as I expected: not a fancy pen or presentation box, but it’s not meant to be like that anyway. It’s meant to be understated, efficient, and functional. I think the whole effect is rather elegant and I quite like it. There was no let-down when I first saw the pen.

 

 

 

 

1. Appearance and Design – 9/10

This pen follows the Bauhaus idea of form follows function. If you like a pen that is simple, elegant, and has no “bling” whatsoever, then this is for you. If you like a pen that has copious amounts of gold and silver hardware, look elsewhere. The barrel is made of Bayer’s Makrolon, and the section is made of brushed stainless steel. While the pen has a somewhat smooth texture, it does provide more than adequate grip (at least for me). When my dad first held the pen he thought it was made of wood, and I think that is a good comparison. Think of really dark ebony finished to be smooth but still have a nice texture. The clip is machined from a solid piece of stainless steel, making it very strong, and it is also spring loaded, a great feature in my opinion. “Lamy” is stamped into the side of the clip, and the text “Germany” is visible if you take a close look on the underside of the clip. The whole pen has a uniform taper: thin at the nib, wider through the barrel, and thin again at the end of the pen. Very cool looking, and very ergonomic; it fits my hand well.

 

 

 

There are four ink windows that form a broken circle around the barrel near the section/barrel seam. They are not incredibly functional because of their size, yet if I were designing the pen, I don’t think I would make them any bigger as they would then interrupt the flow of the design. They are in great proportion to the pen and look very cool. I use the ink window like this: hold the pen either nib up or nib down, hold it up to the light, and then rotate the pen to a horizontal position and watch for the ink to flow by the window. Then hold the pen the other way (nib up if you started nib down, or vice versa) and do the same rotation. This helps me to gauge the ink level by the size of the ink stream as it flows by the window, how long I have to wait before the ink comes by the window, and whether I can see through the ink window when the pen is in a vertical position.

 

 

A word about the little metal pieces that lock the clip in place: Some say that they are bothersome, others say they are not, and still others say they are helpful as guides for grip. I have not found a problem with them and I hardly know they are there when I am writing. I tend to grip the pen higher up with a finger extending down onto the section, and my fingers never touch the pieces in question.

 

I don’t really like the little silver dot on the end of the barrel; I just don’t think it’s necessary, and it’s a hair off center as well. All in all, not much of a complaint.

 

2. Construction and Quality – 8/10

The quality of this pen is amazing. The body is essentially made of four different parts. The section is made of brushed stainless steel, and that is joined to a small section of Makrolon before another seam where the clip grips come out of the barrel. This forward component can be unscrewed to allow easy cleaning of the pen. Next comes the main barrel part, and then the piston-operating end of the pen. All parts are put together in such a way that the seams are hardly noticeable (except between the steel and Makrolon, of course) and very smooth when you run your finger across them. It is just perfect, impeccable quality. The cap is of the same quality; there is an audible click when the pen is capped and it is very secure. My one complaint is that the piston knob (I don’t know what to call it; I hope that’s right!) is a little loose before the piston engages. Yes, it does turn about nearly a full turn before it starts operating the piston, but I would still like it a bit tighter. In using the pen more this became a problem as I posted the cap; as that knob turns the cap does too; the heavy clip makes the cap top heavy when posted and it sometimes makes the knob turn resulting in the cap rolling to the side. Other than that, the cap posts very securely.

 

3. Weight and Dimensions – 9/10

This is a compact pen capped, but it becomes longer when posted and is very comfortable to write with. It is fairly light, but if you like a heavier pen, post it, and if you like a lighter pen it is still a great length to use unposted. I can’t help but call it just about perfect, although I would like the pen to be a bit heavier (posting does make it a bit too heavy towards the back) and maybe a bit longer.

 

Here are the pen’s dimensions:

 

Length capped: 13.8 cm

Length unposted (tip of nib to tip of barrel): 12.4 cm

Length posted (tip of nib to tip of cap): 15.2 cm

 

 

4. Nib and Performance – 8/10

Here, I’ll say it bluntly: My pen has a broad nib.

 

“A broad nib?!;” you say, “You didn’t get an EF nib like at least 97.215874% (accurate estimate, by the way) of people do?!; This is the Lamy 2000 we’re talking about!”

 

No, I got a broad, and this was one thing on which I had to bite the bullet when I was ordering the pen. I just wasn’t sure whether a medium or broad would be the nib for me, and trusting my instinct, I got a broad. I am glad I did.

 

I have read in many places that Lamy 2000 nibs run about a size bigger than the average Western nib size, but I cannot prove or disprove this as I don’t have much to compare it with. All I can say is that I like a nice, broad nib and this nib is perfect for me. It has some great stub characteristics as well. On the down stroke it’s very broad, but on side and diagonal strokes it is much finer. The pressure and writing angle can greatly vary line width as well; there are lots of possibilities of line width with this pen. I really like it.

