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Showing results for tags 'capless'.
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Vanishing Point Nib Scraping On The Trapdoor?
mothy posted a topic in Fountain & Dip Pens - First Stop
Today I received my first and long awaited vanishing point :-) I suppose curiosity got the better of me and I started inspecting how the mechanism works I know that the feed makes contact with the door first and then the nib but as I was watching and pressing the clicker slowly I noticed that after the nib makes contact the tipping material presses forward and scrapes against the door (there's noticeable uncomfortable friction) is this normal? Perhaps I'm a tad sentimental but I do see rightly or wrongly my fountain pens as forever items, Faithfull companions that lend permanence to the ethereal and form to thought. I like to use the same pen for a very very long time with little repair needed, ideally I will go before the pen does. So this does concern me. How are others experiences with this pen over the long term? Especially if the nib scrape is normal or present The varies but I do generally handwrite most things and run through paper very fast especially in journals,drafting reports etc -
According to Goulet Pens and Anderson Pens, the Pilot Decimo is coming to the US! I know I could always order online from Jetpens and vendors overseas, but this is still great news to have the Decimo finally officially here. I prefer the Decimo over the Vanishing Point as it's thinner, lighter and at least for me the clip is a much more comfortable design.
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In case you haven't seen this yet... http://blog.gouletpens.com/2015/06/pilot-vanishing-point-stub-nib-coming.html
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Vanishing Point Question: Vp Xf 18K Nib Vs Fine Special Alloy Nib
civil posted a topic in Japan - Asia
Vanishing point question: anybody tried/owns an extra fine 18k nib and fine special alloy nib? How do they compare in terns of small writing and scratchiness/smoothness? Some people discouraged me from getting an alloy pen as being too dry compared to the 18k, but the fine nib 18k seems a bit too wet for some uses, after initially being rather dry for a week or two. Since the alloy fine has been described as rather dry, I was wondering whether it might be better than an extra fine 18k for my purposes (smoother yet smaller writing is the goal). A wet writer defeats that purpose. -
Hi. I have several pens, mostly Japanese. I find that I keep coming back to the Vanishing Point/Capless pens that I have, and I am trying to figure out what it is that I love so much about writing with them. I THINK the word I am looking for is "springy." I know that the shape and size of the nib are significant departures from most others, so I am wondering what other nibs are most similar from an experience perspective. FWIW, I also love my Sailor Pro Gear Slims (Sapporos). I use mostly F and XF nibs, but I look for smooth, not toothy. Thank you!
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I'm wondering if anyone has seen the VP in dark green + rhodium steel for sale online anywhere? I would prefer an EF nib but am open to another and just switching the nibs out myself, or sending off for a grind. It is really hard to find! I know of one in Australia but only with a fine nib, and that's still rather expensive given I'll want to switch out or grind the nib, so thought I'd just ask around as a last resort. I don't want the Fermo version, but am also open to Green Carbonesque, not that this would be any easier to find! http://static.shop033.com/UserFiles/3688-Files/Image/NA_vanishing_greenST_fp.jpg
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Hello. I plan on buying an 18k VP (probably a Decimo) in the near future, and I am considering alternating between nib assemblies rather than whole pens because of high cost, since apparently it is easy to keep an inked nib assembly from drying out, ready to switch quickly, unlike with most nib switching in other pens. Anybody knows about good prices on VP nib assemblies? A not so recent review suggested they can be had for about $35, but I have not found anything for less than about $61, which is not far from a whole capless steel nib pen, and waiting patiently for some big discounts on a whole 18k pen seems persuasive considering current prices of the nib assembly. Any and all tips on better prices (lower than $61) much appreciated.
