Hello - I am an illustrator and I have traditionally worked with extra fine - dip pen nibs. I am thinking of transitioning to a fountain pen and I am writing to inquire if you would not mind advising me on this acquisition?

More specifically, I am looking for a fountain pen nib that would best mimic an extra fine-dip pen nib. Regarding the fountain pen itself, I am interested in one with a small diameter, (like the diameter of a pencil for example).

One other criteria would be 'quality' that the fountain pen's nib is lasting in terms of its lines versatility. By this I mean that I am regularly replacing dip pen nibs as they wear out after a while and will no longer provide me the 'extra-fine' lines that my work requires.

Advance thanks,

Michael

Any fountain pen with an iridium-tipped nib can be modified to be as fine as you need; I do this regularly, creating needlepoints (0.2-mm stroke) and super needlepoints (0.1-mm stroke) for artists and illustrators. These nibs are smooth and have good flow; several are in the hands of FPNers who have commented on them, and you can probably do a search to read these people's comments.

The Pelikan M200 is a low-priced pen of remarkably high quality; I can sell you one fitted with a needlepoint for $105.00 plus shipping. It's not as skinny as a pencil, however.



If you're not averse to vintage pens, an Esterbrook LJ fitted with a modified 9000-series nib would fill the bill.

hi Michael~

What type and size of dip nibs do you usually use--the crowquill/mapping size, or standard size? How flexible of a nib are you looking for? I'm an illustrator as well, I use both dip and fountain pens for pen-and-ink work.

Whatever you need, Richard--who answered above--will most certainly be able to provide it

John Mitchell's extra fine 0138
Wm Mitchell’s Pankktkyna Bankpenna 0745F
Gillots # 907
Jaer # 807E

Above is a sampling of the nibs I regularly use. What I like about these nibs is that, (when new) with a small amount of pressure I can create almost non-existent lines. I do a lot of classical cross hatch type rendering and I like to feather out this effect with smaller and smaller lines.

Would anyone know of a way to revive a pen nib so that it performs as when it was new?

Richard: Between the two nibs you mention which would:
A: Fulfill the effect I seek as described above
B: Last the longest (e.g. how often would it be necessary for me to acquire a new nib?)

Thanks all,

Michael

I am, sadly, a nib dodo, so no help there, but I really recommend the Caran d'Ache Ecridor (mine is in the Retro style) for sheer pencil-like writing pleasure. It is hexagonal, stiff and oh, so lovely (I also have the pencil-heaven!). It is a bit wider that a standard ticonderoga, and heavier, but nicely balanced and you can listen to the nib people here and get it modified to suit your needs. Plus, it looks really cool-it is supposed to feel like a pencil. Please see link. I hope it works-I've never done this before.

http://www.carandache.ch/products/writing/...product=958.485


Cheers,
Kathryn

*Edited for punctuation