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Shop the Lamy Z28 Converter
The Lamy Z28 Converter is the reusable option for compatible Lamy fountain pens that would otherwise use disposable Lamy T10 ink cartridges. If you want to use bottled fountain pen ink in a Lamy Safari, AL-Star, Vista, Joy, Lx, abc, nexx, or nexx M, the Z28 is usually the converter to check first.
Quick Specs
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Lamy Z28 Converter |
| Product Type | Fountain pen ink converter |
| Filling Type | Piston converter |
| Ink Source | Bottled fountain pen ink |
| Replaces | Lamy T10 Fountain Pen Ink Cartridge |
| Compatible Brand | Lamy |
| Common Compatible Pens | Lamy Safari, AL-Star, Vista, Joy, Lx, abc, nexx, nexx M |
| Key Similar Converter | Lamy Z27 Converter |
| Has Side Pegs? | Yes |
| Proprietary or Standard | Proprietary Lamy converter |
| Reusable? | Yes |
| Ink Compatibility | Use fountain pen-safe bottled ink only |
On This Page
Lamy Z28 Converter Overview
The Lamy Z28 Converter is a reusable fountain pen ink converter for select Lamy fountain pens. It replaces the disposable Lamy T10 Fountain Pen Ink Cartridge and allows the pen to be filled from bottled fountain pen ink.
A fountain pen converter does not replace the nib or feed. Instead, it acts like a refillable ink reservoir inside the pen. Once installed, the converter draws ink through the nib and feed using a piston mechanism.
The Z28 is best known as the converter for many Safari-style Lamy fountain pens, including the Lamy Safari, AL-Star, Vista, Joy, Lx, abc, nexx, and nexx M. It is also easy to identify because of its red turning knob and two small side pegs.
Why Choose the Lamy Z28 Converter?
Choose the Lamy Z28 Converter if your compatible Lamy fountain pen normally uses Lamy T10 cartridges and you want to use bottled fountain pen ink instead.
The main advantage is ink choice. Bottled fountain pen ink gives you far more color, brand, and writing-characteristic options than disposable cartridges. A converter also lets you refill the pen instead of replacing cartridges each time the ink runs out.
The Z28 is a good choice if you:
- Own a compatible Lamy fountain pen
- Want to use bottled fountain pen ink
- Want more ink color options than Lamy T10 cartridges provide
- Prefer a reusable filling system
- Want to reduce disposable cartridge use
- Have a Safari-style Lamy pen designed for the Z28 converter
For the easiest and cleanest option, Lamy T10 cartridges are still simpler. For more ink flexibility, the Z28 converter is the better option.
Lamy Z28 Converter Compatibility Notes
The Lamy Z28 Converter is made for select Lamy fountain pens with a section design that accepts the converter’s two side pegs.
Common compatible Lamy pens include:
- Lamy Safari
- Lamy AL-Star
- Lamy Vista
- Lamy Joy
- Lamy Lx
- Lamy abc
- Lamy nexx
- Lamy nexx M
The Z28 is not a standard international converter. It is a proprietary Lamy converter designed for specific Lamy fountain pens. It should not be used as a replacement for Parker, Pilot, Waterman, Cross, Sheaffer, Platinum, Sailor, or standard international fountain pen converters.
Even within Lamy, converter compatibility is model-specific. Some Lamy cartridge/converter fountain pens use the Lamy Z27 Converter instead. Always use the converter recommended for your exact Lamy pen model.
What Are the Two Pegs on the Lamy Z28 Converter For?
The two small pegs on the Lamy Z28 Converter are designed to fit into matching grooves inside compatible Lamy fountain pen sections.
Those pegs are not decorative. They help align the converter, hold it in the correct position, and keep it securely seated against the pen’s feed nipple. This helps prevent the converter from shifting inside the pen during writing, handling, or filling.
This peg-and-groove system is one of the key differences between the Lamy Z28 and Lamy Z27 converters. The Z28 is designed for Lamy pens with the matching grooves, while the Z27 has a smoother body for many other Lamy cartridge/converter pens.
Lamy Z28 vs Lamy Z27 Converter
The Lamy Z28 and Lamy Z27 are both proprietary Lamy fountain pen converters, but they are not identical.
| Converter | Has Side Pegs? | Common Use | Key Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lamy Z28 Converter | Yes | Lamy Safari, AL-Star, Vista, Joy, Lx, abc, nexx, nexx M | Pegs fit into matching grooves to help align and secure the converter. |
| Lamy Z27 Converter | No | Many other Lamy cartridge/converter fountain pens | Smoother body fits Lamy models that do not use the Z28 peg-and-groove system. |
The Lamy Z27 Converter is the more broadly compatible option across many Lamy cartridge/converter fountain pens, while the Lamy Z28 Converter is designed for models with matching grooves for its two side pegs.
