Modern Minimalistic Pens

[Ad_Astra]

I do two questions about the Lamy 2000:

 

1) I've heard that the nib runs thicker than others. Is that compared to other fountain pens or other Lamys? For example, I have the Lamy Safari with the F nib. Would a Lamy 2000 with an F nib write the same, or would it write more like a Safari with an M nib?

 

2) I've read about less than optimal quality control on the Lamy 2000. Since I don't know much about pens just yet, what should I look out for?

 

Thanks again for all your help. It is truly appreciated.

 

1. In my opinion: not really that much thicker. In general, Euro nibs run a size wider, but Lamy's idea of what tolerances should constitute a given nib width are pretty good sized, so you can have a pretty wide medium or a pretty fine extra-fine nib and everything in between. If you have a Safari with an F nib, your 2K will probably write the same (assuming the Safari is the middle of the medium range and not on the very narrow side of medium). However, it's relevant to note that the 2K is very wet relative to the slightly-dry Safari, so that often leads to more ink spreading a bit and it makes the line seem a bit wider. If you use a drier ink, this will evaporate as a problem.

 

2. At least when I was shopping for one (I have one in M and it writes like a standard Euro medium), I read lots of threads and reviews here on FPN, mostly for the EF model, that made it sound suspect at best in the QC department. Since then though, it seems like most people who have ordered other sizes haven't had as much trouble as you'd think from just reading those posts around that time period. In general, if the piston works, the nib writes the size you like, the nib is physically unblemished, the pen doesn't leak or dry out, and it writes like you want, that's pretty much all you need to check out on the QC side, AFAIK.

[Uncle Red]

You can look here for a nib comparison.

http://www.gouletpens.com/Nib_Nook_s/1114.htm

[kps]

I had also not heard of the Pilot M90 until you guys mentioned it and it is also just amazing. However, I can't see myself dropping $500 (that's how much it seems to be going for on eBay) on one of my first pens, so that one will have to stay out of reach for now.

They don't actually sell for that much, usually — more like $200–$300 for ones in new condition, and $150–$250 for used ones. Its predecessor from the '70s, the Pilot Myu 701, is a bit less expensive, and a bit more streamlined. If you like integrated nib Pilots, you might also like the Parker 50 aka Falcon (1979–1982), which sells for around $100 in new condition.

 

[bicfan]

I had also not heard of the Pilot M90 until you guys mentioned it and it is also just amazing. However, I can't see myself dropping $500 (that's how much it seems to be going for on eBay) on one of my first pens, so that one will have to stay out of reach for now.

They don't actually sell for that much, usually — more like $200–$300 for ones in new condition, and $150–$250 for used ones. Its predecessor from the '70s, the Pilot Myu 701, is a bit less expensive, and a bit more streamlined. If you like integrated nib Pilots, you might also like the Parker 50 aka Falcon (1979–1982), which sells for around $100 in new condition.

 

I think you could kill somebody with one of those.

[tonybelding]

I'd point to some Parkers and Sheaffers from the 1960s-1970s as semi-modern (or semi-vintage, depending on your viewpoint) examples of minimalist, modern-styled pens that usually work very well. Many of them can hold their own with the Lamy 2000 (they originated from the same era, after all), and can be found in NOS or EXC+ condition at a lower price point.

 

I'm thinking Parker Super 21, Parker 61, Parker 75, Parker 45, Sheaffer touchdown-filling Imperials, cartridge Imperials (the Imperial line has many variations), Sheaffer Targas, etc.

[kps]

I think you could kill somebody with one of those.

Nah, that's what the Rotring 600 is for.

[georges zaslavsky]

waterman laureat and waterman expert first generation

[rajatbhardwaj]

You can look here for a nib comparison.

http://www.gouletpens.com/Nib_Nook_s/1114.htm

 

This is great. Thanks!

[Tom Aquinas]

First of all, let me just say, Wow!

 

I'm a member of several other forums (photography, filmmaking, mechanical watches) and none of the other forums are as generous in their response as this one is. Or maybe I just never asked the right questions on the other forums, but I digress.

