This is my edc and my first pen that more expensive than a safari. I went to lamy shop to buy an al-star but the moment I laid my eyes on the studio I know it's the one. But it's the end of the month in a third world country, if i buy it, i won't have money to eat the rest of the month... So... I bought it anyway! I walked home instead of taking public transport to save money and eat instant noodles for rest of the month but it's worth it.
I'm not a huge fan of the hooded nib on the 2000, but I liked everything else about it. The Studio is a perfect fountain pen in my opinion. Thank you for the great review. I love watching your stuff!
The Lamy 2000 is probably the most used, sensible, practical, reliable, consistent, and highest value for money I own. It suits me and serves me every day. I tried to rotate pens before, but the Makrolon 2000 just stays inked :) Thanks for another good video, and keeping your channel going! Good stuff! Much appreciated from Northern Europe, too :)
I would love to own a 2000 no doubt. But, I think a Studio will be a good entry level pen. I definitely love my Safary Al-star, great pen always ready to go.
Great detailed review. I don't own either, but I've always leaned toward the studio -except for that slippery section. Glad to hear there are some options for that. All pros in my opinion: no ears, not a hooded nib, not a piston filler. Studio for the win in my book. Of course most of it is personal preference. That tip for swapping nibs using the cap.. wow! Thanks for passing that along.
I like my 2000, but the Studio is one of my favorite models. I have a bunch of colors and nib sizes, one gold which gives it an different writing experience. The only issue with the Studio is the clip. It scratches the finish easily so I never use the the clip. And yet on the brushed steel, the finish still has a small scratch on it. Also, if you really don’t like the metal section, you can buy a black rubberized section to replace it. The brushed steel comes standard with the rubberized grip section.
I have 3 Studios. The first 2 I got had the slick steel grip section but when I got the all black with the rubberized grip and fell in love with the feel of it, I managed to order the same grip for the other 2 Studios. I just recently purchased a 2000 and now I understand why it's such an iconic pen. In fact, I currently have the 2000 and the black Studio sitting inked up in front of me so seeing them both in this video was quite coincidental. I think they are both great pens and can put the 2000 above the Studio but just marginally.
I love the studio and the 2000, but always find myself gravitating back to the 2000. The only drawback with the 2000 is that the nib is 1-2x broader than stated.
Hey Doodlebug, A few months ago, I had purchased the Lamy CP1 and it had a similar problem with the slip cap not completely engaging. Lamy seems to have an issue where the liners are set too deep. When you loosen the section from the barrel allowing the section to penetrate deeper into the cap, you’ll notice that it engages as it should. I ended up sending mine back… Thanks for the video.
Lamy Studio fanboy here. It's just the perfect pen for me. The only problem is that most of the beautiful colors come with an extremely slippery grip section. The only section I really like is the one of the brushed stainless steel version, but it doesn't look so cool. So the other two good grip sections are the of the all black shown in this video and of the color called palladium. So my current dream configuration of the Studio is quite expensive: One Studio in brushed stainless steel for the grip section, one studio in Rose for the body and an EF gold nib. I seriously think about getting rid of all other pens I own and just focus on investing in Lamy Studios.
And for a long time I felt like I needed the 2k, because it's like the most iconic Lamy ever and it's great and all, but I have a bit of carpal tunnel problems and if I hold a pen that's too narrow at the grip section my hand gets numb and cramped after a short time. And the Studio seems to be just above the threshold and the L2K is sadly just a tiny bit too narrow, maybe I also have to grip it a bit firmer due to the steeper angle. I can't use the Studios with polished grip sections either, they also make my index and middle finger go numb after a while. I definitely need to give the Jinhao x159 a shot, it could be super comfortable. I own the original Jinhao 159 and it's just way too heavy and the black coating starts to flake off the brass body.
