Considering a Lamy 2000

**brianw** · 06-11-2012, 04:34 PM

Ahhh where to start.

Gold vs steel.

Had this conversation a hundred times and it never gets old. In the olden day 50 to 60 to 70 to 100 years ago you wanted a gold nib. The inks were so caustic that steels would be eaten up in a short period of time. Almost all the 1st and 2nd tier pens had gold nibs. Even the much vaulted "51" was golden as the superchromium ink used in the "51"'s was tough on anything else. Fast forward to today. Steel/Gold, to me, is mox nix. Unless you are looking for flex or have a big honkin exposed nib steel /gold is the same for me.

In fact most of my Modern steels run circles around my Modern golds.

If you want a hooded nib a "51" can't be beat. Personally I am not entralled with piston fillers.

Thee 2000 is IMHO is overpriced for what you get. Pel 200 is a great pen !!

**oc_in_fw** · 06-11-2012, 05:30 PM

Originally Posted by brianw

Pel 200 is a great pen !!

I am looking at a 400, and I found one with an oblique nib. Someone better hide my credit card before my wife gets mad

**nemo** · 06-11-2012, 05:33 PM

Since Brian brought it up, I'll also say the Pelikan M200 is a great pen, a most reliable pen, it may not have a gold nib but one can be easily fitted. I don't recommend doing that unless it's an early semi-flex nib from the '50s or '60s though. Contrary to many popular opinions, the steel nibs have better "spring" and write just as well as the modern M400 gold nibs. If you want a new M200, M205, or M215 now is the time to buy, they are going up substantially (10% +) on July 15th.

I also tend to stay out of these threads but since it turned a bit to "gold vs. steel" I thought I'd chime in a little. I love a vintage gold nib but it isn't the be all end all.

I do have a few Lamy pens ... I probably have 10, mostly old discontinued Safari models and a handful of vintage 27 and 27E semi-hooded gold nibbed Kolbenfüllers. But to me, the look of the 2000 does not appeal at all. That's OK, it's the industrial "form follows function" Bauhaus theory. The Safari really doesn't do it for me either but I got mine back when they could be found for $15 or so. Fairly indestructible for beginners (actually it started as a kid's pen) and they do write well. German pens are great, they are made for people who write.

As many of you probably know, I collect mostly vintage pens with an emphasis toward Pelikan -- I've owned and handled hundreds. I've done Pelikan repairs. I sincerely feel that the M200 is one of the best deals out there for around $100. I love to gather up flocks of used M200s for less (well under $100), I've only had one dud in the last few years.

**oc_in_fw** · 06-11-2012, 05:36 PM

Originally Posted by nemo

If you want a new M200, M205, or M215 now is the time to buy, they are going up substantially (10% +) on July 15th.

Will this affect the pricing on the other lines (like the 400)?

**nemo** · 06-11-2012, 05:42 PM

Originally Posted by oc_in_fw

Will this affect the pricing on the other lines (like the 400)?

I'm afraid so, retail here: M400 ---- $335.00 ----> $365.00 ---- 9%

**oc_in_fw** · 06-11-2012, 05:47 PM

Originally Posted by nemo

I'm afraid so, retail here: M400 ---- $335.00 ----> $365.00 ---- 9%

Okay, thanks. Todd has them for $220 right now, gotta figure out how to snag one. Of course, if his only go up the 10% it is still a good price.

**brianw** · 06-11-2012, 05:49 PM

Thanks for jumping in Doug

**nosedog** · 06-12-2012, 01:19 AM

Well, I bit the bullet and ordered a Lamy 2000 EF from Goulet. Thanks so much for all the chiming in: it hasn't gone to waste, because I'm now more educated and have some material for further research and future purchases. The options out there are overwhelming for a beginner.

**brianw** · 06-12-2012, 07:59 AM

Yes the options and pens available can be overwhelming ( we find the same thing in shaving supplies, right? ) Thanks for asking and getting all the opinions. This was a really fun thread.

Enjoy that 2000.

**oc_in_fw** · 06-12-2012, 10:17 AM

Originally Posted by nosedog

Well, I bit the bullet and ordered a Lamy 2000 EF from Goulet. Thanks so much for all the chiming in: it hasn't gone to waste, because I'm now more educated and have some material for further research and future purchases. The options out there are overwhelming for a beginner.

