Vintage Montblanc Lovers (342/344/042/44/220 Etc)

[Samer1]

Hi All,

 

After trying a few fountain pens, including a Pelikan M800 in F and then in EF, and a Montblanc 342, I was convinced that those vintage MBs are how fountain pens should write.

 

The 342 I have has an M nib, which is a tad too wide. I was thinking of getting a 342/344, Monte Rosa 042 in either F or EF. Is an EF nib too stiff and scratchy or still offers something nice?

 

Is an F clearly thinner than an M?

 

I found a Monte Rosa 042 in good condition, but the nib has Montblanc engraved on it, instead of the Monte Rosa nib, is that legit? It's an EF nib.

 

There are also some interesting striped MonBlanc Wiese 44/220 in EF and F nibs being sold, but for more.

 

Cheers

 

 

[spaceink]

I much prefer the vintage Montblancs to new ones. I have about five of these, from a Carrera to a 220.

 

I find the new Montblancs too overpriced and too heavy and, thus, unfit for a person who actually writes for hours. Before they stamped the snowflake on sunglasses and scarves and everything, I feel they made pens for writing, not just signing things or impressing people who don't know anything about fountain pens.

 

Also, there usually are not fakes with the older Montblancs. The fact that there are such accurate copies at such low prices show how wide the profit margin is for these new Montblancs. I prefer to pay for a good writing pen, not for a brand. The vintage Montblancs are much better buys.

 

In regards to your questions:

 

-Yes, an EF nib is likelier to be scratchy. Some love the lines, but I prefer something larger and smoother to write with. Check out Japanese pens like a Pilot or Platinum if finer nibs interest you. They make some of the best I've tried.

 

-Monte Rosas I've seen had a Montblanc nib on them.

Edited September 21, 2015 by spaceink

[northstar]

Hello,

 

I have a 042g and the nib reads mont blanc and not monte rosa:

 

http://s5.postimg.org/wbeq6fc13/monte_rosa3a.jpg

 

Best regards.

[Algester]

I wanted to look for a 22X as well but it seems to be quite hard at least in my country

[I like mango cheesecake]

I have the 3-42 and it's quite a stubby B. I also have a 3-44 and it's a F. Both are incredibly smooth. The foot in the 3-44 F nib is quite big do it appears to write like an M

[missuslovett]

The Monte Rosa I had was an F and quite annoyingly scratchy. The wing nibs on the 25Xs are wonderfully smooth, though I've not tried an F in one. Vintage MBs are lovely writers pens but as others have said, the Japanese make some exceptionally fine F nib pens.

[Rosetta59]

I have an MB 344 (later subtype) with an EF nib which writes wonderfully smooth. EF nibs 'per se' do not scratch. If an EF nib scratches, you have to control the alignment of the tines as a first step.

EF european nibs are a trifle larger than japanese ones, but nevertheless are always thinner than medium nibs. The difference is noticeable when directly compared. There is a good pdf page on the website of richard binder for comparisons...(stroke width chart for fountain pens), and many others on the web (I remember even one here on FPN...).

Greetings from Italy and Merry Christmas to you all !!!

[Tom Kellie]

I have the 3-42 and it's quite a stubby B. I also have a 3-44 and it's a F. Both are incredibly smooth. The foot in the 3-44 F nib is quite big do it appears to write like an M

 

 

~ All week I've been writing for hours on a major project for a former student.

I've been writing with a mid-1950s 342 with an Oblique Fine nib inked in Montblanc Irish Green.

The smoothness of the nib is uncanny. It fairly flies across the paper surface.

The ink flow is ideal — not too much, not too little. The degree of control makes it a highly satisfactory writer.

The four 342/3-42 G pens on my writing desk are all outstanding fountain pens for extended writing sessions.

Tom K.

[asegier]

I attest for the 342 as well. However, I prefer my 22 over pretty much all my other pens. With the exception of my Pelikan M805, as for some reason it just hits the spot for me on a harder nib. At some point, I was also searching for a Monte Rosa. I recall bidding on many, but I can't recall if I actually obtained one or not. It's been a while since I've been looking at pens but certainly the vintage ones are great buys! Though for some perspective, if you don't mind a harder nib, the Pelikan is 8xx series is one of my favourite. I originally purchased on M805 Stresseman, then ended up with 3 more (M605 White, M805 Blue Ocean, M215 Blue) as presents that I greatly love!

 

I agree with others in looking towards Japanese pens if you like finer lines. It really depends on what floats your boat

[Tom Kellie]

I attest for the 342 as well. However, I prefer my 22 over pretty much all my other pens.

 

~ asegier:

 

Yes, the 342 is an exceptionally fine writer.

All week a 342 Oblique Fine nib has been used to record comments of final examination presentations.

No problems of any kind. It starts upon touching the page, never skips, lays down crisp lines.

The two 1967 24 pens on my writing desk are also outstanding.

One is an EEF and the other an OF.

The 24s combine light overall mass with a reassuring sturdiness.

I'm glad to know that your 22 writes well for you.

Happy writing in 2019!

Tom K.