I see that there a few different types of Parker 51s- areomatic and vacumatic. Which one is the best (and where is the best place to get a good, reliable one with a fine nib).

Since you are new to 51's I would go with the aero, it is more likely to not need to be refurbished prior to using it. The market place here is a good place to pick up a 51.

The best one is the one you like. Aero is less likely to break down, vac has a vast ink capacity.

I'll also vote "aerometric" as well. That's the one where the whole barrel unscrews to reveal a squeeze bladder encased in a metal sleeve. It is the simplest design--easy to maintain. The vacumatic is the one with the blind cap that unscrews and reveals a "T" stick that you press down. It's an interesting design and probably a little more "elegant" since you unscrew a small portion of the barrel. But ones you typically find in the wild require a replacement diaphragm in order to completely fill with ink. It's best to start with an aerometric and then later on, if you feel the need to have one, get a vacumatic as well.

Have and Love both. Agree with everything previously mentioned. My experience shows the Vac is harder, takes a lot longer to fully clean of ink.

My favorite writing "51" is a Vac, but start with the Aero. You'll be happy.

Generally the Vacs are more collected/collectable (whatever that means), offering higher cachet colors, caps, trim etc.

Aeros often are viewed as being bit "easier" for the user-oriented fan.

Both have their charms.

regards
david

Both the 51 Vac and Aero have their pluses and minuses. I own both kinds and I am happy with both filling systems 'nough said.

Oh my! Those are beautiful! I'm so jealous!

Get an Aero first. Then decide whether you're a 51 freak, and, if so (welcome to the Borg!), then contemplate a 51 Vac. Aeros aren't as sexy as Vacs, but work better (both versions write equally well, but Aero sacs just don't fail like Vac diaphragms, and Aeros evacuate old ink like Roto-Rooter, whereas Vacs are more akin to trying to flush your toilet with an eyedropper). The older Aeros with silver breather tubes can experience tube rot, which won't allow a full fill, but the repair is simpler/cheaper than a more probable Vac diaphragm fix.

The Chinese ruined aerometric pens for me :\

Personally I would go for a vacumatic because it can hold buckets of ink and I just like the vacumatic filling system.

However, as other people said, buy an aerometric first, then a vacumatic.

[views d.i. photo]

[goes off to cry, they are so lovely]