 

 

 

The nib is also super smooth. It just glides across the paper, and it is nice and wet. But, when I first got the pen, I thought it had a flow problem. It would skip when starting, when going fast, and when making a diagonal stroke. As I got used to the nib I found that there was no problem. I just needed to get used to its sweet spot and its stub qualities. Now it writes like a dream! (Not that it ever didn’t, if you know what I mean. It was just me not being used to it.) I think that because the tipping is so broad it is easy to set it down on an angle instead of flat how it needs to be, and that just takes some getting used to. If you don’t like that it is like a stub or that it takes some getting used to, I’d advise against a broad nib.

 

The nib is by no means flexible, but it has some nice spring to it and the line can easily be varied (albeit to small extent) with pressure changes.

 

This is a semi hooded nib, which looks very cool on this pen. It is made of gold but plated with platinum to keep with the color scheme. After sitting uncapped for a while there is a slight hesitancy to start, but nothing that I’ll complain about.

 

So far I’ve used the pen with MB Racing Green and Diamine Majestic Blue and it works on a wide variety of paper. Everything from basic yellow legal pads and three-ring filler paper, to 20 lb copy paper, to better 24 lb inkjet paper is great. It even works on lower quality paper without being too broad; the ink just spreads out, but doesn’t feather appreciably. The line width is just fine for writing medium and even smaller sized script in the lines of college ruled paper. Despite the broad line it still will have many, many uses for me. The shading that the broad nib produces is great too!

 

 

5. Filling System and Maintenance – 7/10

This is a piston filler and it performs pretty well. I’ve read that Lamy 2000 pistons tend to be stiff, and that is no exception with mine. This is a major flaw that seems easily correctable. Come on, Lamy! As I mentioned before, the piston-operating blind cap (again, I don’t know if that’s what it’s called in this case) is a bit too loose before the piston engages.

 

As for ink capacity, I was able to cover about 15 sides of 8.5” x 11” paper on one fill.

 

I’ve had no problems with the pen (having had it for so short a time at the time of this review), but I’ve read that it can develop leaks near the section. I can’t comment on this other than put out a warning and tell you to do your research by looking for comments by those who have had the pen for a long time.

 

The pen can be disassembled quite thoroughly for cleaning. Look here for some pictures and an explanation.

 

6. Cost and Value – 10/10

I got this pen for 99.88 USD on sale from Todd at isellpens.com (not affiliated, only a happy customer, etc.). I think that is a great value and it is definitely worth the money. I’m very glad I purchased this pen.

 

7. Conclusion – 51/6 = 8.5 points average

I am immensely pleased with this pen and can recommend it without reservation to anyone who wants a great writing instrument that comes at a great price. I will be using and enjoying my Lamy 2000 for years to come. Thanks for reading!

 

-Michael

Edited September 5, 2009 by f22pilot72

[dandelion]

Great photos! I like the writing samples. It looks kind of stubbish - interesting!

[bphollin]

I never get tired of reading happy Lamy 2000 reviews! Great pictures and nice, balanced review.

[diplomat]

I like the photos too, which set up did you use, if you don't mind to share?

 

That "B" is great. I wonder how an OM or OB will write...

The number of L2K reviews is just one proof of what outstanding pen it is, thanks for your view on it.

 

Ciao,

[f22pilot72]

Thanks everyone!

 

Diplomat, I'll gladly share. The camera I used is a Canon Digital Rebel XT, and as for the setup, it's like a light box without the box. I basically followed a thread here on FPN that I read the other day. I put down a sheet of white paper on the table, propped up another one like a wall to the side, shined a light on the pen, and used a sheet of onionskin as a light diffuser to lessen shadows. The camera was on a tripod and I used a cable release. I used the camera white balance adjustment but adjusted levels in Photoshop Elements as well.

 

-Michael

Edited September 5, 2009 by f22pilot72

[scutterdav]

I've got to quit reading Lamy 2000 reviews with B nibs. I'm beginning to think my EF Lamy 2000 needs a friend. Great review, f22pilot72. You take great photos with great lighting.

[f22pilot72]

I've got to quit reading Lamy 2000 reviews with B nibs. I'm beginning to think my EF Lamy 2000 needs a friend. Great review, f22pilot72. You take great photos with great lighting.

 

Thanks! Pens do need friends, you know; my 2000 only has one friend, a Vista, but he wants more.

 

-Michael

[PAKMAN]

I love my xf 2000 but would love to try one in a stub!

[diplomat]

Thanks everyone!

 

Diplomat, I'll gladly share. The camera I used is a Canon Digital Rebel XT, and as for the setup, it's like a light box without the box. I basically followed a thread here on FPN that I read the other day. I put down a sheet of white paper on the table, propped up another one like a wall to the side, shined a light on the pen, and used a sheet of onionskin as a light diffuser to lessen shadows. The camera was on a tripod and I used a cable release. I used the camera white balance adjustment but adjusted levels in Photoshop Elements as well.

