Ode to the Pelikan M215 Lozenge

[QM2]

http://queenmargot.com/pel215l1.jpg

 

There already exist reviews of the Pelikan M215, but this is specifically an Ode

to the one with the Lozenge pattern, so hopefully it will provide some useful variety.

I've had this pen for a year and a half and we have been very happy together.

 

http://queenmargot.com/pel215l2.jpg

 

Often, people new to fountain pens will ask a question that goes something like this:

"What pen can I get that is of excellent quality, produced by an old, highly respected

manufacturer, writes smoothly as can be, is comfortable to hold, and looks drop-dead

gorgeous? ...for under a $100?"

 

To me, nothing seems more obvious than the answer to this question:

The Pelikan M215 in the Lozenge Pattern. Yes, the beautiful one in all the photos here.

 

http://queenmargot.com/pel215l3.jpg

 

For as little as $75-80 brand new, if you know where to look, you get:

 

. a solid, classically shaped fountain pen made of laquered lightweight metal

 

. a piston filler mechanism

 

. a smooth, springy steel nib (or if you wish, for a higher price, gold*)

with an intriguing vintage feel to it

 

. an incredible interchangeable nib system so easy to operate that a 2-year-old

can do it. Unlike the Lamy Safari nibs, which are difficult as heck to yank out,

the Pelikan nibs simply unscrew from the section, allowing you to acquire a variety

of steel, gold, italic, and even flexible nibs for your pen in different sizes*!

 

. a truly comfortable gripping section conducive to long hours of writing

 

. a breath-taking, "expensive-looking" design of platinum-plated art deco diamond

"lozenges" carved into the pen's body that is surprisingly resistant to scratches.

 

There is probably more to tell, but I am too distracted by my pen's gorgeous shimmer

to think of it just now.

 

http://queenmargot.com/pel215l4.jpg

 

The Pelikan M215 Lozenge is suitable for any occasion and looks fabulous with everything.

It even looks great next to a pear.

 

http://queenmargot.com/pel215l5.jpg

 

... as well as behind a pear.

 

In my opinion, the Pelikan M215 Lozenge is, hands down, the best value in modern pens.

 

Hope you found this enjoyable,

QM2

 

 

---

* these features are available from several nibmeisters who are also Pelikan retailers;

they are not offered by Pelikan directly

Edited July 9, 2008 by QM2

[kaos]

Beautiful pen, and good photographs. I look forward till the day I can get my first Pelikan. I am holding out for a 600.

[omasfan]

Wonderful review! I have the M215 with rhodinated rings. I love it and I totally agree with what you said in your review. Best value for the money!

[DeaconKC]

Very nice! Especially enjoyed your creative photography!

[SteadyHand]

I love that pen.

[Reid]

Lovely pen. Great photos.

 

I have an M215 in the blue version with a M Binder nib - wonderful all around great pen. I love the extra weight (compared to the regular M200).

 

But have to admit the black and silver is very classy.

[langere]

That review made me laugh. I hope the pear was not offended!

 

Erick

[QM2]

Thank you everyone, and the pear is pleased that its role was appreciated.

 

  kaos said:

I look forward till the day I can get my first Pelikan. I am holding out for a 600.

 

That's the only problem: the M215 Lozenge has sort of "ruined" me for the Souveraen Pelikans. I would really like one of the larger models, but I am not attracted to any of the other patterns nearly as much. The exception is the Toledos, but they are too expensive. If only Pelikan would make an M815 or an M1015 in the Lozenge pattern...

 

[J English Smith]

I love these two 215 patterns - I want to get one of the "ring" style ones eventually. I have a 200 in black old style with silver trim, so can't justify the extra purchase - yet. And the lozenge pattern is very attractive too. I agree that they are just perfect pens - for me, there's no real desire to go up in the Pelikan tree. Like the 51 demi, these fit my hand perfectly and are stylish and offer high value.

[hamadryad11]

I just got one of those a couple weeks ago. It's a little heavier than I like, but otherwise it's a wonderful pen. Very elegant pen, well-balanced, smooth writer, and all that other great stuff I associate with Pelikan. I really love how the metal inlay catches the light when I turn the pen.

 

It's kind of mesmerising.

[AfterMyNap]

Thanks for this review, I just got my first Pelikan, an M200 and found it a little too light for me. Next stop, 215!

[AlphaParticle]

Just a few weeks ago, I got one of these very pens with a Binder F nib and it has been my workhorse pen since. The piston filling mechanism is extremely easy to use, the pen writes smoothly every time, and the looks are great. I'll need to get a pear to give my pen a little company.

[wylie]

I agree totally. I wanted something that was a bit flashy without being over the top so I chose this pen. It is my first Pelikan. The weight of the pen was a concern at first, but for me it is just right. I have seen a new version of the M215 with a cross hatch pattern. I may have to buy another to keep mine company.

[KCat]

Fun review. I've been eyeing this one for a long time. Someday.

[Rufus]

I have a 215 with the blue barrel and black cap. It's a lovely looking pen and is very well made. The one drawback is that I find it too small, both in terms of length and diameter, although I do like the weight of it. I have an old-style M800, which I acquired after the 215, that I find much more to my liking in terms of size, so I'll have to find an appreciative new home for the 215.

[ethernautrix]

I like your review A LOT!

 

I have one, with the rings, and I was delighted when I opened the box, and it is one of my favorite writers.

 

When a friend started turning, coming over to the Fine Pen Side, I let her try about a dozen of my pens (the ones I had on me that day), and her choice came down to the M215 or the Sheaffer Crest Laque (no longer in production). So she bought the M215 lozenge style, like yours, and she LOVES it!

 

I like the whimsy in your review very much!

[bphollin]

  QM2 said:

The Pelikan M215 Lozenge is suitable for any occasion and looks fabulous with everything.

It even looks great next to a pear.

 

... as well as behind a pear.

 

Too funny! I think I'm about to jump into the Pelikan family with a 215, myself (the blue/black, though). Thanks for the great pictures and enjoyable testimonial!

[Levatio]

Very entertaining ode. Nice photos both of the pear and the pen. What an odd couple!

Enjoy your Pelikan.

[stjimmy]

QM2 great review/ode!!!

 

If new to the FP game. I recently got a M200, great pen love every bit of the technical aspects but I just can get past the gold accents. So I'm looking to trade up to the 215. Like some I just can't justify the price. I think I may sell the 200 blue marble barrel here on FPN ... any takers? gently used...Fine nib....I may even through in a free sample of the Noodlers blue-black Aircorp? OK I'll stop pimping out my M200...

 

Great pics!! Can't wait to get one.

 

stjim.

[penpimperLV]

I simply love Pelikans, they write so well and are very elegant looking. Simple and understated. Well worth the money. Much better writer than other flashier, more expensive brands on the market. Definitely a pen to use for everyday writing. Gotta love those silver diamond pinstripes!

 

I was lucky to have tested this particular pen at Paradise Pen Co. when I worked there briefly. I actually sold the RB to a customer and I was so jealous that he walked off with the only one we had at the time. However, I'm contemplating buying a 215 FP in the future. I enjoyed reading your review. Thanks for sharing.