While the MB 220 specifically was produced from 1971 to 1977, MB's 60ies lineup is a very direct predecessor - bearing the numbering 32/34, 22/24, 12/14 (for the more standard models); those weren't offered in this Makrolon look, though. Interesting to see the back-and-forth design-wise between MB and Lamy in these pens.
I’m not a fan of Lamy 2000 due to its plain looks and silver/chrome accents.. I don’t think I can get its MB alternative due to its unavailability (& possible unaffordability).. So I’m having to consider Jinhao 80 (available in gold trims too) as a viable alternative 😉
They are fairly pricy but the MB tends to be less expensive than the Lamy on secondhand markets. The Jinhao also comes in a variety of colors and has Lamy’s generic nib (so easily swappable). My biggest issue with that pen was the cap didn’t keep the nib wet for more than a few weeks, but at under $10 you can’t go wrong.
Additionally, it also depends on the MB model. Well that and what is a price range you find to be doable, cheap and expensive albeit by fountain pen standards.
You can see through the barrel with an IR camera so a 220 might not be made of Makrolon which has glass fiber in it. I guess it's just brushed PMMA and that explains why 220 barrels are prone to cracking. ruclips.net/video/fVAO9JN2j2s/видео.html
You can get clear Macralon. I used to use it in a food factory for guarding because it does not shatter, as Perspex would, which would lead to contaminations. Macralon will crack but it will not shatter. Macralon can also be shaped, which is why they use it for these pens.
The Lamy 2000 is easier to disassemble and maintain. It has fewer components and is more robust in general. Plus it’s still in production, so much easier to get spare parts. Writing experience is more subjective, but personally I prefer the Montblanc. The nib is smoother, line thickness is closer to standard sizes, also I find the section is more comfortable in the hand because it’s slimmer and warmer to the touch.
@@ForTheLoveOfPens So an overwhelming win for the Lamy 2000 except for the writing experience (Lamy has wonderful nib but kinda idiosyncratic in its sweet spot). Thank you for your kind answer!
@@ForTheLoveOfPens Apparently around the 9 minute mark, I noticed the M220 in the video had a hole. It then got me thinking, does the M220 have a hole or not?
@@Darkness-lj5bh ok, yes that’s the inlet to suck ink from the bottle. I don’t have an M221 but based on the pictures I see, the plastic near this area has a crescent shape likely to also allow ink to be pulled in.
What a nice pen this Montblanc. Should be extremely light and surelly delightful to write with.
It is a great writing experience!
While the MB 220 specifically was produced from 1971 to 1977, MB's 60ies lineup is a very direct predecessor - bearing the numbering 32/34, 22/24, 12/14 (for the more standard models); those weren't offered in this Makrolon look, though. Interesting to see the back-and-forth design-wise between MB and Lamy in these pens.
A lot of similarities between these two. It’s interesting that MB seemed to abandon making Makrolon pens fairly quickly.
That Montblanc 220 is gorgeous, sure is hard to find since it’s a classic .
Short lived but a beautiful pen
I’m not a fan of Lamy 2000 due to its plain looks and silver/chrome accents.. I don’t think I can get its MB alternative due to its unavailability (& possible unaffordability)..
So I’m having to consider Jinhao 80 (available in gold trims too) as a viable alternative 😉
They are fairly pricy but the MB tends to be less expensive than the Lamy on secondhand markets. The Jinhao also comes in a variety of colors and has Lamy’s generic nib (so easily swappable). My biggest issue with that pen was the cap didn’t keep the nib wet for more than a few weeks, but at under $10 you can’t go wrong.
Additionally, it also depends on the MB model. Well that and what is a price range you find to be doable, cheap and expensive albeit by fountain pen standards.
You can see through the barrel with an IR camera so a 220 might not be made of Makrolon which has glass fiber in it. I guess it's just brushed PMMA and that explains why 220 barrels are prone to cracking. ruclips.net/video/fVAO9JN2j2s/видео.html
That’s interesting. Everything I read online says it’s Makrolon, but you may be right
You can get clear Macralon. I used to use it in a food factory for guarding because it does not shatter, as Perspex would, which would lead to contaminations. Macralon will crack but it will not shatter. Macralon can also be shaped, which is why they use it for these pens.
@@konradyearwood5845 perhaps that’s the material Lamy is using in the ink window
Cool video and it is a great pen, I love mine. Almost too smooth in fact.
Thank you! I agree, sometimes a bit more feedback is better. Too smooth and it can feel a little quick and numb on the page.
First commenter?. Would like to know how it stacks against the Lamy 2000 in ease of maintenance and as a writing experience. Thanks for the video!
The Lamy 2000 is easier to disassemble and maintain. It has fewer components and is more robust in general. Plus it’s still in production, so much easier to get spare parts. Writing experience is more subjective, but personally I prefer the Montblanc. The nib is smoother, line thickness is closer to standard sizes, also I find the section is more comfortable in the hand because it’s slimmer and warmer to the touch.
@@ForTheLoveOfPens So an overwhelming win for the Lamy 2000 except for the writing experience (Lamy has wonderful nib but kinda idiosyncratic in its sweet spot). Thank you for your kind answer!
Pardon me for asking, but does the M220 have a hole? If memory serves me right, it is limited to the M221 whereas the M220 does not.
What do you mean by a hole?
@@ForTheLoveOfPens Apparently around the 9 minute mark, I noticed the M220 in the video had a hole. It then got me thinking, does the M220 have a hole or not?
@@Darkness-lj5bh do you mean the inlet for ink on the feed?
@@ForTheLoveOfPens Yes.
@@Darkness-lj5bh ok, yes that’s the inlet to suck ink from the bottle. I don’t have an M221 but based on the pictures I see, the plastic near this area has a crescent shape likely to also allow ink to be pulled in.
Surprise to see a montblanc that you can disassemble without any tools
Certainly a strength of this model!