Even if another converter may physically fit, it is still best to use the converter the pen was designed for and specifically recommends.
Why Doesn’t the Lamy Z27 Converter Have Pegs?
The Lamy Z27 Converter does not have the two side pegs found on the Z28 because it is designed for Lamy pens that do not use the same grooved converter-seat system.
The Z27 has a smoother cylindrical body, allowing it to fit into many Lamy cartridge/converter fountain pens where the Z28’s pegs may interfere with the section.
The Z28’s pegs are helpful in compatible Lamy pens because they help position and secure the converter. In Lamy pens without those matching grooves, the pegs can get in the way.
Lamy Z28 Converter vs Lamy T10 Ink Cartridge
The Lamy Z28 Converter and Lamy T10 Ink Cartridge are both used to supply ink to compatible Lamy fountain pens, but they work differently.
| Option | Reusable? | Ink Source | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lamy Z28 Converter | Yes | Bottled fountain pen ink | More ink colors, refillable use, bottled ink flexibility |
| Lamy T10 Fountain Pen Ink Cartridge | No | Pre-filled disposable cartridge | Simple installation, travel, cleaner ink changes |
The Lamy T10 cartridge is the easiest option because it is pre-filled and disposable. The Lamy Z28 Converter takes a little more effort, but it lets you use bottled fountain pen ink.
If you want convenience, use cartridges. If you want more ink choices, use the Z28 converter.
How to Fill a Lamy Z28 Converter
The Lamy Z28 Converter is filled using bottled fountain pen ink.
Basic filling steps:
- Install the Lamy Z28 Converter securely into the pen section.
- Make sure the two side pegs align with the matching grooves in the pen.
- Dip the nib fully into bottled fountain pen ink.
- Twist the converter piston to draw ink through the nib and feed.
- Wipe the nib and section with a soft cloth.
- Reassemble the pen.
- Test the ink flow on paper.
Use only fountain pen-safe bottled ink. Do not use India ink, calligraphy dip ink, acrylic ink, drawing ink, paint, or other non-fountain-pen inks. Those inks can clog or damage the nib, feed, and converter.
Compatible Pens
The Lamy Z28 Fountain Pen Ink Converter is commonly used with the following Lamy fountain pens:
- Lamy Safari
- Lamy AL-Star
- Lamy Vista
- Lamy Joy
- Lamy Lx
- Lamy abc
- Lamy nexx
- Lamy nexx M
Some retailers may list additional compatibility, but the safest approach is to confirm your exact Lamy pen model before ordering.
If your Lamy pen does not have the matching grooves for the Z28’s side pegs, the Lamy Z27 Converter may be the better match.
Compatible Brands
The Lamy Z28 Converter is designed for Lamy fountain pens only.
Compatible brand:
It is not a standard international converter and should not be treated as a universal fountain pen converter.
Alternative Cartridges and Converter Options
The best alternative to the Lamy Z28 Converter depends on your pen model.
Common options include:
- Lamy T10 Fountain Pen Ink Cartridge — best disposable cartridge option for compatible Lamy fountain pens
- Lamy Z27 Converter — better match for many Lamy cartridge/converter pens that do not use the Z28 peg-and-groove system
- Bottled fountain pen ink — used with the Z28 converter after installation
- Another Lamy-approved converter — only if your specific pen model recommends it
Do not replace the Lamy Z28 Fountain Pen Ink Converter with a standard international converter unless the pen manufacturer specifically confirms compatibility. Lamy uses proprietary cartridge and converter systems.
If you are unsure which Lamy converter or cartridge you need, use the Pen Refill Finder to compare options.
Converter Family
The Lamy Z28 Converter belongs to Lamy’s proprietary fountain pen converter family. It is one of the main Lamy converters, along with the Lamy Z27.
The Z28 is the converter with the two side pegs. Those pegs are the easiest visual clue and help identify it as the converter intended for specific grooved Lamy fountain pen models.
This converter family is separate from standard international converters and proprietary converter systems from brands such as Parker, Pilot, Waterman, Cross, Sheaffer, Platinum, and Sailor.
How to Identify the Lamy Z28 Converter
The Lamy Z28 Fountain Pen Ink Converter is easy to identify because of its red turning knob and two small side pegs.
