This video is part of a review which is to be found on wp.me/p7302D-1xU You can also find me on Twitter: / scrivelynotes Instagram: / scrively Website: scrively.org
Thanks, nice to see a bit of Lamy "love". I have the earlier "Persona" version -- in fact, inked up sitting on my desk. A few changes I observe between the Persona and Imporium involve first, the clip, Mine lies flush with the cap and extrudes when you push on it. The second also involves the cap: mine unscrews with about 1/2 rotation -- a mite too little in my book so I rarely pocket carry this but rather use a pen pouch. It's a pretty wet writer as you saw. I had Mike Masuyama regrind mine so now it's perfect!
I really enjoy my Persona. I picked one up second hand for a great price. The 1/2 rotation opening cap is terrific for quick notes. The clip is much nicer than the Imporium in my opinion. And the nib is so smooth. 👌
Another excellent review, thank you. As an owner of the original Lamy Persona I viewed your post with great interest. There are very few visual differences between the two models, Lamy has largely kept to the original Mario Bellini design from the 1990s. The clip on the Imporium is rather neater than that of the Persona in my opinion but in other ways I think I will stick to my Persona. Firstly, the Persona’s nib is 18k gold versus 14k of the Imporium (although later Persona’s only came with 14k too). I doubt that this small difference alters the everyday writing experience - Lamy’s are almost uniformly excellent writers - but it helps to justify in my mind the around £400 cost of my pen all those years ago. Secondly, I can remove the Persona’s cap with just a half twist to aid note taking in meetings, which would eliminate your reservation about the Imporium on this point. And finally, the Persona’s cap will post securely, giving a satisfying ‘click’ as it is fixed into place. On balance I’d suggest that the ‘new’ Imporium is ok but not an advance on the Persona. However, if I hadn’t known about the Persona I probably would have added this new model to my collection - although I must say that I would find the mark on the cap that you highlighted as unacceptable and cause to return the pen to the manufacturer, but that’s just me. I expect Lamy pens to be built to a higher standard.
Thanks for your insightful comment! Isnt it also that the nib of the Persona is a different one? a tubular design or so? Or maybe I recall this wrongly. Think I would be very intrigued to get a Persona..
@@Scrivelynotes Hi, thanks. Yes, you are quite correct, the nib on the Persona is tubular. Like the Imporium it is interchangeable but I’ve no idea where one would go buy a different nib to fit the Persona these days (and I don’t think it was too easy in the past either). PS I really like your reviews - keep up the good work!
Lamy makes great writing tools and they have very cool and distinctive design too, I got some ballpen Lamy’s, like the Logo, the Tipo, the Safari ballpoint and the cross click I'm also a big fan of Pelikan pens and pencils, specially the clicky Souveran ballpoint pens and mechanical pencils, like the D200 and D400. I think you should give a look into Pelikan pens, they're superbly made pens
Michael, the gold nib you reviewed recently being asthetically different dies offer a different writing experience? I do not recollect the nib size, but this nib looks much wetter than the previoys one.
Nib size was the same - EF. I cannot feel any difference in writing experience. Also wetness is pretty much the same (maybe was a different ink). The Lamy gold nibs are wetter than the steel nibs.
I’ve never tried the lamy gold nibs. But I have a safari and alstars. Judging from what I’ve seen here this pen is nothing but an alstar or a safari with a gold nib. Lamy steel nibs have worn out their welcome with me. One of these days I’ll get one of these gold nibs and slip it on one of my Al stars. It’ll probably write the same as this pen but for a lot less $$$$$.
I have seen, held and used the Imporium. I did not buy it because I hate the grip section. And while the 14k nib writes quite wonderfully, it’s a metal pen that isn’t particularly great looking or special to justify the over-the-top price tag. The Dialog 3 is another overpriced Lamy. But that is a pen I did buy, and really love a lot. The Imporium is really strange. Good pen, not well known at all, and priced crazily. Would make a good corporate gift, I guess.
