The cartridge-converter filling system is popular with many fountain pen enthusiasts who are new to the hobby. However, finding the right size and shape for your fountain pen can get tricky as you explore different brands, like LAMY. You may wonder whether LAMY pens take standard cartridges. Here, we’ll explore just that.
Why Use Cartridges?
LAMY T10 Ink Cartridge (5-Pack)
Cartridges are still being used by fountain pen enthusiasts today for many reasons. Cartridges offer several advantages, including the following:
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Convenience. Cartridges are pre-filled with ink, eliminating the need for messy filling processes. Simply insert a new cartridge, and you're ready to write.
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Portability. Cartridges are small and lightweight, making them easy to carry and replace when traveling or on the go.
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Consistency. Cartridges provide a consistent ink flow, ensuring a smooth and even writing experience.
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Variety. Fountain pen manufacturers offer a wide range of ink colors and types in cartridge format, allowing you to experiment with different writing styles and preferences.
- Easy Maintenance. Cartridges are disposable, making it simple to replace them when they run out of ink or become damaged.
In short, it’s easy and convenient to use this way of filling fountain pens. However, cartridges also have some drawbacks, one being that they don’t come in one universal size. And it doesn’t take fountain pen hobbyists long to figure out that there is no one-size-fits-all cartridge that suits all fountain pens.
While there is such a thing as the standard international size, they aren’t guaranteed to fit all fountain pens, especially for brands that specifically design their models to use proprietary cartridges. Proprietary cartridges are cartridges that are made to fit certain fountain pens within the same brand only.
The Difference Between Standard International and Proprietary Cartridges
Let’s go more in-depth on the differences between standard international and proprietary cartridges.
Standard International Cartridges
These cartridges are designed to fit a wide range of fountain pen brands and models. They adhere to a standardized size and shape, ensuring compatibility across different manufacturers.
Due to their universal nature, standard international cartridges are readily available from various retailers, both online and offline. They are generally more affordable compared to proprietary cartridges, making them a budget-friendly option for pen enthusiasts.
Proprietary Cartridges
These cartridges are designed to be compatible only with pens from a particular brand. They often feature unique designs or filling mechanisms that are tailored to the specific pen model. Proprietary cartridges are often optimized to work seamlessly with the corresponding pen, providing optimal ink flow, nib performance, and overall writing experience. They are typically only available from the pen manufacturer, limiting your options for replacement cartridges.
Lamy's Compatibility with Standard Cartridges
So, is LAMY compatible with standard cartridges? The answer is no, it is not. LAMY uses proprietary ink cartridges, meaning that only their brand of cartridges will fit their fountain pens.
Popular LAMY Models
Here are some of the most popular Lamy pen models that use the LAMY T10 ink cartridge.
Lamy Safari. This is one of Lamy's most iconic models, known for its affordable price and reliable performance. This pen uses the Z28 converter and T10 ink cartridge.
Lamy Studio. A more upscale model with a polished finish, the LAMY Studio is compatible with the T10 cartridge and LAMY Z27 converter.
Lamy AL-star. A lightweight aluminum pen, the Lamy AL-star is compatible with LAMY’s T10 ink cartridge and Z28 converter.
Lamy Joy. A classic fountain pen with a comfortable grip, the Lamy Joy uses the T10 cartridge and Z28 converter.
To start writing, simply put a cartridge in your LAMY fountain pen.
Using Bottled Ink
LAMY Crystal Ink Bottle (30ml)
If you prefer to use bottled ink, then it is worth investing in a LAMY converter compatible with the pen model you want to use. Simply remove the section of your pen so you can see the converter. Next, lower your nib into the ink bottle of your choice, ensuring its breather hole is covered. Keep the nib submerged and pull or twist the knob on the converter until it is filled with ink. Remove your pen from the ink bottle and pat the nib clean with a paper towel or soft rag.
Alternatively, you can use a clean and empty LAMY T10 cartridge to refill your pen with bottled ink. Take a blunt syringe and fill it with bottled ink, then, very carefully, push the plunger until the empty cartridge is filled with ink. Get the section and place it firmly onto the filled cartridge.
The Bottom Line
Depending on your preferences, the LAMY proprietary cartridge system may be part of the charm of the brand or a hindrance. It is up to you to decide whether LAMY cartridges are something you are comfortable using. For those who like swapping between international standard sizes, other brands may be a better choice. However, if you don’t mind buying the brand’s cartridges and converters, LAMY is an excellent option.
Written by EndlessPens Blogger Ramona Kabigting