Excellent video. Love your channel, Doodlebud. The 2000 is a grail pen for me. One day. But now I think I may try the entry-level Studio first. Thanks for your insights
The funny thing is the only thing you don't like about the Studio is the reason I will get it for: the quiet snap cap! I moved to a very quiet office and I am not able to use any of my office pens because of the loud snapping. So, this quiet one is perfect.
Nice pen! I have a Lamy LX with a 14k gold nib I added after I got it, and now I am thinking about buying a Studio LX and swapping nibs. In any case, great review and congrats on the new pen!
I own three Lamy 2000s and two Lamy Aions, both of which are far better in almost every way than the Lamy Studio, in my not-so-humble opinion, of course.
@@meshzzizk ..The Aion’s all-round design aesthetic, size dimensions, the grip section, the feel of the pen in the writing hand, the nib etc..combine to make the Aion (to me) a nicer, better alternative to the Studio at the same price. I have two Aions, no Studio. 🙂
Thank you for this video! I have been debating which pen is for me. I have decided the Studio is better for me because of all the reasons you mentioned. Price, changeable nib, also I can use either a converter or a cartridge and not be committed to just a piston fill and I can completely disassemble for thorough cleaning, besides I’m loving the Imperial Blue - but the black isn’t bad either! 😊. Thanks again!
Team 2000 here. This pen is my ride or die. I usually have 2 or 3 pens inked at any given time. But my Lamy 2000 is always inked. And I usually ink it with KWZ Iron Gall Mandarin (which I highly recommend if you can get your hands on it)
Yup love my L2K. I actually just took it out of rotation after it's been inked and with me daily for the past 6 months to give some other pens a little lovin' 🥰
I have 2 studios. One the Palladion has a gold nib. I didn't go for the 2000 because I'm not a big lover of all black pens. I got the Palladium with the gold nib on Ebay in virtually new condition for a couple of dollars more than a new one with a steel nib. Must say that they both write beautifully. The gold nib write broader than the ssme suze steel nib.
I have the 2000 & a couple of Studios. Yes, the 2000 is superior. That said, your one criticism of the studio is a Lamy QC issue. Both of mine snap shut with a satisfying and audible “click”! I love them too!!
2000 needs getting used to, but once you get used to it, its great. Studio is a bit more approachable, it combines everything of a normal ink pen which makes it a bit more familiar. the LX version is i think a bit too expensive, hence most people don't seem to like it, so just spend around 85 usd and not more than that if anyone is planning.
Nice review. I wanted to add a few comments based on my experience with this and other Lamy's. I purchased this same pen new with a Fine nib, inked it up with Diamine Syrah, and discovered a few days later that the grip/section was stained. Cleaning with water, pen flush or Isopropyl Alcohol did absolutely nothing - over 60% of the section was permanently stained a shade of brown ruining the look of the pen. Lamy India replaced the section under warranty, but it left me with a poor impression in regards to the quality of the pen. The ink wasn't bad BTW. Also the pen was too dry out of the box, and i found that the tines were pressed against each other with a lot of force. I had to get creative with a pair of bent brass shims (risking damage to the nib) to create enough plastic deformation and create adequate air gap at the tip for the ink to flow well. I should also note that i prefer removing the nib by pulling on a sticky tape wrapped around the nib; the cap method that you describe can potentially bend the nib especially if it's attached firmly to the feed. I have two other Studios and three Safaris (same feed), and i have had flow issues with all of them, some less while some would dry out completely after a page or two of writing. The convertors also stain more easily than expected with some inks. Another disadvantage: the feed on the Studio is very difficult to remove without damage as it needs a _lot_ of force (Safari is somehow easier). I have had _none_ of these issues with my 2000's (medium and fine). I would say the quality and performance of the 2000 is clearly superior to the Studio. My only real gripe with the 2000 is that the Medium writes like a broad. I do however like the feel and ergonomics of the Studio LX and Brushed Steel better.
The rubber on mine got horribly sticky after a while; rubber or stuff containing rubber just does that, 8t eventually degrades. It can't be replaced; rubbing with mineral spirits etc, or just 'disguising' it with a fine powder, aren't really solutions.