I think the pricing is okay, relative to the other pens as I have outlined. But of course, there are much less expensive gold nibbed pens out there. As to the design: well, this is always a matter of personal taste, which is why I pointed out that it is not 'my thing', but I dont think that it is generally an ugly pen.
I see nothing about this pen that justifies the price. The materials and design aren't anything to write home about, plus it's a converter pen. The only thing this has going for it is the nib, but you can just purchase it separately and stick it on a Scala or Aion.
Consummate overview as always, my friend. Both steel & gold Lamy nibs are superlative. My issue with this writing instrument is two-fold: 1. It is completely overpriced (in my humble opiniion), & 2. It is reminiscent of the Dutch fountain pens made by Bruynzeel - they manufactured a longitudinally ribbed pen in the 1970's/80's - incredibly inexpensive, & primarily designed for schoolchildren; also, fantastic writers for the money. Personally, I consider this to be the ugliest scribe Lamy have ever produced - & that's saying something, Michael - ordinarily, everything this fine German brand produces, is a winner - As far as I am concerned, it's a design flop; it's only redeeming features are the tight spring-loaded cap clip, & the gold nib. Like you, there's nothing that excites me about the design - I'd even go as far to say that it was an afterthought...awful. I hope you & your family are in good health - keep safe, Best to you all, Andrew :)
I agree. I've been collecting Lamys for 4 years now and the Imporium is a bit weird, and the last I'll ever get. The Dialog 3 and 2000 are stunning though, it makes me wonder why the Imporium is the flagship pen.
Thanks, my friend! All well and fine on our end, here. Hope that same for you and yours! I wouldnt go as far as saying that it is a design flop, as I can see why and how this pen might appeal to many. It is just not my 'cup of tea', as I believe they say back home :) . Also I think the pricing is okay, relative to the other pens as I have outlined. But of course, there are much less expensive gold nibbed pens out there.
& that's understood, Michael. Friends cannot always agree; I would make an addendum to my earlier comment - the "wobbly" cap troubles me - that is a design flaw - especially given the . hefty price tag for this scribe; I would concur, it's just not my "cup of tea", either. As far as my son & I are concerned, we are enjoying good health, my friend - & pleased that you (all) are well, too. I'm not sure that you're aware, but Pelikan are releasing a new M600 series model, next month - whilst not identical to the ill-fated M200 Classic 'Pastel Green', I fear that the combination of colours - again, green & white, but this time with gold accents will not do as well, either. Perhaps you may have the opportunity to review same; to me, the aesthetic just looks wrong, but again, that is my considered opinion. I enclose a link to the model, itself: www.cultpens.com/i/q/PK86814/pelikan-souveran-m605-fountain-pen-green-white-special-edition Enjoy what remains of your day, Best, Andrew :)
As far as I am concerned, AD, it is far & away not Lamy's Flagship model - that honour should be attributed to the venerable 2000 fountain pen. That said, Lamy nibs - both steel & gold are incredibly reliable & smooth writers. As far as this Imporium issue goes, it's very nonedescript - I certainly won't be purchasing one. Take care & have a pleasant day, Best, Andrew :)
Thank you for another superb review. Yes, those Lame Gold nibs are excellent. However the price! I can buy a Sailor Pro. Realo or a Pilot Custom 823 for 290 euros. In no way whatsoever is this of that level of complexity or quality. It's sad for me to say this as Lame is one of those superb companies who generally offer good value and superb design.
Thanks for not wasting our time with ads on top of the sponsorship
You're welcome.
Thanks, nice to see a bit of Lamy "love". I have the earlier "Persona" version -- in fact, inked up sitting on my desk. A few changes I observe between the Persona and Imporium involve first, the clip, Mine lies flush with the cap and extrudes when you push on it. The second also involves the cap: mine unscrews with about 1/2 rotation -- a mite too little in my book so I rarely pocket carry this but rather use a pen pouch. It's a pretty wet writer as you saw. I had Mike Masuyama regrind mine so now it's perfect!
