Lamy Lx Questions

[Easigraf]

Hi,

 

I have just received a Lamy Lx Palladium (I got on sale). I have noticed a couple of mishaps.

 

Firstly, I noticed that there is a loose bottom finial- creating a rattling sound. I was able to use my finger to tighten it (in comparison to another one, it is not fully tightened- as seen in the photo by referencing the ‘Germany’ imprinting). However, it came loose again. Since tightening it again, it hasn’t. Is there any way that I can fix this, to prevent it loosening long term? I believe there is a hex thread in the bottom finial?

 

A question about the nib. I noticed a grey streak on the right tine. I originally thought that it must be some sort of factory residue. I cleaned it and inked it up, however, have realised that it is still there. Could this be a spot on the nib where PVD coating is missing? Input on this would be great.

 

And finally, a question about the feed. When capped, the feed remains black, though when uncapped, it fades to a greyish white colour. Is this normal, as I haven’t been able to find any information on this? 
 

Not sure if any of these issues or questions have to do with a slight problem I ran into. When loading a cartridge into my pen, after cleaning with a bulb syringe (with basically distilled water), and drying off, the ink just would not flow to the nib properly, as only faint grey lines came out (even after writing for a while). I tried everything to promote the ink to saturate the feed, including putting the pen upside down, gently squeezing the cartridge and writing with it. When cleaning it out, a faint pink colour came out? Anyway, I have since combatted this by using bottled ink (Pilot Iroshizuku), so as to saturate the nib and feed initially, and since I haven’t had any flow issues. 
 

Thank you in advance!

[Estycollector]

How did it perform as a writing instrument? 

[Easigraf]

+Etsycollector Thanks for responding. Since using an ink bottle, it performs as you would expect (converter works!), quite smooth with minimal pressure, though does feel a little less smooth in comparison to another one I have- maybe that is because they have different inks. The smoother ones has Lamy black cartridge and Palladium (one mentioned above- less smooth) has Pilot Iroshizuku Sui-Gyoku ink. Though this could be attributed to the tine spacing, as my other one appears to let more light through the tones, then my Palladium one- quality control? I can provide a writing sample later today. 

Edited December 26, 2023 by Orlando1

[peroride]

Looks like the plating came off the nib but should not affect writing performance, same for the different color feed, black or greyish is fine. Enjoy your nice pen !

[Easigraf]

+ peroride Okay thanks. I think that is the case as well- I don’t think it will be much of an issue.

[Easigraf]

Any tips on tightening the bottom finial?

[AceNinja]

1 hour ago, Orlando1 said:

And finally, a question about the feed. When capped, the feed remains black, though when uncapped, it fades to a greyish white colour. Is this normal, as I haven’t been able to find any information on this? 

I've a somewhat similar experience so maybe you can relate to it.

 

I filled my M200 with Diamine Iridescink Robert, a high sheening ink.  When capped, the feed is the black colour.  When uncapped, the feed slowly sheens to greenish colour, the way that Robert sheens.  This tell me that as the pen is capped, the water vapour evaporated from the nib and feed, trapped inside the good sealing cap, keeping the feed's surface slightly always moist, therefore no sheen.  As i uncap it, all the saturated moist air around the feed flows away, the feed slowly dries up, and the feed slowly begins to sheen because it was previously coated with the ink.   Its a process that's repeatable.

 

Maybe this is something similar happening to yours (the good sealing cap keeping feed wet)

[Easigraf]

That sounds right. The feed appears to not be saturated when the cap is off, and just retains the ink colour. Not sure if this affects writing performance? Perhaps it could impact the wetness of the nib..

[Surlyprof]

4 hours ago, Orlando1 said:

Any tips on tightening the bottom finial?

It looks like it requires an allen head wrench.  Being a Lamy, it is most probably metric.  I would suggest taking it down to a hardware store to see if they have a smaller size metric set that fits it.  You could probably tighten it right there at the store.  Make sure it’s a good fit so you don’t strip it.

[Easigraf]

15 minutes ago, Surlyprof said:

It looks like it requires an allen head wrench.  Being a Lamy, it is most probably metric.  I would suggest taking it down to a hardware store to see if they have a smaller size metric set that fits it.  You could probably tighten it right there at the store.  Make sure it’s a good fit so you don’t strip it.

Thanks! I’ll do that. 

[Easigraf]

Does anyone think it is worthwhile contacting Lamy customer support?

[nibndip]

If in Australia, don’t bother 

[Easigraf]

@nibndipI agree, I have heard not great stuff about Australian Lamy support. They also cannot return anything either as it is a sale item. The best solutions have and will come from here 

[Easigraf]

Update: Lamy Australia customer support have responded. They are shipping out a replacement! 

 

Thank you for all your suggestions and tips on the faulty one.