Lamy 2000 Or Pelikan M200

[jsroe]

I've used a Pelikan M200 with fine nib for almost 2 years now. I just got a new Lamy 2000 (fine nib), and have had it for a few days now. Here are my initial observations of the Lamy 2000 in comparison to the M200:

 

The Lamy 2000 is well made and feels very solid. You can feel the quality in every aspect of the pen. The M200 is the same, but just lighter. For me the most appealing part of the Lamy 2000 is the really small hooded nib that give it a low profile and unique look. In the office it would pass as just another pen unless you look closely at it to notice that it has a nib. If you want a fountain pen that doesn't draw attention to itself, the Lamy with it's nearly concealed nib, and modern black silhouette is the perfect pen for that.

 

Both the M200 and Lamy 2000 nibs yield a small amount of flex, not much but enough to enable a small amount of line variation and shading to give expression to your hand writing which I really like. They say a good nib should uniquely adapt to your hand writing. The Lamy 2000 and M200 nibs both do that. Other fountain pens with rigid nibs write like a roller ball. For this reason alone the Lamy 2000 is a keeper for me because of it's expressive nib.

 

As good as the Lamy 2000 is, I like the M200 just a little more because the Lamy nib has a distinct and narrower sweet spot. I find I have to be conscious of how I hold the Lamy when I write. If I roll the pen a little too much off center the nib starts to feel scratchy and at the extreme the ink stops flowing. So far with the Lamy I find myself constantly correcting how I hold the pen. The Pelikan nib is not as fussy and has a much broader sweet spot. Also the ink refill system is a lot smoother to operate on the Pelikan, and the ink window is more practical being significantly bigger than the Lamy's.

 

The M200 nib also writes a little wetter, and is probably why it feels a little smoother too.

 

Anyway, both are great pens, but I think the Pelikan M200 is an easier pen to use, and it's steel nib is as good as the gold Lamy nib, which says a lot about Pelikan M200. In all fairness, I've only used the Lamy a short while, so perhaps after longer use my impression of it might change over time, but these are my initial impressions of the Lamy 2000 compared to the Pelikan M200.

[dedalian]

I agree completely with your observations. The ink window in the lamy is a joke for an otherwise great pen, has anyone ever been able to tell if they are about to runout of ink looking through it? Though I do wish Pelikan comes out with more contemporary alternative to the souveran range (shhh please dont mention the ductus here pleeease)

[piembi]

My experience with the Lamy 2000 are B, M and OM nibs. The very best writer is my OM nib. It's a pleasure to write with. Wet and smooth - no matter how I hold the pen. Maybe it's the F that makes your nib fussy?

 

If the piston does not operate smoothly, apply a tiny biit of silicon grease. This is part of my maintenance routine if I notice that a piston is operating stiffly.

 

I have many Pelikans, starting with M200s (mostly upgraded with a 14K nib) to vintage 400s and 140s. I love all of them although I prefer the vintage pens. For me the 200/400 size and weight is perfect for long writing sessions. The M200/250 had been the pen of my university years.

 

For me the Pelikan body is more comfortable. I dislike the slippery L2K section. As much as I like the nib of the L2K, the section is the reason why I use the pen not as often as I might want to.

[Dr Lopez]

You might like to have a look at a comparative review here https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?/topic/175932-lamy-2000-vs-pelikan-m200/page__p__1766190__fromsearch__1#entry1766190

[troglokev]

Did someone say Ductus?

[anderl]

The ink window in the lamy is a joke for an otherwise great pen, has anyone ever been able to tell if they are about to runout of ink looking through it?

Yes, all you've got to do is hold the pen horizontally while you check.

[majorworks]

The ink window in the lamy is a joke for an otherwise great pen, has anyone ever been able to tell if they are about to runout of ink looking through it?

Yes, all you've got to do is hold the pen horizontally while you check.

 

I'm consistently amazed at how often this seems to elude Lamy 2000 users. It works fine for me. I have to believe that this is the way Lamy intended the ink window to be used from the beginning.

[watch_art]

i love my ink window.

[schwartz54]

Just curious, what's OM? Is this a version of a Medium? Thanks.

[Namo]

I agree completely with your observations. The ink window in the lamy is a joke for an otherwise great pen, has anyone ever been able to tell if they are about to runout of ink looking through it? Though I do wish Pelikan comes out with more contemporary alternative to the souveran range (shhh please dont mention the ductus here pleeease)

 

Thanks for the review, very interesting!

 

As for the Lamy 2K window, I do agree as long as black or dark inks are concerned; I use it now with Noodler's Turquoise, and the window, even if it is not as easy to "read" as the Pelikan's, proves itself very efficient.

Edited January 11, 2011 by Namo

[goodguy]

Made a comparison review of these 2 pens not a long time ago and got the opposite results.

I liked the L2K better even though the M200 is a great pen.

 

Different strokes for different folks.

[watch_art]

It would probably be more expensive b/c it's different. But cool idea.

[Robert Alan]

Just curious, what's OM? Is this a version of a Medium? Thanks.

 

Yes, it is a type of medium-width nib. OM=oblique medium

[nicholasyeo]

Yes, the horizontal sections seen help to tell whether there is a half fill of ink.

[dedalian]

The ink window in the lamy is a joke for an otherwise great pen, has anyone ever been able to tell if they are about to runout of ink looking through it?

Yes, all you've got to do is hold the pen horizontally while you check.

 

I'm consistently amazed at how often this seems to elude Lamy 2000 users. It works fine for me. I have to believe that this is the way Lamy intended the ink window to be used from the beginning.

Its quite obvious that the window is to be viewed horizontally, it still doesnt help me though. Maybe I need glasses.

edit: for me the bigger problem is not the shape of the window but the transparency which is reduced due to texturing of the surface.

Edited January 14, 2011 by dedalian

[SnowLeopard]

I've used both in B widths...and can't say I prefer one over the other. It depends on the ink in each. I hardly look at the ink windows... other than to pass the time... in boring board meetings.Pelican's edge is that it reminds me of a "lava lamp".

[kareth]

as the nib of LAMY 2000 is hooded, could anyone please tell how could it be identified whether the nib is "BB", "B" or "M". Please help

[milkb0at]

+1 for the above question. I realises that I've no idea what nib my Lamy 200 has. It was a gift, so I didn't get to choose.

[watch_art]

an easy way to check the line is to unscrew the barrel from the section. don't lose the little metal ring or rubber o ring.

 

use your fingers and carefully push against the nib, so it and the feed will slide out of the section.

 

then read the nib.

 

not real sure if it's marked, but if it is, it'll be there. then just line it up carefully and stick it back in.

[milkb0at]

Great, thanks watch_art. I had thought I was missing something obvious.