Lamy Studio or Scala? Looking for longevity.

[DrPlush]

Hello fine friends!

 

I am interested in a Lamy and am hoping for advice on whether to get a Studio or Scala. I have a great Z55 14k OB nib but I don’t like the feel of my Safaris or the Al-Stars I’ve had, so I’m looking for one of their other offerings to make use of my nib.

 

I’d prefer to purchase a pen that will last a very very long time with regular use and I’ve seen that some Studio models of various types have issues with the finishes deteriorating, and I haven’t found too much on the longevity of the Scala. I’m interested in the Studio Fountain Pen LX All Black 2019 or the new Scala Majestic Jade (the description says the jade colour is lacquered). Does anyone have any thoughts on the build/finish quality of these pens, or which would be preferable to buy and use?

 

I unfortunately do not have the opportunity to go try these pens in store. For reference, I like the size of the Safaris but not the feel of their particular plastic (I’ve tried matte and glossy). My favourite pens to write with are the Pilot Custom 823 and Pelikan M800, but the ones I use most often (all day at work) are the Pilot Capless and YSTUDIO Classic Revolve Portable (which is also a coated brass body but with an exposed brass section). I also have and enjoy the larger YSTUDIO Classic Revolve (regular). I previously had a Faber-Castell Loom, which I loved the feel of (but the nib I had was too fine for me) and have used my nephew’s Lamy Nexx a bunch, which I like the shape of but find a bit too light.

 

 Thank you for any advice you can offer! ☺️

[Surlyprof]

I’ve tried both and chose the Studio.  The Scala is a bit heftier but they both have a nice weight.  Where the Studio beat the Scala in my mind is the balance.  I post pens usually and the Scala cap was heavy whereas the Studio’s cap was lighter so the pen felt much more balanced in my mind.  The build quality appeared similar.  I actually own two Studios, the brushed with a rubber section and an olive one with the metal section.  I believe the LX has a similar section as the brushed one.  The metal section front weights the olive one a bit more so that is the one I prefer.  I’ve heard one regular complaint about the Studio and it’s that the clip begins to wear the paint over time (from capping and uncapping).  I don’t know if the Scala has the same issue. I have gold nibs on both Studios and love’em.  Nice weight, good balance and smooth as silk (particularly the medium).

[Mark from Yorkshire]

I have both and the broad nib on the Scala is really good, it is a heavy pen though. Both mine have only seen light use

[Scriptum est]

Of the two I have only the Lamy Studio and it is probably the best Lamy I have. I have been disappointed with the Lamy 'go-to' pen, the 2000 and am beginning to wish I had never bought it. But as I actually quite like my Lamy Safari, maybe you should ignore my recommendation!

[Lithium466]

I only have the Scala in stainless steel (Amazon ad was saying sterling silver 925 but it sure wasn't priced accordingly and doesn't look like silver), and like it a lot (I don't post my pens).
It's a nice step up over cheaper Lamy offerings, the cap seals well and it's been durable so far, but it never leaves my desk so that's not exactly a feat!

 

Unpopular opinion: have a look at the Logo, it's cheap, full metal (except for the tip of the barrel sadly). I bought one during my studies an eternity ago, it's been beaten up to death and is still looking almost like new today. While I'm not fan of the aesthetics, it was the only full metal section pen I could find at that time (like I said, an eternity ago, before the internet) that came with an extra fine nib (little did I know about Japanese pens at that time, and they weren't available in my small city anyway). I was never a fan of the Lamy Z50 nib (which I replaced by a Z55 as soon as I knew better), but it still seals well and has proven very durable.
I'm seeing the Scala as a step up from the Logo, and am now considering a Scala Jade edition...

[jchch1950]

The Scala is heavier than the Studio but that doesn't affect the finish. I post my Studios very carefully trying not to scratch the finish in any way and until now I can not see any deterioration in the pens. I keep my pens in leather cases to help protect them.

[arcfide]

IMO, the finishes on the Scala and the Studio are probably apt to show wear more than some other finishes simply because lacquered and other such finishes tend to do that over time. However, their metal construction and the like will also likely mean that they will be quite durable and less likely to degrade or become brittle like some plastics can. If you can live with the potential for finish wear in exchange for the durability of the metal, then I don't see why you wouldn't be able to trust either of those designs. 

[DrPlush]

6 hours ago, arcfide said:

IMO, the finishes on the Scala and the Studio are probably apt to show wear more than some other finishes simply because lacquered and other such finishes tend to do that over time. However, their metal construction and the like will also likely mean that they will be quite durable and less likely to degrade or become brittle like some plastics can. If you can live with the potential for finish wear in exchange for the durability of the metal, then I don't see why you wouldn't be able to trust either of those designs. 

Thank you — I’m not really concerned about the lacquer chipping and such, but it seems some finishes of the Studio turned sticky and another is known to develop a rust-like tarnish, so those are the sorts of things I’m hoping to avoid. (I haven’t seen anything about the specific Studio finish I’m looking at, though.)

