I just wrote with my first FP -- a fine nib Aurora Talentum -- and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT.

The FP came with a cartridge converter and no instructions... sorry for this very simple question, but how do I use a converter?

Also, what kind of ink do you recommend buying for Aurora? Is it best to stick with the pen brand?

Thanks for all your help from the start!!!

Here's how I do it:

1. Unthread the barrel and install the convertor by plugging it into the section.

2. Rotate the knob on the back of the convertor counter-clockwise until it stops.

3. Dip the entire nib and part of the section into a bottle of ink.

4. Rotate the nob on the back of the convertor clockwise as many times as necessary until it stops. This should draw ink into the convertor until it is full.

5. Take the pen out of the ink and turn the nob counter-clockwise slightly, only enough to expel about three to five drops of ink back into the bottle.

6. Turn the pen so that it's nib up, being careful not to make a mess, and again retract the piston by turning the nob clockwise until it stops.

7. Gently wipe the nib and section clean with a soft cloth.

8. Install barrel, and the pen is ready to write.

Enjoy your Talentum!



[Edited to correct minor grammatical redundancy and clarity]

Aurora ink is very good, among the best in fact, but there's no need to use only that. Any ink that is meant for fountain pens is OK.

You can check through the Ink Reviews section on this board to see samples of more fountain pen inks than you can imagine. The only thing wrong with it is that the boring regular blues and blacks are not very well represented - so many people want to try the exotic shades of pink and gold and green.

Stay away from any ink that is NOT made for fountain pens (that includes India ink, drawing ink, calligraphy ink, artist's ink, and some others.) Be suspicious of ink sold at an art store, because it is usually one of the above. The problem with those inks is that if they start to dry inside the pen, you can't clean them out.

An addendum to the instructions for using a converter. Many find that screwing the piston all the way back after filling can be a problem. I find with some pens, that after letting a few drops bleed, just screw the converter back a turn or so. Sometimes, when writing, you will have to screw the converter more to feed more ink.

As for ink, in addition to color, some inks flow differently in different pens and its fun to experiment. But consider how important water resistance is too, in terms of what you are using the pen for. Aurora is not very resistant, in contrast to Noodlers in which some colors are waterproof.

John

Think of it as filling a syringe. The piston thing that moves inside the converter will suck up the ink if it moves up or release ink if it moves down. You move the piston thing by twisting the knob at the back like a screw.

Here is some visual aid:

In addition, you may find that the converter doesn't fill in its entirety upon doing a fill only once. Just repeat the procedure 2-3 times before expelling a drop of ink, and it should fill completely.

HTH, warm regards, Wim

Try Dupont Blue or even Black. Glides the nib.