What's The Difference Between The Namiki Falcon And The Namiki Falcon Elabo

[Portrait]

I've noticed that there is a Namiki Falcon Elabo which the manufacturer's state is mega-flexible. I already have a SF and SM Namiki Falcons which I use daily for note taking, studies etc. I like vintage flexible pens ( I have a waterman eyedropper) and was wondering if any one had experience with the Elabo and how flexible is the nib

[RonH]

I've noticed that there is a Namiki Falcon Elabo which the manufacturer's state is mega-flexible. I already have a SF and SM Namiki Falcons which I use daily for note taking, studies etc. I like vintage flexible pens ( I have a waterman eyedropper) and was wondering if any one had experience with the Elabo and how flexible is the nib

 

I have both the resin and the metal versions and I find that the nibs are identical in my use.

[pe2dave]

I've noticed that there is a Namiki Falcon Elabo which the manufacturer's state is mega-flexible. I already have a SF and SM Namiki Falcons which I use daily for note taking, studies etc. I like vintage flexible pens ( I have a waterman eyedropper) and was wondering if any one had experience with the Elabo and how flexible is the nib

 

I have both the resin and the metal versions and I find that the nibs are identical in my use.

 

 

Have you ever tried to remove the nib/feed?

I'm unsure if it screws/friction fit or ... something else?

 

TIA Dave

[ehemem]

I've noticed that there is a Namiki Falcon Elabo which the manufacturer's state is mega-flexible. I already have a SF and SM Namiki Falcons which I use daily for note taking, studies etc. I like vintage flexible pens ( I have a waterman eyedropper) and was wondering if any one had experience with the Elabo and how flexible is the nib

 

I have both the resin and the metal versions and I find that the nibs are identical in my use.

 

Same here, identical nibs. But I like the more recent Elabo better because it feels heavier and the finish hasn't scratched or marked in the 6 months or so that I have been carrying it around with me.

[AltecGreen]

I've noticed that there is a Namiki Falcon Elabo which the manufacturer's state is mega-flexible. I already have a SF and SM Namiki Falcons which I use daily for note taking, studies etc. I like vintage flexible pens ( I have a waterman eyedropper) and was wondering if any one had experience with the Elabo and how flexible is the nib

 

 

Here's the answer. Please bear with my rant on Pilot's stupid marketing schemes.

 

 

The pen known as the Falcon in the US and a few other markets is called the Elabo in Japan. The model has been around since the 70's in one form or another. Namiki is the family name for the founder of Pilot. Pilot was once called Namiki but changed in 1938 to Pilot. Today Pilot uses Namiki as a marketing name. In Japan, Namiki refers to the maki-e pens. If you check the Pilot Japan site, all of the maki-e pens are listed under the Namiki name probably due to the long time association of maki-e with Namiki-Dunhill. All of the other fountain pens are sold under the Pilot.

 

In the US, Pilot uses Namiki to distinguish between the rollerballs and other such mass market items from the fountain pens. So the fountain pens are grouped under the Namiki name. However, Pilot confuses people because they have some pens listed as Namiki and some as Namiki by Pilot. Just call it Pilot.

 

Over a year ago, Pilot introduced an update to the Elabo. The new pen now has a metal body and is slightly larger. The new larger body allows the pen to be used with the Con-70 converter. In Japan, the older black resin Elabo was removed from the Pilot website, i.e. discontinued. In the US, both models are still listed and at least some vendors are selling both the new and old versions.

 

The nibs are the same for both the new and older versions. The nibs are not flexible. They will give line variation but require a fair amount of pressure to do so. They do seem to be able to handle the pressure. Due to the shape of the nib, the nib can be modified to be a close approximation to a vintage flex nib. This is not however standard. It is another marketing game to call the stock nib flexy. The 742 FA nib is a lot more flexible in stock form than the Falcon nib. Frankly, if you want vintage flex buy a vintage pen.

[Ghost Plane]

Best explanation I've read to date! :notworthy1:

[prosimon]

 

Here's the answer.

 

 

Excellent answer! You clear up the confusion.

[FrankB]

"Here's the answer. ..."

 

Thanks, Alec. Very helpful and informative, including the rant.