[DrPlush]

16 hours ago, Surlyprof said:

I’ve tried both and chose the Studio.  The Scala is a bit heftier but they both have a nice weight.  Where the Studio beat the Scala in my mind is the balance.  I post pens usually and the Scala cap was heavy whereas the Studio’s cap was lighter so the pen felt much more balanced in my mind.  The build quality appeared similar.  I actually own two Studios, the brushed with a rubber section and an olive one with the metal section.  I believe the LX has a similar section as the brushed one.  The metal section front weights the olive one a bit more so that is the one I prefer.  I’ve heard one regular complaint about the Studio and it’s that the clip begins to wear the paint over time (from capping and uncapping).  I don’t know if the Scala has the same issue. I have gold nibs on both Studios and love’em.  Nice weight, good balance and smooth as silk (particularly the medium).

This is really helpful, thank you! Are you willing  to elaborate on how capping and uncapping causes the clip to wear the paint? I can’t quite understand the mechanics of this. (Unless it’s that clipping it closed wears the paint, rather than related to the clip that holds the pen on things?)

[Surlyprof]

I saw reviews where people said the Studio's propeller clip scratched the finish as it can shift side to side if you grab the clip when you grab the cap.  Make sense if you were exerting pressure on the clip and grabbed it from the side you'd be pushing the clip into the finish and, if the clip shifted to the side, it might scratch the finish.  I guess it would be similar to running a key against a car's paint job (No, I haven't tried this).  I have noticed very minor wear in a small area near where the clip touches the cap on my brushed steel Studio after two years of ownership.  I assume that is from me grabbing the cap where the clip is occasionally.  You have to look pretty hard to see it.  I haven't noticed that on my olive one.  I've only owned that one for just under a year.  This may not be an issue with the Scala as its clip is structural side-to-side (like the clip on my CP1 and 2000s).  The clip can probably only move up and down.  Of course I don't know this for sure since I ruled the Scala out when I was at the Lamy store (which was tough to do since it was the purple one!)

[DrPlush]

3 minutes ago, Surlyprof said:

I saw reviews where people said the Studio's propeller clip scratched the finish as it can shift side to side if you grab the clip when you grab the cap.  Make sense if you were exerting pressure on the clip and grabbed it from the side you'd be pushing the clip into the finish and, if the clip shifted to the side, it might scratch the finish.  I guess it would be similar to running a key against a car's paint job (No, I haven't tried this).  I have noticed very minor wear in a small area near where the clip touches the cap on my brushed steel Studio after two years of ownership.  I assume that is from me grabbing the cap where the clip is occasionally.  You have to look pretty hard to see it.  I haven't noticed that on my olive one.  I've only owned that one for just under a year.  This may not be an issue with the Scala as its clip is structural side-to-side (like the clip on my CP1 and 2000s).  The clip can probably only move up and down.  Of course I don't know this for sure since I ruled the Scala out when I was at the Lamy store (which was tough to do since it was the purple one!)

Ah, I’m with you now! That’s super helpful — thanks for taking the time to explain! I don’t think this would bother me, but it’s good to be  aware of.

[LiquidInk]

The sale ends tomorrow on Sept 10, but Endless pens have 35% off sale, the Lamy Scala (with an additional 15% off) in question for around $30 steel nib version.

 

But I'm going to suggest a Lamy Accent. It's $30 steel nib version (also has the additional 15% off right now)

https://endlesspens.com/products/lamy-fountain-pen-accent-aluminum

 

I picked up the gold nib version for $100, it's a great pen at a great price. The pen feels solid with a light weight body. It's screw cap so it won't "wear" out a snap cap. plus snaps to post when writing so it's secure. 

[brohan]

Hi! I have a bit of a different suggestion. You should try the Accent. It is available in two finishes, aluminium and black lacquer. The aluminium version is cheaper and comes with steel nibs. The lacquer one is heavier and more expensive.

 

I have a 3-year-old aluminium version that still looks new with regular use. However, it has a couple of quirks, at least for me;

• The cap posts at the very tip of the pen, making it back-heavy.
• The grip is interchangeable and quite fat. But then I do not have particularly large hands.

It is a solid pen that's a joy to use, certainly worth your consideration.

 

[Lithium466]

Does it have a metal section?

[DrPlush]

Thank you all for your input and suggestions! It feels like the general picture in this thread is that I can’t go too wrong no matter which Lamy I choose, so I’ve ordered the Scala in the Majestic Jade finish. Hopefully I’ll get the opportunity to try some of the other pens suggested in future!

[Karmachanic]

On 9/8/2023 at 11:37 PM, DrPlush said:

 

I’d prefer to purchase a pen that will last a very very long time with regular use

 

Too soon to tell.  Check again in a long, long time.  🤣

[Surlyprof]

On 9/15/2023 at 4:21 AM, DrPlush said:

I’ve ordered the Scala in the Majestic Jade finish.

Congratulations.  As much as I leaned toward the Studio, that Jade Scala is a really sharp pen.  Enjoy!

[Baka1969]

I have four Studios. I have the Black Forest, the Imperial Blue, Stainless Steel and All Black. Each one a different finish. Two with steel nibs and two with gold nibs. two with the black rubberized grip sections and two with metal sections. So each one has a somewhat different feel. That said, they're some of my favorite pens. Also, because I have a lot of pens and I go through a heavy rotation, I don't have a lot of wear and tear on my pens. 