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Hi, After researching for my next fountain pen for long time, I have decided to get Pilot Decimo Dark Grey EX. However, one of the Japanese sellers that I contacted said that there is no Dark Grey with EX nib. I wonder if this is true. Is there anyone who knows a seller who sells Pilot Decimo Dark Grey with EX nib? I have checked Amazon, eBay, jetpens, and other websites but couldn't find it. Also, I see that some posts say Pilot VP nib and Pilot Decimo nib are interchangeable, and some other posts say that some adjustment should be done for Pilot VP nib to be used in Pilot Decimo. I wonder if there is anyone who has had this experience of swapping nibs between VP and Decimo. I am asking this in case there is no Decimo Dark Grey with EX, I would probably buy Decimo Dark Grey with F nib and purchase a EX nib separately. (I have seen there is VP EX nib sold online, but never seen Decimo EX nib sold online.) Thanks,
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I have a question for those of you who have a longer history with the Pilot Vanishing Point - please excuse me if I'm posting this in the wrong place! I bought a matte black Pilot Vanishing Point sometime last year (back when the Australian dollar was worth something ), with a black-coated gold Fine nib. The pen wrote really smoothly, but laid a finer, drier line than is my preference. To cut a long story short, the pen took a 'nosedive' off my son's lap about a month ago, and landed nib first on a wooden floor. The two Aussie nib technicians I've spoken to feel it wouldn't be worth my while (in terms of cost) to repair the nib, so I'm looking a replacing it. So here's the question: I can buy a replacement nib (with converter) for around US$60 plus postage - that's an 18K nib, black or rhodium coated. Or I can buy a older-style 14K nib (no converter) from Anderson Pens for $50. Is it worth the cost saving, if I don't mind my matte black pen having a gold coloured nib? The 14K nibs are only available in F or B - I'd probably buy the F if I head down this direction, but am wondering: is there a significant difference between the 14K and 18K fine in terms of smoothness, wetness, line width, performance that might favour one over the other? If you've written with both, do you have a preference for one or the other - and if so, why? I know the 14K nibs were designed for the US / European (?) market - and that they've now been discontinued. Beyond that I'm completely in the dark. Any help / advice / information that might help me make a decision would be very much appreciated.
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Hello fellow fountain pen enthusiasts! I hope I wrote this topis on the correct forum =). I've been a fountain pen user for more than 10 years already and own a small collection of Parker and Twsbi pens. This month, I decided I shall expand my collection and reach into the world of gold fountain pen nibs. The pens that facinated me the most were the Pilot Capless Matte Black and the Lamy 2000. I've read and watched a lot of reviews and completely hit a wall. I simply can not decide between these 2. Maybe some of you will answer with "Why not both?" and yes... both probably sometime in the foreseeable future as I would love to see both of these 2 pens in my collection some day. But right now, as a student with no steady income, I should like to decide on one and would like to ask you for help. I would use the pen everyday during my university classes, meaning that I would write with it on and off at least 5-6h per day, taking notes. So, which one of these 2 pens do you think would be better? Any opinions, experiences, advice, simply anything would be a big help. Thank you in advance!! Sincerely, Attena
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After discussions with a fellow fountain pen enthusiast about the problems with loose and spare nib units for Pilot/Namiki Vanishing Point/Capless pens a solution has been found. I was asked to assist with the design and testing of a custom made cap to fit over the end of the nib unit to protect it from damage, make them easier to transport, and keep them from rolling off tables. Many prototypes have been tested and now a final working product is available. Here are those caps in use: http://i.imgur.com/oDkM3hW.jpg They are available through my friend's Shapeways store: http://www.shapeways.com/designer/ArmillarySphere. They are 3D-printed with a Selective Laser Sintering machine and come in 2 varieties: smooth that match the diameter of the nib unit and fluted to keep the nib unit from rolling. I personally tested them on over 25 VP nib units and they fit every one made from the year 2000 to the present. Earlier nib units have more variation in diameter and fit can not be guaranteed. Check these out. I am glad to be able to help develop this useful VP accessory and I hope that others find as I useful as I do. Note that the 6 packs of caps available are printed together as one piece with small bridges of plastic connecting them together at the ends. This makes them much less expensive per unit. They will need to be cut apart and lightly sanded. The individual caps are ready to use as-is.