Key identification points:
- Lamy-branded fountain pen converter
- Red piston knob
- Clear ink reservoir
- Two small side pegs near the front of the converter
- Designed for select Lamy fountain pens
- Used with bottled fountain pen ink
- Replaces disposable Lamy T10 cartridges in compatible pens
- Not the same as the Lamy Z27 Converter
- Not a standard international converter
The side pegs are the most important visual feature. If the converter has the two pegs, it is the Lamy Z28-style converter. If it does not have the pegs and has a smoother body, it may be the Lamy Z27 Converter instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Lamy Z28 Converter?
The Lamy Z28 Fountain Pen Ink Converter is a reusable piston-style fountain pen ink converter for select Lamy fountain pens. It lets compatible Lamy pens use bottled fountain pen ink instead of disposable Lamy T10 cartridges.
What pens use the Lamy Z28 Fountain Pen Ink Converter?
The Lamy Z28 Converter is commonly used with the Lamy Safari, AL-Star, Vista, Joy, Lx, abc, nexx, and nexx M fountain pens.
What are the two pegs on the Lamy Z28 Converter for?
The two small pegs on the Lamy Z28 Fountain Pen Ink Converter fit into matching grooves in compatible Lamy fountain pens. They help align the converter, hold it in the correct position, and keep it securely seated against the feed nipple.
Is the Lamy Z28 Converter reusable?
Yes. The Lamy Z28 Fountain Pen Ink Converter is reusable and can be filled repeatedly with bottled fountain pen ink.
Does the Lamy Z28 Converter replace the Lamy T10 cartridge?
Yes. In compatible Lamy fountain pens, the Z28 converter replaces the disposable Lamy T10 ink cartridge and allows the pen to use bottled fountain pen ink.
What is the difference between the Lamy Z28 and Lamy Z27 Converter?
The Lamy Z28 Fountain Pen Ink Converter has two side pegs that fit into matching grooves on compatible Lamy pens. The Lamy Z27 Converter does not have those pegs and is used in many other Lamy cartridge/converter fountain pens.
Does the Lamy Z27 Converter work in more Lamy pens than the Z28?
The Lamy Z27 Converter is generally the more broadly compatible option across many Lamy cartridge/converter fountain pens. The Lamy Z28 Fountain Pen Ink Converter is more specific to Lamy models with matching grooves for its side pegs. Even so, it is best to use the converter recommended for your exact pen.
Can I use the Lamy Z28 Converter in a Lamy Studio?
The Lamy Studio is commonly associated with the Lamy Z27 Converter rather than the Z28. Always confirm your exact model, but the Z28 is mainly intended for Safari-style grooved Lamy pens.
Can I use the Lamy Z28 Fountain Pen Ink Converter in a Lamy Safari?
Yes. The Lamy Safari is one of the most common pens that uses the Lamy Z28 Converter.
Can I use the Lamy Z28 Converter in a Lamy AL-Star?
Yes. The Lamy AL-Star commonly uses the Lamy Z28 Converter.
Can I use the Lamy Z28 Fountain Pen Ink Converter in a Lamy 2000?
No. The Lamy 2000 fountain pen is a piston-filler and does not use Lamy T10 cartridges or the Lamy Z28 Converter.
Is the Lamy Z28 Converter a standard international converter?
No. The Lamy Z28 Converter is a proprietary Lamy fountain pen converter. It is not a standard international converter.
What ink can I use with the Lamy Z28 Fountain Pen Ink Converter?
Use bottled fountain pen ink only. Do not use India ink, dip pen ink, acrylic ink, drawing ink, or other non-fountain-pen inks.
Is the Lamy Z28 Converter better than Lamy T10 cartridges?
It depends on what you want. The Lamy Z28 Fountain Pen Ink Converter is better if you want to use bottled ink and access more ink colors. Lamy T10 cartridges are better if you want the easiest, cleanest, most convenient refill option.
How do I know if I need the Lamy Z28 or Z27 Converter?
Check your exact Lamy pen model. The Z28 has side pegs and is designed for models with matching grooves, such as the Safari, AL-Star, Vista, Joy, Lx, abc, nexx, and nexx M. The Z27 is used in many other Lamy cartridge/converter fountain pens.
Related Cartridges, Converters, and Refills
- Lamy Z27 Converter
- Lamy T10 Fountain Pen Ink Cartridge
- Lamy M16 Ballpoint Refill
- Lamy M66 Rollerball Refill
- Lamy M63 Rollerball Refill
- Lamy M22 Ballpoint Refill
- Lamy M21 Ballpoint Refill
Related Guides
- Lamy Pens Guide
- Pen Refill Finder
- Lamy M63 vs M66 Guide
- Lamy M16 Refill Alternatives
- Lamy M66 Alternatives
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