Cool- I like classic looking pens, but like the industrial look of the 2000

**Dave258** · 06-12-2012, 10:32 AM

In my experience, and opinion, you would be better off with a Lamy 2000 than an M400. That's me though, and hope I don't get anyone mad! A M400 was the first Pelikan I bought when I just had to have a Pelikan. It was an older vintage one with a nice springy gold nib. It was an EF, and way too fine for me, and the pen felt way too small for me! I do not post my pens at all when I use them. I tried to like it because it was a Pelikan, but I sold it, and felt bad when I found out the member who bought it did not like it either.
Then I got my Pelikan M800, and was in heaven! Now I love that pen, and like someone else said, I like my Lamy 2000 almost as much!
If your buying from Todd, and like bigger pens, do it right, and go with an M800. Now, don't get me wrong, I know 100 bucks is nothing to shake a stick at, and I don't have extra 100's sitting around, but from the M400 to the M800, there is a huge difference! And for ME Pelikan M200 are Way too small! But again, I do not like to post my pens.
Just my opinion!

EDIT: Sorry, some of his prices changed so I may not be right on my math. It looks like a difference of a $150 now... WOW! I guess Pelikan prices already went up like Doug said!

**oc_in_fw** · 06-12-2012, 11:53 AM

Originally Posted by Dave258

In my experience, and opinion, you would be better off with a Lamy 2000 than an M400. That's me though, and hope I don't get anyone mad! A M400 was the first Pelikan I bought when I just had to have a Pelikan. It was an older vintage one with a nice springy gold nib. It was an EF, and way too fine for me, and the pen felt way too small for me! I do not post my pens at all when I use them. I tried to like it because it was a Pelikan, but I sold it, and felt bad when I found out the member who bought it did not like it either.
Then I got my Pelikan M800, and was in heaven! Now I love that pen, and like someone else said, I like my Lamy 2000 almost as much!
If your buying from Todd, and like bigger pens, do it right, and go with an M800. Now, don't get me wrong, I know 100 bucks is nothing to shake a stick at, and I don't have extra 100's sitting around, but from the M400 to the M800, there is a huge difference! And for ME Pelikan M200 are Way too small! But again, I do not like to post my pens.
Just my opinion!

EDIT: Sorry, some of his prices changed so I may not be right on my math. It looks like a difference of a $150 now... WOW! I guess Pelikan prices already went up like Doug said!

Thanks for your input. I have been eyeballing a 400, but I like a larger pen. I might just hold out a bit for an 800.

**cvac** · 06-12-2012, 05:51 PM

Dave, that's really interesting that you had to move up to such an expensive pen to get comparable ergonomics. After using my 2000 I'm kinda spoiled by it so my next purchase will probably be a larger pen. I think it's going to be tough for me to swing a Pelikan 800 though at the current prices.

Are there any largish pens that aren't *quite* as expensive? How does a Pilot Custom 823 compare for example?

**Dave258** · 06-12-2012, 06:08 PM

Originally Posted by cvac

Dave, that's really interesting that you had to move up to such an expensive pen to get comparable ergonomics. After using my 2000 I'm kinda spoiled by it so my next purchase will probably be a larger pen. I think it's going to be tough for me to swing a Pelikan 800 though at the current prices.

Are there any largish pens that aren't *quite* as expensive? How does a Pilot Custom 823 compare for example?

Cvac, sorry if my post is miss-leading! I was simply suggesting the M800 to someone who is considering buying a Pelikan, and has mentioned that he likes bigger pens. That is the only reason I suggested an M800. When I had the M400, it was too small for me. I probably would be fine with a M600 but when I was ready to buy it, I sprung for the 800, knowing that I did not need the 1000.
I also LOVE my Lamy 2000! As far as the larger pens that I like, all three of my Edisons, one is a Hudson, and can be had for $150. The other two are the B&B pens. If you are not totally against (

) TWSBIs, the 540 and Vac 700 are both nice size, comfortable pens!
I have no experience with the Custom 823, but have wanted, and hear great things about the Custom 74.
You do not have to go to expense of a Pelikan M800 for a big comfortable pen(but I love mine!), and some people think that they are not worth the money.
Like everything on this site, YMMV!!!!!