 

I had never really taken a look at the Lamy 2000 when the lady at the store mentioned it to me, because I just balked at the price and didn't even think to look at what a marvelous design it is.

 

I had also not heard of the Pilot M90 until you guys mentioned it and it is also just amazing. However, I can't see myself dropping $500 (that's how much it seems to be going for on eBay) on one of my first pens, so that one will have to stay out of reach for now.

 

Thanks for all the other suggestions, I learned a lot about a bunch of new to me pens. I think I'll go with the 2000 as I want a daily writer that I can use in every situation and don't want to have a bunch of different pens in my collection (I know, I know, famous last words).

 

I do two questions about the Lamy 2000:

 

1) I've heard that the nib runs thicker than others. Is that compared to other fountain pens or other Lamys? For example, I have the Lamy Safari with the F nib. Would a Lamy 2000 with an F nib write the same, or would it write more like a Safari with an M nib?

 

2) I've read about less than optimal quality control on the Lamy 2000. Since I don't know much about pens just yet, what should I look out for?

 

Thanks again for all your help. It is truly appreciated.

 

 

The Lamy 2000 has been in constant production since 1967. It has a gold nib, is robust and I have written for hours with mine. I have given two as presents, so that is my recommendation. I do not have a Safari, but their popularity Downunder is gaining popularity so the quantity of sales is also a good recommendation. It depends on your budget. There are a lot of good pens out there Pilots are another good sturdy pen.

[rajatbhardwaj]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I'm using a Lamy Safari for now, and have started saving up for a pen/justifying to myself that I should buy a ~$150 pen. I've started keeping a journal, and if I keep it up, I'll invest in the Lamy 2000.

 

I went and saw them at the local stores, but they had the EF and the M. What I want is the F. I'll have to order online when I'm ready.

[Chrontius]

Bauhaus pens? That's most of my favorites.

Parker T1

Parker 25

Parker 45, though borderline bauhaus, writes like a dream.

Rotring 600

 

And yes, the Lamy 2000 is a brilliant, beautiful design. It is my grail pen.

 

And I'll name a pencil as an honorary mention: the Faber-Castell E-Motion. They also have ballpoints, and though they have fountain pens in the lineup, they're not quite the same brilliant profile as the other two types of writing tool.

[rajatbhardwaj]

Bauhaus pens? That's most of my favorites.

Parker T1

Parker 25

Parker 45, though borderline bauhaus, writes like a dream.

Rotring 600

 

And yes, the Lamy 2000 is a brilliant, beautiful design. It is my grail pen.

 

And I'll name a pencil as an honorary mention: the Faber-Castell E-Motion. They also have ballpoints, and though they have fountain pens in the lineup, they're not quite the same brilliant profile as the other two types of writing tool.

 

Wow, the Rotring 600 looks amazing. I know it was mentioned before, but I didn't look at it until now.

 

I'd love to try one out, unfortunately I doubt I'll be able to see one in person before buying it online

[rajatbhardwaj]

So I went and tried a Lamy 2000 with an EF nib at a local store. Did not like it at all. It was too fine a line. They don't have an F, and aren't planning on getting one for a while. I don't think I'd buy one without trying it out first $175 is a lot of money to drop without trying it to see if I'd like it.

Edited May 27, 2012 by rajatbhardwaj

[Silent Speaker]

So I went and tried a Lamy 2000 with an EF nib at a local store. Did not like it at all. It was too fine a line. They don't have an F, and aren't planning on getting one for a while. I don't think I'd buy one without trying it out first $175 is a lot of money to drop without trying it to see if I'd like it.

Well, apart from your dislike of the extra fine nib, how do you feel about the pen as a whole?

 

The weight and balance in your hand? The texture and size etc.,?

 

Perhaps if all the other boxes are ticked it's just a matter of finding a store has has more nib sizes in stock.

 

You're not in any urgent hurry, are you? (well, apart from the urgent hurry all of us here have felt/continue to feel when it comes to pen purchases, that is )

[rajatbhardwaj]

So I went and tried a Lamy 2000 with an EF nib at a local store. Did not like it at all. It was too fine a line. They don't have an F, and aren't planning on getting one for a while. I don't think I'd buy one without trying it out first $175 is a lot of money to drop without trying it to see if I'd like it.

