Dialog 3 - Longitudinal Studies?

[Calabria]

Sept. 29, 2018

 

So, I've been using the dialog 3 for two months now and wanted to post some pictures about my experience.

 

First off, the cigar-like design is not just a novelty, it remains unusual and "new" even after using the pen exclusively for two months. In that way, it reminds me of the Lamy 2000.

 

 

Three objects describe my experience with it: a 12x folding technical magnifier that rotates out of its metal casing; a round brass pencil sharpener, heavier than necessary but satisfying to hold; a stone pebble that is not exactly hand-shaped, but pleasant to the touch. The dialog 3 is a specific object, functional and materially concrete. Surprisingly, the length of the pen is comparable to a conventional posted pen, for example the Pelikan M200.

 

The main selling point for me is the 14K EF nib with what has been described as an architect's grind – the horizontal lines are wider than the vertical ones (oblong tip).

 

 

After using this nib I just can't return to the round "Kugel" tipped nibs of many other manufacturers – they suddenly seem blobby and imprecise. This nib compares favorably to the Sailors I own. I'm amazed that Lamy still goes the extra distance in grinding this nib.

 

Finally, I wanted to know whether this pen is a toy or a dependable writing instrument. I've carried it with me on travels and used it in a variety of situations for eight weeks:

 

 

The answer is, it's a great writer. A few caveats: When I'm closing the pen I still unscrew the barrel sometimes. Getting the mechanism just right requires a bit of attention. Also, when I first pick up the pen, the cold metal is kind of slippery. It is more comfortable to hold after a few minutes, when it warms to the hand.

 

Lamy claims that they are attempting to not only make pens, but "lifestyle companions." I can see that happening with this pen. It's not likely that I'll never buy another one, but for now the interestingly colored plastic retro designs of other companies seem kind of superfluous and beside the point. If I change my mind, I'll check in again!

 

Regards,

Derek

[1nkulus]

I still enjoy the 'cigar' feel whenever I use it.

Glad you are enjoying it and find it a pleasing experience.

[pendemic]

Lamy dialog 3. How do I tell which version my palladium (eBay) dialog is? And does it make much difference? Is it repairs or cosmetics of the upgrades?

Thanks.

[1nkulus]

Lamy dialog 3. How do I tell which version my palladium (eBay) dialog is? And does it make much difference? Is it repairs or cosmetics of the upgrades?

Thanks.

 

The 2nd Gen. is the one you ought to get.

It has a smoother nib retraction and a cutout to check the ink in the converter (check pic. from post #19).

 

You can post the link/pic here of the pen, if you are unsure.

[SpecTP]

I still use mine in my EDC rotation

[mke]

I have just bought a Dialog 3 with EF nib. I quickly had to find out that this nib doesn't like my Maruman loose leaf paper, it quickly picks up fibers while it doesn't do this on better paper (like Midori notebooks). I will test on several papers and report back.

Looking with a loupe at the nib, I think this nib is the most unsymmetrically slitted nib I own. I am not sure if this is a problem or not.

[Calabria]

I have just bought a Dialog 3 with EF nib. I quickly had to find out that this nib doesn't like my Maruman loose leaf paper, it quickly picks up fibers while it doesn't do this on better paper (like Midori notebooks). I will test on several papers and report back.

Looking with a loupe at the nib, I think this nib is the most unsymmetrically slitted nib I own. I am not sure if this is a problem or not.

I would not accept an asymmetrically slitted nib - can you have it exchanged?

[Sal the List Maker]

Me neither. I would go crazy until I get it exchanged!

[mke]

The eye is a very strong detector of symmetry. So, I had a look at the nib under the microscope.

There it looks much better. I will keep it as it is.

 

BTW, I found out (again) that Western EF can be equal to Japanese M.