Thanks for the comparative insight! I would be intrigued to get a Persona....
I really enjoy my Persona. I picked one up second hand for a great price. The 1/2 rotation opening cap is terrific for quick notes. The clip is much nicer than the Imporium in my opinion. And the nib is so smooth. 👌
@@filobiblic guess I will have to hunt for one :)
Another excellent review, thank you. As an owner of the original Lamy Persona I viewed your post with great interest. There are very few visual differences between the two models, Lamy has largely kept to the original Mario Bellini design from the 1990s. The clip on the Imporium is rather neater than that of the Persona in my opinion but in other ways I think I will stick to my Persona. Firstly, the Persona’s nib is 18k gold versus 14k of the Imporium (although later Persona’s only came with 14k too). I doubt that this small difference alters the everyday writing experience - Lamy’s are almost uniformly excellent writers - but it helps to justify in my mind the around £400 cost of my pen all those years ago. Secondly, I can remove the Persona’s cap with just a half twist to aid note taking in meetings, which would eliminate your reservation about the Imporium on this point. And finally, the Persona’s cap will post securely, giving a satisfying ‘click’ as it is fixed into place. On balance I’d suggest that the ‘new’ Imporium is ok but not an advance on the Persona. However, if I hadn’t known about the Persona I probably would have added this new model to my collection - although I must say that I would find the mark on the cap that you highlighted as unacceptable and cause to return the pen to the manufacturer, but that’s just me. I expect Lamy pens to be built to a higher standard.
Thanks for your insightful comment! Isnt it also that the nib of the Persona is a different one? a tubular design or so? Or maybe I recall this wrongly. Think I would be very intrigued to get a Persona..
@@Scrivelynotes Hi, thanks. Yes, you are quite correct, the nib on the Persona is tubular. Like the Imporium it is interchangeable but I’ve no idea where one would go buy a different nib to fit the Persona these days (and I don’t think it was too easy in the past either). PS I really like your reviews - keep up the good work!
Lamy makes great writing tools and they have very cool and distinctive design too, I got some ballpen Lamy’s, like the Logo, the Tipo, the Safari ballpoint and the cross click
I'm also a big fan of Pelikan pens and pencils, specially the clicky Souveran ballpoint pens and mechanical pencils, like the D200 and D400. I think you should give a look into Pelikan pens, they're superbly made pens
Thank you for another great review Michael!
Thanks Joost!
As always I enjoyed your review.I was wondering who designed the Inporium?It is an interesting design.
Thank you! Mario Bellini is the designers name
I wonder does it have a “sweet spot” like Lamy 2000? Though I have Lamy 2000 never had issues with it, I love it. Vielen Dank.
No sweet spot, no. It is basically the same nib that you would find on a Lamy Safari, just in a 'gold version'. Has a regular round tipping on it.
Michael, the gold nib you reviewed recently being asthetically different dies offer a different writing experience?
I do not recollect the nib size, but this nib looks much wetter than the previoys one.
Nib size was the same - EF. I cannot feel any difference in writing experience. Also wetness is pretty much the same (maybe was a different ink). The Lamy gold nibs are wetter than the steel nibs.
@@Scrivelynotes thank you. 😊
I’ve never tried the lamy gold nibs. But I have a safari and alstars. Judging from what I’ve seen here this pen is nothing but an alstar or a safari with a gold nib. Lamy steel nibs have worn out their welcome with me. One of these days I’ll get one of these gold nibs and slip it on one of my Al stars. It’ll probably write the same as this pen but for a lot less $$$$$.
I have seen, held and used the Imporium. I did not buy it because I hate the grip section. And while the 14k nib writes quite wonderfully, it’s a metal pen that isn’t particularly great looking or special to justify the over-the-top price tag. The Dialog 3 is another overpriced Lamy. But that is a pen I did buy, and really love a lot. The Imporium is really strange. Good pen, not well known at all, and priced crazily. Would make a good corporate gift, I guess.