Taste is a subjective thing, whether it is a pen, ink, shaving soap/cream, beer, scotch etc, etc..... I can go on and on! Enjoy life!

**Gruder** · 06-13-2012, 04:15 AM

I own a 2000 and an M215, and Doug's good post above made me think of another angle here: the 2000 is less "showy". I tend to use it (and my 51) in meeting settings where standing out isn't necessarily a useful thing. The Pelikan tends to stay in my office. Both are thoroughly reliable and, to me, well worth the money. +1 on the points re: nibs being on the wide side. Mine's a broad -- quite nice if you like a really broad nib, but certainly wider than usual.

**cvac** · 06-13-2012, 07:44 AM

Originally Posted by Dave258

Cvac, sorry if my post is miss-leading! I was simply suggesting the M800 to someone who is considering buying a Pelikan, and has mentioned that he likes bigger pens. That is the only reason I suggested an M800. When I had the M400, it was too small for me. I probably would be fine with a M600 but when I was ready to buy it, I sprung for the 800, knowing that I did not need the 1000.
I also LOVE my Lamy 2000! As far as the larger pens that I like, all three of my Edisons, one is a Hudson, and can be had for $150. The other two are the B&B pens. If you are not totally against (

) TWSBIs, the 540 and Vac 700 are both nice size, comfortable pens!
I have no experience with the Custom 823, but have wanted, and hear great things about the Custom 74.
You do not have to go to expense of a Pelikan M800 for a big comfortable pen(but I love mine!), and some people think that they are not worth the money.
Like everything on this site, YMMV!!!!!

Taste is a subjective thing, whether it is a pen, ink, shaving soap/cream, beer, scotch etc, etc..... I can go on and on! Enjoy life!

Dave, thanks for the input. I will probably hold off on a TWSBI until they get their new breakage resistant materials up and running. I do like the look of their pens though.

I will look into Edison...I also saw that Bexley has some bigger pens that aren't insanely expensive.

RE: Pelikan, I'll see if I can check out a 600 in my local pen store...maybe I can save up for one of those if I decide I really want one. Are any of the $200-ish vintage Pelikans comparable in size?

**nemo** · 06-13-2012, 08:09 AM

Originally Posted by cvac

Are any of the $200-ish vintage Pelikans comparable in size?

Vintage Pelikans are all about the size of an M200/400. The 400NN being just slightly longer, 140 slightly shorter, all are the same diameter.

Vintage models 100 and 100N are smaller than M400 size but when posted are longer than a posted modern. These are usually over $200 so I assumed you weren't referring to these.

**Dave258** · 06-13-2012, 09:43 AM

Originally Posted by cvac

Dave, thanks for the input. I will probably hold off on a TWSBI until they get their new breakage resistant materials up and running. I do like the look of their pens though.

I will look into Edison...I also saw that Bexley has some bigger pens that aren't insanely expensive.

RE: Pelikan, I'll see if I can check out a 600 in my local pen store...maybe I can save up for one of those if I decide I really want one. Are any of the $200-ish vintage Pelikans comparable in size?

Sorry, I was at the Doctor, but was going to say that Doug would know far more on the Vintage Pelikans anyway!

**dspeers58** · 06-13-2012, 10:23 AM

I have a Lamy 2000 fp, and a couple of Pelikan m205s. Love them all. The price difference between the M200/205/215 and Lamy 2000 is not that much. The Pelikans nibs can be changed out, gold and steel at pretty reasonable prices. Their steel nibs are nice and Chartpak support is great. Lamy 2000s are more difficult to change, wrt nibs, but it can be done. I believe you can get a different nib for $75, but have to send it to Lamy. You can also hunt them down on the web...

**dspeers58** · 06-13-2012, 10:27 AM

Just a note, last night an Amazon dealer had medium LAMY 2000s for $108, whereas normally you can get them for $125-140. The m200s are around $100, and the m215s are $125+. You do get gold nib in the Lamy 2000. But, as Brian said, there are advantages and disadvantages to that. I like steel.