LAMY Z27 vs. Z28: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Converter for Your Fountain Pen
For many fountain pen enthusiasts, the transition from disposable ink cartridges to bottled ink is a rite of passage. It opens up a world of thousands of ink colors, improves the economy of writing, and reduces plastic waste. However, when you step into the world of LAMY—one of the most respected names in German engineering—you encounter a proprietary system that requires specific tools.
Navigating the world of LAMY accessories often leads to a common point of confusion: the choice between the LAMY Z27 and the LAMY Z28 converters. While they may look nearly identical at a glance, choosing the wrong one can lead to a converter that simply won't fit inside your pen barrel.
In this guide, we will break down the subtle engineering differences, the historical evolution of these parts, and provide a definitive compatibility list to ensure your writing experience remains seamless.
The Anatomy of a LAMY Converter
Before diving into the differences, it is important to understand what these components do. A converter is essentially a removable, refillable reservoir that allows a cartridge-style fountain pen to draw ink from a bottle. LAMY uses a proprietary connection, meaning standard international converters will not fit.
Both the Z27 and Z28 utilize a piston-style mechanism. By twisting the knob at the end of the converter, you move an internal plunger that creates a vacuum, drawing ink up through the nib and feed. While their internal capacity is identical, their external chassis features distinct design choices.
The LAMY Z28: The "Red Knob" Specialist
The LAMY Z28 is perhaps the most recognizable converter in the lineup. It is characterized by its bright red piston knob. However, its most important feature isn't the color—it’s the two small plastic pegs located on the sides of the clear reservoir.
These pegs are designed to "lock" into the semi-circular notches found on the grip sections of specific LAMY models. This locking mechanism ensures that the converter does not vibrate loose or rotate during use, providing a very secure fit.
The LAMY Z27: The "Black Knob" Universalist
The LAMY Z27 features a sleek black piston knob and lacks the protruding pegs found on the Z28. Because it has a smooth, streamlined profile, it is considered the "universal" converter for the brand.
The Z27 is designed to fit into the narrower barrels of LAMY’s premium and professional lines, where the locking notches of the Safari-style grip are absent. Crucially, any pen that can accept a Z28 can also accept a Z27, but the reverse is not true.
Historical Context: From Z24 and Z26 to Today
If you have been in the fountain pen hobby for a long time, you might remember the Z24 and Z26 converters. In 2016, LAMY updated their accessory lineup, resulting in the current Z27 and Z28 models. Understanding these changes helps if you are refurbishing an older pen or buying "new old stock."
The Evolution of the Z28 (formerly Z24)
The Z28 replaced the Z24. While the functional dimensions remained the same, the Z28 introduced a few aesthetic and material upgrades:
- The Silver Band: A decorative silver ring was added just below the red knob.
- Reservoir Clarity: The plastic used for the ink reservoir became more transparent. The older Z24 often had a slightly cloudy or opaque appearance.
- Internal Components: A small black metal part was added to the connection end, though this was largely a manufacturing change and does not affect how the converter seats in the pen.
The Evolution of the Z27 (formerly Z26)
The transition from the Z26 to the Z27 was even more subtle. The primary change was the addition of the silver band to match the new aesthetic of the Z28. Beyond this minor visual update, the Z27 remains the standard-bearer for LAMY’s professional pen range.
Compatibility Deep Dive: Which One Do You Need?
Choosing the right converter depends entirely on the model of the pen you own. Because the Z28 has those specific locking pegs, it physically cannot fit into barrels that are too narrow or lack the corresponding grooves.
If you are using a specialized tool like the LAMY Joy for calligraphy, understanding these differences is vital to maintaining your "writing ritual." You can learn more about how different pen types impact your experience in our guide on Finding Your Perfect Match: A Comprehensive Guide to Selecting the Best Journal for Your Writing Ritual.
Compatibility Table
| LAMY Pen Model | Z27 (Black) | Z28 (Red) |
|---|---|---|
| abc | Yes | Yes |
| accent | Yes | No |
| aion | Yes | No |
| AL-star | Yes | Yes |
| cp1 | Yes | No |
| dialog 3 / dialog cc | Yes | No |
| ideos | Yes | No |
| imporium | Yes | No |
| joy | Yes | Yes |
| logo | Yes | No |
| Lx | Yes | Yes |
| nexx | Yes | Yes |
| safari | Yes | Yes |
| scala | Yes | No |
| studio | Yes | Yes |
| vista | Yes | Yes |
Note: The LAMY 2000 is a piston-filling pen and does not use cartridges or converters.
Why the Z28 Won't Fit Certain Pens
It is a common mistake to assume that because the Z28 is the "standard" for the popular Safari, it will work for the entire brand. If you try to force a Z28 into a LAMY cp1 or a LAMY logo, you will find that the barrel will not screw back onto the section.
The "pegs" on the Z28 add just enough width to the diameter of the converter that it hits the inner walls of the slimmer metal barrels. For these pens, the Z27 is your only option. Conversely, if you use a Z27 in a Safari, it will work perfectly, though it lacks the "lock-in" feel that the Z28 provides.
This distinction is particularly important for artists. If you are comparing different pen types for artistic work, such as the LAMY Joy versus a standard nib, check out our article on Fountain Pens vs. Calligraphy Pens: Understanding the Essential Differences for Enthusiasts.
Practical Guidance: How to Fill Your LAMY Converter
Regardless of whether you choose the Z27 or Z28, the filling process remains the same. To get the most out of your converter and ensure a full fill, follow these steps:
- Prepare the Pen: Unscrew the barrel and firmly seat the converter into the grip section. If using the Z28, ensure the pegs click into the notches.
- Expel Air: Twist the knob so the piston moves all the way toward the nib.
- Submerge: Dip the entire nib and a portion of the grip section into the ink bottle. If the air hole on the underside of the feed isn't submerged, you will only suck in air.
- Draw Ink: Slowly twist the knob in the opposite direction. You will see the ink rise into the clear reservoir.
- The "Top-Off" Trick: To get a 100% full reservoir, turn the pen nib-up, gently tap the side to let air bubbles rise to the top, and twist the piston up to push the air out. Then, submerge the nib again and draw the remaining bit of ink.
- Clean Up: Wipe the nib and grip section with a lint-free cloth or paper towel to remove excess ink.
Summary: Making the Right Choice
The decision between the LAMY Z27 and Z28 ultimately comes down to the model in your hand.
- Choose the Z28 if you have a Safari, AL-star, Vista, or Joy and want the most secure, "locked-in" fit. The red knob also provides a nice visual contrast that makes it easy to identify in a drawer.
- Choose the Z27 if you own any other LAMY model (like the Studio, Scala, or Aion) or if you want a "universal" backup that can work in any LAMY cartridge-converter pen you might buy in the future.
By matching the right engineering to the right pen, you ensure that your LAMY remains a reliable tool for years to come. Whether you are sketching with a Joy or taking boardroom notes with a Studio, the right converter is the heart of your writing instrument.