I'm looking to get my very first Pelikan, and I want to get a vintage one. Apparently the two most-supported options, certainly the most affordable, are to get either a 400 or a 400NN, or perhaps a 140. I'll be using this pen regularly; given that, which do you recommend?

Thanks, R.

I'm no expert on this, but I do know that the 400 and 400NN are shaped differently, so you might prefer one over the other just based on looks. Also, I think the 400NN is a bit longer. They were made during different years.

http://www.angelfire.com/mac/penguin0/

If you go to the left side link to the Webmaster's Corner, then scroll down to the July 2006 heading, you'll see a photo comparison of them. Around that site, there is also some other information about those and other vintage Pelikans. Hope this helps a little.

400NN's are great pens.

You must have one.

Matt C.

The difference between these FPs are only minor.

The nibs can be exchanged between them. The 400NN is just a little bit "torpedo"-shaped. Both are great pens. Take the best opportunity. It doesn't care from technical side which one you choose.

I would suggest the 400NN, of the three mentioned.

Here is a picture of the 400NN and 400 together to give you an idea of size. The 400NN is the one on the bottom.

Good luck in your quest.

I see you're now considering a 140 as well. On the whole (aside from the rare colored versions, maybe), the 400s are more expensive than the 140. On the other hand, the 400s feel a bit more substantial. Not that the 140 feels cheap. My friend has a bunch of 140 and 400nn, and he likes them all. They do look very different in style. I went with 140, mostly because of the lower price, but also because I happen to like the way it looks.