I would like to know if the Pelikan Epoch is less desirable here than the M200. I did a board search and found practically nothing regarding the Epoch while raves for the M200 are everywhere. Is there a reason for this? I kinda like the look to the Epoch more than M200s.

My opinion is that the 200 is far more versatile. The nib is interchangeable with all 2xx,4xx and 6xx Pelikans. Also, the piston filling system is preferable due to the quantity of ink it holds and the choices of bottled inks it allows.

Just my opinion. I admit I have not tried the Epoch.

philm

echoing philm here...

the epoch is probably a good pen.

the 200 is more versatile, allowing just about any nib configuration you can imagine - stock or custom. THe integrated piston-filling system holds considerable more ink than most cartridges (1.3 mls vs. .7).

but... i'm sure the writing quality is just as good. Also note that the nib is a different design. If you prefer that sort of "wrap-around" nib, then maybe it's for you. I prefer open nibs in general (VP excepted).

The Epoch doesn't take a converter and for many of us that's a turn-off. Not a deal breaker *all* the time, for me. But most of the time.

Oh, so no bottle filling with the Epoch? Then forget it...it's out of the question. I might get a M215.

only if you use a syringe or pipet. which a lot of us do when we want a pen badly enough but that pen is cartridge only.

According to Pelikan, the Epoch does take a converter, but you have to fill the converter outside of the pen and then put it in, which I think must be kind of awkward (haven't tried it). And you don't get the flushing effect you have when you fill through the nib.

Ole

Umm...I guess that I now have a silly question to ask:

When you fill a convertor, are you supposed to do it through the nib, or are you supposed to fill the convertor separately and then attach it to the section?

Maybe I've been doing it wrong all this time. :doh:

TMann

Well, which way were you doing it, Ted?

I always fill the ink with the convertor attached to the pen. I figure this is the proper way as the alternative seems potentially messy.

I usually fill the ink with the convertor attached to the pen, then wipe the nib after filling.

However, I have a Taccia that will not fill the converter through the nib. No matter how deep the nib is "dunked" -- I tried right up to the section --, the converter fills about 1/4 with ink and 3/4 with air. (Makes no sense, I know.) For that pen, I fill the converter seperately and put it back in the pen.

To be honest, I think it is less messy for me to fill the converter seperately, but it is a lot more "fun" to fill through the nib. Besides, by filling through the nib I know the feed is inked and ready to go.

I do both for convertor filling, one thing is that you don't get bubbles if it goes straight to converter.

I have a pencil D360 Epoch, it is a great pencil and probably better than the 200 version but for Fountain Pens the M200 is much better.

Well if you look at manufacturer instructions they usually show the pen and ink bottle with the section inserted not just the converter. That is the pictograms that sahow how to fill the fountain pen.


Kurt H

I must admit, I like the look of the Epoch and I'm sure it's a fine pen, but I too was turned off at it being a cartridge pen. Once you've used piston filler Pelikans, it's hard to switch to a cartridge pen.

I guess with Pelikan I think of school pens as being cartridge and the big brothers as the piston fillers. \


Kurt H

hm... i was going based on a pen seller's site that said cartridge only. So... guess they were wrong.

re: how you fill a pen via converter. Totally up to personal taste IMO. I prefer to fill through the nib because I feel this wets the feed thoroughly. But some people don't like to have to wipe the nib so.... I don't think there's a "wrong" way.

I just checked out a couple of Epochs at a pen store and they don't come with converters, so you'd have to buy one that will fit separately.