I think the pricing is okay, relative to the other pens as I have outlined. But of course, there are much less expensive gold nibbed pens out there. As to the design: well, this is always a matter of personal taste, which is why I pointed out that it is not 'my thing', but I dont think that it is generally an ugly pen.
I see nothing about this pen that justifies the price. The materials and design aren't anything to write home about, plus it's a converter pen.
The only thing this has going for it is the nib, but you can just purchase it separately and stick it on a Scala or Aion.
Consummate overview as always, my friend. Both steel & gold Lamy nibs are superlative. My issue with this writing instrument is two-fold: 1. It is completely overpriced (in my humble opiniion), & 2. It is reminiscent of the Dutch fountain pens made by Bruynzeel - they manufactured a longitudinally ribbed pen in the 1970's/80's - incredibly inexpensive, & primarily designed for schoolchildren; also, fantastic writers for the money. Personally, I consider this to be the ugliest scribe Lamy have ever produced - & that's saying something, Michael - ordinarily, everything this fine German brand produces, is a winner - As far as I am concerned, it's a design flop; it's only redeeming features are the tight spring-loaded cap clip, & the gold nib. Like you, there's nothing that excites me about the design - I'd even go as far to say that it was an afterthought...awful.
I hope you & your family are in good health - keep safe,
Best to you all,
Andrew :)
I agree. I've been collecting Lamys for 4 years now and the Imporium is a bit weird, and the last I'll ever get. The Dialog 3 and 2000 are stunning though, it makes me wonder why the Imporium is the flagship pen.
I’d go as far as to say, without the very good 14k nib, the Imporium looks a lot like an upgraded all-black Kaweco Perkeo.
Thanks, my friend! All well and fine on our end, here. Hope that same for you and yours! I wouldnt go as far as saying that it is a design flop, as I can see why and how this pen might appeal to many. It is just not my 'cup of tea', as I believe they say back home :) . Also I think the pricing is okay, relative to the other pens as I have outlined. But of course, there are much less expensive gold nibbed pens out there.
& that's understood, Michael. Friends cannot always agree; I would make an addendum to my earlier comment - the "wobbly" cap troubles me - that is a design flaw - especially given the . hefty price tag for this scribe; I would concur, it's just not my "cup of tea", either.
As far as my son & I are concerned, we are enjoying good health, my friend - & pleased that you (all) are well, too.
I'm not sure that you're aware, but Pelikan are releasing a new M600 series model, next month - whilst not identical to the ill-fated M200 Classic 'Pastel Green', I fear that the combination of colours - again, green & white, but this time with gold accents will not do as well, either. Perhaps you may have the opportunity to review same; to me, the aesthetic just looks wrong, but again, that is my considered opinion.
I enclose a link to the model, itself:
www.cultpens.com/i/q/PK86814/pelikan-souveran-m605-fountain-pen-green-white-special-edition
Enjoy what remains of your day,
Best,
Andrew :)
As far as I am concerned, AD, it is far & away not Lamy's Flagship model - that honour should be attributed to the venerable 2000 fountain pen. That said, Lamy nibs - both steel & gold are incredibly reliable & smooth writers. As far as this Imporium issue goes, it's very nonedescript - I certainly won't be purchasing one. Take care & have a pleasant day,
Best,
Andrew :)
Agree, that the design is nothing great. The nib is great though.
Superb nib, yes!
Thank you for another superb review.
Yes, those Lame Gold nibs are excellent. However the price! I can buy a Sailor Pro. Realo or a Pilot Custom 823 for 290 euros. In no way whatsoever is this of that level of complexity or quality. It's sad for me to say this as Lame is one of those superb companies who generally offer good value and superb design.
Fully agree with you. I also do consider this to be a weird outlier of some kind.