I own a few studios and have installed the rubberised sections on all of them. So far, the rubberised grips have held up well. I'm not worried though, at least in Germany the customer service is excellent when replacing parts is required.
Studio rubber grip peeled off after a year as well as black lacquer on cap cracking and falling off. Pen was well cared for. The only Lamy pen I use and will ever use is the cheap plastic Nexx, which is more comfortable, durable and surprisingly nice to write with.
I wish I could (afford to) send you a Hongdian 517D or 525 to compare with the Lamy Studio. I think that would be an interesting comparison. Between these two, I think I would prefer the Studio. Not sure I like that clip, but I like the SLIGHTLY narrower profile, and the C/C filling system over the piston filler with a not-very-functional ink window. I like the price point better than the 2000, too. .
The Lamy Studio is an excellent pen. The brushed steel version has a kind of black plastic section. You compared the Studio with the 2000, but the Jinhao 80 looks like a mix between the two (a Studio style with 2000 Cap), although a little shorter than the studio.
This is one of those instances where the best answer (at least for me) is both! I have the brushed steel version of the Studio with the grippy section -- and ironically, also pulled the gold nib from my Dialog 3 and put it on the LX. The engineering and "cool factor" of the Dialog 3 appealed to me but I've just had too much persistent problems with the nib "door" (not fully closing) and resultant hard starts. Seems to me the LX version of the Studio shown here, while a good comparator for the 2000 is not a great value at $178 w/ a steel nib. If you upgrade to gold, you're in 2000 territory but without a piston fill.
There is one problem with the LX. While the propeller clip is cool, it ends up scratching the finish off the cap because of the narrow edge. Well used LXs will have a pretty wide, side to side scratch across the cap.
@@Doodlebud I don’t use clips either - they’re roll stops as far as I’m concerned - but apparently I do fiddle with them absentmindedly, which I discovered by scratching a Studio. 😂
I have given up on LAMY’s because of the nibs. To say the sizing is inconsistent is an understatement. I have a couple of broad nibs where one is a broad and the other is a medium. Same goes for my mediums and fines. All the lamy nibs I have regardless of the size are scratchy as well. The stock 2k nib’s have that frustrating ‘sweet spot’ that I found annoying. I replaced it with a nib I got from the Nibster and it was 100% better with a grind & polish treatment. I’m done wasting my $$$ on LAMY’s due to, in my opinion, their sub par nibs.
The biggest issue with my Studio is how my fingers slip towards the nib. And also, the clip does scrape off some of the cap's finish. But otherwise it's a great pen.
It’s a stealth pen that includes the quiet click capping. A true friend for the spy taking notes on the target without being discovered when you cap your pen.
The L2k is the only Lamy pen id buy, because from experience i can tell that standard lamy nibs tend to wiggle around when used for a while. It is the only interesting Lamy pen, because all the others use the same nibs, same filling system, probably the same feed etc.
Hilariously, I love my L2K and am not a fan of the Studio because of its grip, lol (the various colorways with metal grips; don't need matte black). But your nib swapping reminded me I want to do something silly and get a gold nib for my Safari.
I really don’t like the clip on the Studio nor did I like the glossy, slippery section. However, that matte section on the black studio is making me want to give it a try. The 2000 just writes so freaking nice, it’s hard for me to have any complaints with it.
The L2K is one of my absolute favorite pens. Looks cool and just works every single time you pull it out. The other day it was skipping and hard starting. I worried for a moment, but then I realized it was out of ink LOL
I might try the studio. I agree the 2000 is a better build, but I have trouble using it because of the (lack of)grip section. Those Lamy gold nibs are some of the best.
