Lamy2000 black - elegant Fountain Pen in robust fibreglass barrel - 14 ct. gold nib, partially platinum-plated - nib size EF

Following an unsuccessful purchase of the Medium nib version (it repeatedly skipped after a few lines) and its return, subsequent discussions with a couple of dealers suggested additional flushing and using a wetter ink may have solved its problems. As the pen is regarded as a 'wet' writer, that seemed contary to standard practice. Lamy's own ink is too dry for this nib, but most from Waterman should suit it as would most from J Herbin, Diamine and Noodlers but they also have some very dry inks within their ranges. Both had positive opinions of the model and suggested trying another example. The Medium version was available only direct from Japan when the decision was taken, the Fine not at all, but would then incur additional Customs and Import charges. As it is widely stated that the Lamy 2000 nibs share much wider tips than is normal for the brand and several users claim that the EF nib can perform as a Medium-Fine, that was chosen with trepidation as it might be too fine for personal tastes and needs. The written line of the Medium nib first used was indistinguishable from other Medium-nibbed pens. However, should the EF nib not ultimately suit, there is an option to return it to Lamy almost immediately for a free exchange to a broader grade nib.The pen was designed in the 1960s when Parker's classic 51 and 61 were still king and it follows their broad design although the filling system is by internal piston and the body is the lightweight and exceptionally strong Makrolon (polycarbonate). The piston filler operates very smoothly and fully fills the pen (it's impossible to prove) but its ink-view window is very slim and not useful until the reservoir is almost empty and then allows light to pass through; it is too late a warning! The piston knob merges unnoticed into the body. The pen's surface is described as 'brushed' but the texturing is shallow and less than is normally understood by the description.The cap is also Makrolon and similarly textured but sits on the pen rather than merging into it and could be said to spoil its otherwise smooth lines. There are two thin metal lugs that project slightly from the body located mid-way between the junction with nib section and barrel and the ink view window(not too visually obvious or uncomfortable on the fingers) that are intended to secure the cap; the degree of security it adds is relative but the attachment is not very positive. Posting is fairly secure but best avoided as it is then too easy to twist the cap and the piston knob it contacts anti-clockwise and unintentionally eject some of its ink. Posting is not essential as the pen has a comfortable length when fully uncapped and sufficiently comfortable for most. Those with very large hands may post for the extra length and balance but should then exercise care.Before initial filling, the pen was prepared more thoroughly than previously. As fine nibs can be relatively dry writers even when the model is regarded as 'wet', EF even more so, a very 'wet' and easy-flowing ink was chosen. The results were considerably better than expected, quite smooth although with some 'tooth' or minor resistance and noise as it rides across the paper surface. To be fair to Lamy, it is better than another well-rated brand's Fine nib as fitted to a pen retailing at the same price-point (£135-150). Its line width with the ink used, Rohrer & Klingner's Cassia (blackcurrent), almost matches that from some Medium nibs in current use, the tipping of which is considerably broader and consequently smoother to use, but virtually indistinguishable on paper. However, it is worth noting that the Fine nib as fitted to Sheaffer's (now discontinued?) Taranis which also employs a semi-hooded design writes to a similar line width but is as smooth as most mediums! The EF nib is more difficult for the relatively inexperienced fountain pen user and the Medium version would be a better initial choice. It also requires a lighter hand and very accurate orientation of nib to paper for best results which also come with experience. Ultimately, the Extra Fine nib would be the ideal choice for those with compact handwriting or in situations where high legibility must be maintained, e.g. form-filling, written examinations, thesis or book drafts. The EF nib will also provide the longest intervals between fills, possibly avoiding a loss of continuity of thought during the moments needed for filling and wiping the nib section and nib free of surface ink.Because the fill-hole is quite close to the nib tip, there is no need to fully submerge the pen unless the bottle is almost empty. It also allows the pen to be filled when many others will not; some almost need a full bottle for all but the first few fills. The pen is quite broad in the body and therefore provides for a secure hold but its low weight also makes it easy for all ages to use and reduces any possibility of hand or finger fatigue after a few hours of use. Few users will regularly need to write for several hours, but some may occasionally. There is an all-steel version which is about twice the weight of this and would quickly fatigue most writers.Although not without some minor faults, the pen can perform very well. There are exceptions to every rule and poor examples are to be found, as was previously experienced. Recommendation would now be to return a poor example in the expectation that the replacement should be better. It is sad that Lamy have reputedly experienced several intermittent production issues with this model, more than any other.Although happier with this example than the earlier one, its relatively indifferent performance against the Chinese-made steel nib Taranis was the final breaking point. The comparison was made after searching through a collection for another pen with Fine or EF nib; the Taranis was not used for some time. If the Cross factory in China can achieve a higher level of performance in a steel nib at a lower price than Lamy can in gold which is supposedly more amenable to smoothness, there is a problem that needs be addressed. This, too, was also returned.

Overview:Out of all my fountain pens, this one is my favourite and it remains inked at all times. I like the simple understated design and the hardwearing nature of the Makrolon construction (Makrolon is polycarbonate and is very strong). The clip on the cap is a brushed steel and adds to the industrial look. I like this type of Lamy clip that appear to be spring-loaded as they make usage much easier, especially if you want to clip the pen to a shirt or jacket pocket without spraining the clip or damaging the fabric of your clothing.The piston motion is very smooth and easy to use and I have no issues inking the pen from a bottle. The ink window, though small is a great feature allowing for the easy checking of the ink levels in the pen just by holding it up to the light.The pen cap secures in place using 2 tiny nubs on the pen body as anchor points. These are small and protrude just a little from the pen body and some people say they are uncomfortable. I however have to disagree as I never notice them - possibly as I hold my pen slightly below them and as I use a tripod grip they are not in the way. I can use the pen both posted or unposted. It is very light so posing the cap maybe preferable for some people to give the pen a little extra weight.The construction is extremely high quality and you cannot discern the joint points between the sections. The grip section is metal like the clip and has a brushed finish. This adds character and perhaps a little texture, but not enough to aid your grip so if you press down too hard like a ball point user has to you may find your grip slips. I hold my pen lightly and have no such issues and this also limits your susceptibility to getting cramp in your hand from too tight a grip.The Nib:The Nib is a 14 carat gold hooded nib with a platinum coating and is really enjoyable to write with. I have it inked up with Noodler's Black and find that it is a nice smooth writer that doesn't skip or seem to suffer any hard starts if left uncapped for a short while. The nib on mine is an extra fine and to be honest is a little wider than I expected. This was probably because this was my first gold nib and I was only familiar with steel nibs at the time, but that was why I chose the extra fine over a fine or a medium which would have been almost unusable to me.Overall I am extremely happy with this pen and use it almost every day both at home and work and highly recommend it to anyone wanting to upgrade from a starter pen to something nicer. I would certainly buy another if I ever had the misfortune of having to replace this one.