I'm looking to get my first nice FP and I'm deciding between the M250 in Amber or the M400 in white/tortoise. Which would you go with?

I would just choose the less expensive one, because I don't think there's a quality difference between the two.

well - see my avatar.

I agree with david re: quality and price issues. So from there it depends on which appeals to you more aesthetically.

I'm not crazy about demos or translucents. At least, not ones that will actually be inked. I know the ink sneaks into the same places on all Pelikans, i just would rather not see it.

Hi! I am also in similar dilemma!
I have decided to buy M401(White Tortoiseshell) with F nib. But I saw a sell in Martini De's site old style Burgandy M250 for 75USD with ususal nib options!
Can not decide now whether to go for both together with different nib combination or just buy M401!
Any one to provide some light? K-Cat?
Thanks.
abhik

I'm afraid of the demonstrator staining, yet the white M400 is gonna get stained too..decisions, decisions
Also looking into the M605 in blue

Do you think there may be a difference in quality between the 250 and the 400? I´ve got both, and they both seem top notch. I remember though reading somewhere at FPN that the plating of the 200-250 is more likely to brass than the one in the 400 - that, is that its quality is inferior. Does anyone has any experience about that?

regards,
Rique

It may be true but I've not had any of my pens long enough to really compare the 400/600 furniture with the 200 furniture. I suppose i can say there's a bit of discoloration on the clip where it meets the cap on my first 200 which was purchased about 2 years before my first 400 was purchased. The 400 was actually about the same age however. The 400 has no such discoloration. So there may be some truth to it.

But... I have handled my first 200 about 10X as often as my first 400 and i tend to always hold the cap in my left hand. We got into that discussion some time ago about whether or not the wear on the cap was due to quality or use and the fact that I handle the cap so much while using the pen. No conclusion was reached.

I've had the white tortoise for, I dunno, about two years now, and it shows no staining except in the cap threads. If I tried to clean them out they might right clean up for all I know, but I have never cared enough to try.

I don't use reds or purples in it, but otherwise it doesn't get babied.

The 605 in Blue can be had a Fahrney's for $145. They currently have XF, M, and B nibs in stock.

I scored a blue M605 in broad. I love it so far, my first pen costing more than $30

I have a m400 white and a m405 solid blue (the little brother of that m605 blue). I like them both, but I found that m400 white is more convenient. I can check its ink level with the cap on. It's not really important, but just more convenient for me, since I have the habit of putting the cap on when not writing.