Yeah the l2k section doesnt work for everyone. The gold lamy nibs do feel fantastic of all the ones I've used so far. The EF nib on my L2K was too wide for my taste so thats why I gave it the grind. I've seen some put a gold nib on their studio and have been very happy
@@Doodlebud Yeah I seen you put the gold nib on in the video. Pretty sweet. I just ordered a Lamy 14k nib in two-tone black from the nibsmith to put on the studio.
Lamy Studio is really under-rated. I don't think this all-black version is the best - the colors they apply to the metal are really nice. The quality of the design, the cap fit, the design of the clip, it exudes craftsmanship at a reasonable price. The only critique I have is the polished section. I think if this had a rougher finish more people would like the pen. It does not bother me in the least, however.
Older Studios have a rubberized grip section. Feels quite nice, but can wear off by capping. 2000 nibs are a bit broader as well in my experience. Lamy Aion nibs are a bit smoother and finer than that of the Studio.
I was wondering the same thing, if it’s the coating or maybe the fit of the cap liner. So I dug out my all black LX, and the cap snap is very satisfying, even a touch louder and snappier than the next few Studios I tried. I guess your mileage may vary. Probably within acceptable tolerances at Lamy.
I got a 70s Lamy 2000 with the W. Germany Marking on the Cap (its going strong but the OB nib breaks my hand and heart) they reworked the Clip on the current Lamy 2000 not only the clip itself but also the mechanism the old wount open the clip if you push in the top of the clip they changed the point of rotation. So it seems like i gotta get a new Lamy 2000 But i can assure you your Lamy has at least 50 years of satisfying cap clicking left :)
I think the studio is cool, but I have reliability concerns regarding the snap mechanism. The ring at the end of the section is threaded into the section (at least in the standard studio), which means that the pen can slip out at times. This can result in ink getting everywhere, nib damage, and a ton of other stuff. The ring can be threaded back on, but having to do this repeatedly does not inspire confidence.
@@Doodlebud As it was a gift from a friend, I hadn't sent them a message yet, but that sounds like a good idea. Regardless of warranty, it might be helpful to let them know, since future revisions or QC may improve with more user input.
I don't have a 2000, yet... but I have a Studio and it's an OK pen, but I am not super impressed by it. I will use it every now and then, but it has never become my go-to pen. Nothing wrong with it, it is very well built and quite beautiful, but I guess it is just not the best fit for me.
I originally bought the Lamy 2000 in F and also found the line width too wide. Mark Bacas swapped the Nib out with an EF and gave it an architect grind... the grip section is a little problematic for me.
I don’t have a studio but I do have an Aion and I really like it. The metal non slippery section is what made me buy it instead of the studio. I haven’t found a comparison between Studio and Aion (and why not, the Ideos) but that would be really interesting.
The issue I had with my studio is perhaps not immediately obvious but once it happens you realise it is an accident waiting to happen. It is the actual stylish pen clip itself. It looks great. But given time being in contact with the pen cap, it will through friction wear the coating away to the bare metal underneath. Then it detracts from the whole pen and looks simply awful.
I actually just bought myself a special edition studio in the dark forest for my bday in February. Just the other night, the retention mechanism for the cap failed. I'm really not sure what happened. All of a sudden, the cap no longer maintained hold. I don't remember seeing anything fall out. At least I didn't find anything looking around the table I had been sitting at. I'm really confused as to what might have happened.
Oh wow that's odd. I would contact someone at Lamy. I wouldn't be surprised if they helped you out. They are pretty good about stuff. Could have been a small flaw or defect from the factory.
@Doodlebud I did notice some very slight threading between the nib and section. I thought for a second, maybe some came undone, but that wouldn't explain why the pen can no longer post either. Does the LX include this threading?
The Private Reserve ink also exists in my country, but the horror stories I've heard about it! I recently found Monte Verde ink at the B.F sales for $ 8 per 90 ml inkwell and I was wondering if it is safe compared to the infamous Private Reserve.
I like every single thing about the 2000 except the nibs. I’ve owned a F & M nib and they were both unusable out of the box. The 14k nib on my Studio is spectacular though.