 

Of course if one is rough on their pens they'll get more wear. I'm more abusive to my edc pens like my Kaweco Sports than my "fancier" pens like my Montblancs.

 

Of my Lamy Studios the stainless is probably the most durable? I'm not willing to torture test them to find out though. lol 

Edited September 22, 2023 by Baka1969
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[Waltz For Zizi]

On 9/9/2023 at 1:37 AM, DrPlush said:

Hello fine friends!

 

I am interested in a Lamy and am hoping for advice on whether to get a Studio or Scala. I have a great Z55 14k OB nib but I don’t like the feel of my Safaris or the Al-Stars I’ve had, so I’m looking for one of their other offerings to make use of my nib.

 

I’d prefer to purchase a pen that will last a very very long time with regular use and I’ve seen that some Studio models of various types have issues with the finishes deteriorating, and I haven’t found too much on the longevity of the Scala. I’m interested in the Studio Fountain Pen LX All Black 2019 or the new Scala Majestic Jade (the description says the jade colour is lacquered). Does anyone have any thoughts on the build/finish quality of these pens, or which would be preferable to buy and use?

 

I unfortunately do not have the opportunity to go try these pens in store. For reference, I like the size of the Safaris but not the feel of their particular plastic (I’ve tried matte and glossy). My favourite pens to write with are the Pilot Custom 823 and Pelikan M800, but the ones I use most often (all day at work) are the Pilot Capless and YSTUDIO Classic Revolve Portable (which is also a coated brass body but with an exposed brass section). I also have and enjoy the larger YSTUDIO Classic Revolve (regular). I previously had a Faber-Castell Loom, which I loved the feel of (but the nib I had was too fine for me) and have used my nephew’s Lamy Nexx a bunch, which I like the shape of but find a bit too light.

 

 Thank you for any advice you can offer! ☺️

I hanen't used the studio, but my scala has the clip wiggling from side to side, so I I were to pick among them I would be the studio cause it's cheaper

[LittleRich]

On 9/8/2023 at 5:37 PM, DrPlush said:

Hello fine friends!

 

I am interested in a Lamy and am hoping for advice on whether to get a Studio or Scala. I have a great Z55 14k OB nib but I don’t like the feel of my Safaris or the Al-Stars I’ve had, so I’m looking for one of their other offerings to make use of my nib.

 

I’d prefer to purchase a pen that will last a very very long time with regular use and I’ve seen that some Studio models of various types have issues with the finishes deteriorating, and I haven’t found too much on the longevity of the Scala. I’m interested in the Studio Fountain Pen LX All Black 2019 or the new Scala Majestic Jade (the description says the jade colour is lacquered). Does anyone have any thoughts on the build/finish quality of these pens, or which would be preferable to buy and use?

 

I unfortunately do not have the opportunity to go try these pens in store. For reference, I like the size of the Safaris but not the feel of their particular plastic (I’ve tried matte and glossy). My favourite pens to write with are the Pilot Custom 823 and Pelikan M800, but the ones I use most often (all day at work) are the Pilot Capless and YSTUDIO Classic Revolve Portable (which is also a coated brass body but with an exposed brass section). I also have and enjoy the larger YSTUDIO Classic Revolve (regular). I previously had a Faber-Castell Loom, which I loved the feel of (but the nib I had was too fine for me) and have used my nephew’s Lamy Nexx a bunch, which I like the shape of but find a bit too light.

 

 Thank you for any advice you can offer! ☺️

 

On 9/8/2023 at 5:37 PM, DrPlush said:

Hello fine friends!

 

I am interested in a Lamy and am hoping for advice on whether to get a Studio or Scala. I have a great Z55 14k OB nib but I don’t like the feel of my Safaris or the Al-Stars I’ve had, so I’m looking for one of their other offerings to make use of my nib.

 

I’d prefer to purchase a pen that will last a very very long time with regular use and I’ve seen that some Studio models of various types have issues with the finishes deteriorating, and I haven’t found too much on the longevity of the Scala. I’m interested in the Studio Fountain Pen LX All Black 2019 or the new Scala Majestic Jade (the description says the jade colour is lacquered). Does anyone have any thoughts on the build/finish quality of these pens, or which would be preferable to buy and use?

 

I unfortunately do not have the opportunity to go try these pens in store. For reference, I like the size of the Safaris but not the feel of their particular plastic (I’ve tried matte and glossy). My favourite pens to write with are the Pilot Custom 823 and Pelikan M800, but the ones I use most often (all day at work) are the Pilot Capless and YSTUDIO Classic Revolve Portable (which is also a coated brass body but with an exposed brass section). I also have and enjoy the larger YSTUDIO Classic Revolve (regular). I previously had a Faber-Castell Loom, which I loved the feel of (but the nib I had was too fine for me) and have used my nephew’s Lamy Nexx a bunch, which I like the shape of but find a bit too light.

 

 Thank you for any advice you can offer! ☺️