 

-Michael

 

Thanks! So the light was a common incandescence bulb? You get good results.

 

Ciao,

[reprieve]

I have two Lamy 2000s. The first has an XF nib, and the second has a B nib. I don't use the extra-fine much these days (although it does occasionally see ink), since my taste in nib width has changed for the wider. But I keep the broad filled all of the time. It is dedicated to Montblanc Blue-black ink; whenever I need permanence (and even when I don't), I find myself reaching for this pen. Its broad nib has the wonderfully stubbish character that you captured so well in your review. Not to mention the fact that the pen is a workhorse: it is built for heavy use and holds a ton of ink. A great bargain in my opinion.

[haziz]

I love the Lamy 2000. Great pens. I have two fine nibbed Lamy 2000, and one EF (swayed by the input of many on FPN). My one regret is getting the EF rather than a third fine. It writes very smoothly, it is just that it does give a true EF line, which I find too fine for my tastes. I will probably go ahead and order a medium or broad, and you may have just swayed me in the direction of a broad nib.

 

Thanks.

 

Sincerely,

 

Hany.

[RLTodd]

I went with the EF because I have the same problem as the OP, keeping my looped letters open.

 

 

[lecorbusier]

Thanks Michael for the review! I noticed that your pen has the 'joint' design at the feed (plastic and metal joint); the corrected design is a monolithic block of stainless steel, with the feed completely integrated into the steel section. There are known problems with the joint design, especially with leaks. There are ways to watch out for it as well. Thought I should mention this!

 

 

[f22pilot72]

Thanks Michael for the review! I noticed that your pen has the 'joint' design at the feed (plastic and metal joint); the corrected design is a monolithic block of stainless steel, with the feed completely integrated into the steel section. There are known problems with the joint design, especially with leaks. There are ways to watch out for it as well. Thought I should mention this!

 

Now that I come to think of it, I do remember seeing some pictures of pens with the design you describe. But, the vast majority I've seen have my pen's design, so I didn't think twice about it. I appreciate that you pointed it out, and I'll look out for problems. The all steel design is newer you say? I wonder why I haven't seen more pictures of them?

 

Thanks,

Michael

[f22pilot72]

Thanks everyone!

 

Diplomat, I'll gladly share. The camera I used is a Canon Digital Rebel XT, and as for the setup, it's like a light box without the box. I basically followed a thread here on FPN that I read the other day. I put down a sheet of white paper on the table, propped up another one like a wall to the side, shined a light on the pen, and used a sheet of onionskin as a light diffuser to lessen shadows. The camera was on a tripod and I used a cable release. I used the camera white balance adjustment but adjusted levels in Photoshop Elements as well.

 

-Michael

 

Thanks! So the light was a common incandescence bulb? You get good results.

 

Ciao,

 

It's actually a halogen bulb, but as long as the light's bright enough and the white balance is set correctly I don't think it should matter.

 

-Michael

[lecorbusier]

Hi Michael,

 

Here's a picture: http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/3097/spa0481v.jpg

Shot with SAMSUNG at 2009-09-06

 

I suppose the all steel design is newer, since this is the design that addressed one of the leaking issues. But like all new designs, who knows if this has no other unintended consequences of its own given time? Like you said, the Lamy 2000 has seen some reviews but the newer designs are only appearing until quite recently. Mine is an OM which was specially ordered from Germany after I placed my order.

 

 

[f22pilot72]

Hi Michael,

 

Here's a picture: http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/3097/spa0481v.jpg

Shot with SAMSUNG at 2009-09-06

 

I suppose the all steel design is newer, since this is the design that addressed one of the leaking issues. But like all new designs, who knows if this has no other unintended consequences of its own given time? Like you said, the Lamy 2000 has seen some reviews but the newer designs are only appearing until quite recently. Mine is an OM which was specially ordered from Germany after I placed my order.

 

Cool, thanks for the information.

 

-Michael

[Juan in Andalucia]

Thanks Michael for the review! I noticed that your pen has the 'joint' design at the feed (plastic and metal joint); the corrected design is a monolithic block of stainless steel, with the feed completely integrated into the steel section. There are known problems with the joint design, especially with leaks. There are ways to watch out for it as well. Thought I should mention this!

 

In both designs the feeder is integrated into the steel section, or in other words, both designs have the same number of parts.

 

That hole is the breathing hole, not the feeder.

 

Juan

 

[GoTribe]

Excellent review, very thorough. Glad to see another satisfied Lamy 2000 owner. I too had flow issues when mine was new out of the box, though mine took some more serious steps to fix.

 

I love that blue ink you used, may have to pick some up for myself.

 

ben

[f22pilot72]

Excellent review, very thorough. Glad to see another satisfied Lamy 2000 owner. I too had flow issues when mine was new out of the box, though mine took some more serious steps to fix.

 

I love that blue ink you used, may have to pick some up for myself.

 

ben

 

Thanks! Yes, I like the Majestic Blue quite a lot as well.

 

-Michael