Well, apart from your dislike of the extra fine nib, how do you feel about the pen as a whole?

 

The weight and balance in your hand? The texture and size etc.,?

 

Perhaps if all the other boxes are ticked it's just a matter of finding a store has has more nib sizes in stock.

 

You're not in any urgent hurry, are you? (well, apart from the urgent hurry all of us here have felt/continue to feel when it comes to pen purchases, that is )

 

Haha, no, not in a hurry. One thing I don't think I liked is the texture of the silver part towards the bottom of the pen. It was a bit slippery for me, as I tend to hold my pens pretty low. Although, I'm trying to hold them a bit higher in a tripod grip.

 

I'm not sure that I comfortable buying a pen that will require me to change my grip before I can use it comfortably. Even if said grip is a better one than my current one

 

The weight/balance and the look of the pen, I loved!

[CAG_1787]

So I went and tried a Lamy 2000 with an EF nib at a local store. Did not like it at all. It was too fine a line. They don't have an F, and aren't planning on getting one for a while. I don't think I'd buy one without trying it out first $175 is a lot of money to drop without trying it to see if I'd like it.

Well, apart from your dislike of the extra fine nib, how do you feel about the pen as a whole?

 

The weight and balance in your hand? The texture and size etc.,?

 

Perhaps if all the other boxes are ticked it's just a matter of finding a store has has more nib sizes in stock.

 

You're not in any urgent hurry, are you? (well, apart from the urgent hurry all of us here have felt/continue to feel when it comes to pen purchases, that is )

 

Haha, no, not in a hurry. One thing I don't think I liked is the texture of the silver part towards the bottom of the pen. It was a bit slippery for me, as I tend to hold my pens pretty low. Although, I'm trying to hold them a bit higher in a tripod grip.

 

I'm not sure that I comfortable buying a pen that will require me to change my grip before I can use it comfortably. Even if said grip is a better one than my current one

 

The weight/balance and the look of the pen, I loved!

 

I would think sleek and smooth is a characteristic of the Bauhaus, so that might be a larger problem if your grip makes such forms difficult.

[rajatbhardwaj]

So I went and tried a Lamy 2000 with an EF nib at a local store. Did not like it at all. It was too fine a line. They don't have an F, and aren't planning on getting one for a while. I don't think I'd buy one without trying it out first $175 is a lot of money to drop without trying it to see if I'd like it.

Well, apart from your dislike of the extra fine nib, how do you feel about the pen as a whole?

 

The weight and balance in your hand? The texture and size etc.,?

 

Perhaps if all the other boxes are ticked it's just a matter of finding a store has has more nib sizes in stock.

 

You're not in any urgent hurry, are you? (well, apart from the urgent hurry all of us here have felt/continue to feel when it comes to pen purchases, that is )

 

Haha, no, not in a hurry. One thing I don't think I liked is the texture of the silver part towards the bottom of the pen. It was a bit slippery for me, as I tend to hold my pens pretty low. Although, I'm trying to hold them a bit higher in a tripod grip.

 

I'm not sure that I comfortable buying a pen that will require me to change my grip before I can use it comfortably. Even if said grip is a better one than my current one

 

The weight/balance and the look of the pen, I loved!

 

I would think sleek and smooth is a characteristic of the Bauhaus, so that might be a larger problem if your grip makes such forms difficult.

 

I was helping a friend pick out a fountain pen, and I saw the Lamy 2000 again, held it and I did like it. Sorry for all the flip flopping. I'm going to stop talking about the Lamy 2000 until I buy it

[Jezza]

Check out the Franklin Christoph pens. They have some very minimalist designs.

[Fabienne]

Not sure if it fits your idea of minimilist but the Kaweco Sport without the clip is pretty stripped down!

Vote for this one. I just got a Kaweco and love it. Highly recommended.

[rajatbhardwaj]

One last question, would the Lamy 2000 be considered a "wet" writer?