Xxf Nib

[Nate_Emmi]

After three years of using fountain pens, I'm searching high and low for my ideal pen. In order of importance, I'd like it to have 1) An EF/F (by Japanese standards, 0.35 or less) nib that is FIRM, like a nail, and smooth as can be. 2) A body size comparable to the Noodler's Konrad or Pelikan M200. 3) Ideally a Piston filling system, C/C is tolerable. 4) Less than $100USD. The Pelikan M200 is so very close, but it still writes a bit wide for me. I was looking at the Sailor Young Profit or Sailor 3776 Century, based off the reputation of the company. Any other pens that I should take a look at?

[KBeezie]

Platinum or Pilot in an EF would likely fit the bill. though can't think of any particular models, I got a Platinum PTL-5000 fine that's probably one of my smallest writers.

 

Probably around 0.2 or so.

 

http://static.karlblessing.com/pens/gp_sp_stroke.jpg

 

Only thing is though, the PTL-5000 isn't quite that rigid, I can flex it if I wanted to (but writing normally only shows extremely subtle flex).

 

But it's also a 14K Gold nib, not a steel nib.

 

Pelikan is German, so their nibs are likely going to be closer to a Japanese Fine or Medium if you're looking at an EF from Europe.

 

PS: the stroke guide above is from http://www.richardspens.com/pdf/strokewidths.pdf

Edited April 24, 2014 by KBeezie

[discopig]

I think you meant the Platinum 3776 Century. Their EF and UEF nibs look pretty great and are apparently nails. I have a 3776 Century in SF and it's one of my nicest and smoothest nib, so I'd be surprised if the UEF or EF was any other way.

 

Any of the Sailor EF nibs should also be good nails, but I haven't personally tried any of them.

 

The Platinum PTL-5000 wouldn't be a good choice considering it has a soft nib.

 

Also, for a true EF, I'd stay away from Western manufacturers.

Edited April 24, 2014 by discopig

[theverdictis]

Platinum or Pilot in an EF would likely fit the bill. though can't think of any particular models, I got a Platinum PTL-5000 fine that's probably one of my smallest writers.

 

Probably around 0.2 or so.

 

http://static.karlblessing.com/pens/gp_sp_stroke.jpg

 

Only thing is though, the PTL-5000 isn't quite that rigid, I can flex it if I wanted to (but writing normally only shows extremely subtle flex).

 

But it's also a 14K Gold nib, not a steel nib.

 

Pelikan is German, so their nibs are likely going to be closer to a Japanese Fine or Medium if you're looking at an EF from Europe.

 

PS: the stroke guide above is from http://www.richardspens.com/pdf/strokewidths.pdf

Cheers for this, really insightful and helpful

 

Ben

[KBeezie]

Cheers for this, really insightful and helpful

 

Ben

 

I need to re-print it, maybe later this weekend. I was using Georgia Pacific Super Bright Premium paper (28lb weight, 97 brightness) with the printer set to 'fine' quality at the best resolution possible so that I could get it as close to accurate as possible. Since on cheaper paper or a lower setting, the sample strokes may be misrepresented due to inkjet feathering (heavier paper, especially with inkjets tend to mitigate that since any amount of ink tends to be immediately absorb before it can feather).

[discopig]

I never used any chart for measuring stroke. All I need is a 20x loupe and a ruler graduated in mm. I find it much more accurate, as you can measure down to 1/10 a mm. Different paper, ink and pressure are also going to affect stroke size, which renders the whole exercise useless other than to know the stroke size for yourself.

Edited April 24, 2014 by discopig

[Serafinachantal]

The Pilot Prera is exactly what you want. Same size as the Pelikan M200, very fine and smooth nib. I have several and I love them. They are c/C-Fillers.

[KBeezie]

I never used any chart for measuring stroke. All I need is a 20x loupe and a ruler graduated in mm. I find it much more accurate, as you can measure down to 1/10 a mm. Different paper, ink and pressure are also going to affect stroke size, which renders the whole exercise useless other than to know the stroke size for yourself.

 

Though it's more of a general comparison. If you want to have some kind of EXACT comparison there is that, but for a newbie or avid user they could just stroke the paper with a pen they normally use, and use that to get an idea of what kind of pen they would 'want' to get, like if you want something smaller than your existing fine, you could stroke the paper look at what seems a little smaller and you got a vague representation of whether or not you should look for say a Japanese Fine or Western Extra fine or something like that.

 

It's also a little faster than loupe comparing a bunch of pens if you're shopping for one you don't have yet (though I suppose if you're fortunate enough to have a pen shop in town you can ask for a loupe, pad and ruler)

[Serafinachantal]

I made a quick photo of my M200 and one of the Preras. If you want a finer line than the Japanese F, you could buy a Pilot Penmanship with EF nib and put that in the Prera. I did this with one of my Preras and use it for drawing. Its still incredibly smooth considering it is basically a needle tip

[Nonsensical]

I own a Pilot Custom 91 Heritage (F), Sailor 1911m (F) and Platinum #3776 F. Of all these pens, the one that probably fits your criteria best is the Platinum #3776, either in F or EF.

 

1. All three pens cost <$200, are larger than a Pelikan M200, and are C/C.

2. The Sailor pen size is smaller than the other two.

3. The Pilot nib is springy, not firm.

4. The Platinum convertor has a larger capacity compared to the Sailor.

 

Really, though the Sailor has a smaller sweet spot on the nib, and as much as I love my Sailor pens, my Platinum #3776 gives more feedback, but will write at any angle.

[Serafinachantal]

Crappy iPhone snapshot, but you get the idea

[fledermaus89]

As others have mentioned, Pilot Prera, Sailor 1911m/Pro gear slim, or platinum 3776 in EF nib are the ones that probably fit your criteria. MSRP for the Sailors is $195 but you can find it for under $100.

[flyingfox]

This? http://www.amazon.com/Famous-Guangzhou-Waistline-fountain-Jinhao/dp/B00HA3ZHYE/ref=sr_1_3?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1398377921&sr=1-3&keywords=fountain+pen+tower

 

It has an extremely fine hooded nib that is very hard and very smooth. I have two. One wrote great right out of the box. The other was a hard starter, but it is writing perfect now, after flossing the tines with a brass sheet. Slightly thinner than Konrad, but not by much. It is so cheap that it may seem insulting, but figured I would throw it out there...

 

[flyingfox]

Just to give you a bit of an idea...

 

 

 

In comparison with the Konrad...

 

 

View from above...

 

 

[KBeezie]

Just to give you a bit of an idea...

 

 

 

 

 

What year and nib material is that Pilot Elite (since they got so many "Elite" out there)

[Silvire]

Less than USD$100 is tough. I'd recommend a Sailor H-XF Pro Gear, but even that's beyond your budget. Are you interested in 2nd hand? You can probably get what you want, but second hand.

[hbyu]

ever consider saibi togi nib from Sailor?

[discopig]

I wish Sailor had a pen with Saibi Togi nib for less than $100, it seems like the perfect super fine nail nib. The cheapest I saw was $200-350 on ebay.

[Buzz_130]

Platinum makes excellent nibs that meet all of your requirements. I haven't had any problems with the c/c on my Platinum and Nakaya, and with the #3776, I have no worries with any ink that I've tried including their carban and nano colors.

 

My Sailor has a much softer feel than my two Platinums. Incredible nib and fantastic writer, just not the same as the Platinum.

 

Buzz

[inotrym]

I support the Prera suggestion. Big fan of this pen

 

I would also think of a TWSBI mini.