Lamy Z28 Converter for fountain pen models Abc, AL-star, joy

The Verdict

If you own a Lamy fountain pen, you’ve hit this moment: you’re tired of buying proprietary cartridges that cost almost as much as the pen itself. The Lamy Z28 converter is the obvious fix — but is it worth the asking price? I’ve tested this piston converter across multiple Lamy models, and here’s the honest breakdown.

What You Actually Get

The Z28 is a standard piston-style converter — a clear plastic barrel with a brass-colored metal spindle and knob at the top. It measures roughly 5.5 cm fully assembled and holds about 1.15 ml of ink. That’s roughly 30-40% more capacity than a standard Lamy cartridge, which matters if you write more than a page a day.

The package includes just the converter itself. No box, no instructions, no spare O-rings — it comes in a simple Lamy-branded plastic sleeve. That’s fine for a functional accessory, but don’t expect any frills.

Build Quality and Real-World Performance

The Z28’s piston mechanism is where this converter earns its reputation. The metal spindle threads through a precisely machined piston head, and the action is noticeably smoother than knockoff converters I’ve tested. Each twist draws ink steadily with no stuttering or air pockets.

I tested it over two weeks in an AL-star and a joy, using both standard Lamy ink and a wetter Noodler’s formula. Flow stayed consistent from first fill to last drop. The clear body is genuinely useful — you can see exactly how much ink remains, which beats the guesswork of opaque converters.

One detail worth noting: the converter fits the Abc, AL-star, joy, LX, Safari, and Vista models — essentially the entire Lamy cartridge-pen lineup. That’s a solid value proposition if you own multiple Lamy pens, since one converter can move between them.

What Buyers Praise

The 4.7-star rating across 235 reviews reflects real satisfaction. One reviewer noted, “Works flawlessly in my Safari — no leaks, no fuss, just clean ink flow.” Another long-term user mentioned, “Had mine for three years and it still twists as smoothly as day one.” The durability claim checks out — the metal spindle resists wear far better than all-plastic converters, which tend to strip after a year of heavy use.

Where It Falls Short

Let’s be direct about the downsides. The Z28 typically runs $10-12 — that’s steep for a piece of plastic with a metal rod. You can buy a 5-pack of Lamy cartridges for roughly the same price. If you write infrequently, cartridges might honestly serve you better.

There’s also a design quirk: the grip ring sits about 1.5 cm up from the barrel opening. If you hold your pen near the section, your fingers will hit this ridge. It’s not uncomfortable, but it’s noticeable — and it’s a common complaint in the reviews.

Finally, shimmer or pigmented inks can settle in the barrel since there’s no agitator ball. A gentle shake before writing solves it, but it’s worth knowing if you use specialty inks.

Who Should Buy This

The Z28 is for you if:

• You write daily and want to stop buying disposable cartridges
• You own more than one Lamy fountain pen and want a single converter to share
• You prefer bottled inks for color variety and cost-per-milliliter savings

Skip it if:

• You write occasionally and prefer the convenience of cartridges
• You’re on a tight budget — a pack of cartridges gets you further for the same money

FAQ

Q: Will the Z28 fit my Lamy Safari? Yes. The Z28 is compatible with Safari, AL-star, LX, Abc, joy, Vista, and any Lamy pen that accepts standard Lamy cartridges. It clicks into the same slot with a firm press.

Q: How do I clean the converter? Twist the piston to expel ink, then rinse the barrel with lukewarm water. For stubborn residue, use a bulb syringe to force water through the opening. Let it air-dry fully before reassembling.

Q: Does the Z28 work with all bottled inks? It works with standard fountain pen inks, but avoid India ink or calligraphy inks with shellac — they can clog the mechanism permanently. Shimmer inks work but may need occasional shaking.

The Verdict

Buy it if you’re a regular writer who wants to ditch cartridges and enjoy the wider world of bottled inks. The Z28’s smooth piston action, clear body, and cross-model compatibility make it the right tool for daily use.

Skip it if you’re a casual writer or you’re not ready to commit to bottled ink. The upfront cost is real, and cartridges serve light users just fine.

Rating: 4.6/5 — The Z28 is a well-made, reliable converter that does exactly what it promises. It’s overpriced for what it is, but if you use it daily, it pays for itself within months. For Lamy enthusiasts, it’s a no-brainer. For everyone else, it’s a solid upgrade worth considering.

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.