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Dear all, I've got a small problem with my Pilot VP; the clip has developed several degrees of side to side play? I don't actually use the clip to, well, clip the pen to anything so I'm not too worried about that aspect of it, but because of the design of the pen you end up holding the clip and it's a little disconcerting if it wiggles whilst writing! Edit - I should add, I've had the pen for approximately 8 months from new Here's some pictures to illustrate the problem; one to the left... http://i.imgur.com/xbWeowj.jpg?1 ... and one to the right! http://i.imgur.com/pmzJ2Fq.jpg?2 The pen has never been abused or manhandled, so it's annoying that this has happened. There appears to be either a hairline crack or a moulding fault in the plastic (?) tip of the pen which may have something to do with the situation. I've dropped Pilot UK an email directly via their contact form, with no reply as of yet, and the retailer only suggested to get in touch with them directly as they don't handle repairs. So, (hopefully!) pending a reply from Pilot, I'd love to know if anyone has any suggestions as to how to tighten the clips a little, or at least stop the problem from getting any worse? I've taken the pen out of my rotation for the time being but would love to have it back in action soon. Also, if anyone has any experience of dealing with Pilot UK for repairs, I'd love to hear! Thanks in advance for your help, Alex
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I own a beautiful Pilot/ Namiki "Capless" Vanishing Point pen- it's a Decimo, which is slightly slimmer and lighter than the regular VP pens, but takes the same nib- and I LOVE it. I have heard that the nibs for these pens are not well standardized. A few weeks after getting my pen, I broke the nib and had to replace it (rather a costly accident, but nevertheless). The nib size of my pen was, and is, a Fine; but I notice the new nib does not write quite as fine a 'Fine' line as the previous, original nib did. I liked the thinner line (didn't want to go to "Extra Fine", because I thought an EF nib might be too delicate- requires a light hand,) Is there a way I can have the nib adjusted? Would it cost as much, or nearly, as buying a whole new nib again? Any thoughts? thanks! - M
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Hi all. Me again. Had my Capless for a couple of days now and I've got a question about its appearance. The body is a dark yellow, stainless steel trim but the nib is gold. Is this combination normal? Also, the nib doesn't mention 18k anywhere, just Pilot <M> which looks legit and the number 612. I'm sure everything's kosher because it writes like a dream, just wanted to check.
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I own three VP's and love writing with them. They're just so ... practical. In my job as a consultant I do a lot of note taking/writing. Last week, after a busy day, my thumb felt a little sore: it felt almost as if a blister was beginning to form. I did not pay any attention to it and kind of wondered where this irritation (pain is too big a word) came from. On the second evening, my thumb was really hurting. Only then did I make the association with the writing I had been doing with the VP. I grabbed my pen and kind of checked out where this irritation came from. I found that it is not the clip that caused it, but the seam between the body and the nib section is the culprit. Mind you, I still love these pens, but for me they are not ideal for extended periods of intensive writing.
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Hi, I have a Pilot Vanishing Point / Capless which I left on my work desk. Upon returning I found that the top part (basically the clip) was broken. I have been trying to find a replacement for this part, but I can't find online. Could anyone help me? Thanks Karl
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Hey guys! I'm relatively new to fountain pens, but I adore them already. I started using them as a product of a search for a finer line (messy, fast, small script required it), and now I continue my search. I am currently most interested in the Pilot Vanishing Point XF nib, which I have heard great things about. For context, I am a senior in high school (limited funds, and this will be used for note-taking), and I have been using a Lamy Safari XF for about five months now. How much thinner is the VP XF nib? How smoothly does it write? Is it useable for daily note-taking, as in fast note-taking? Could I use it with your typical 5-subject mead or staples notebook? ****If not, what's a good five-subject notebook for it?****** And, honestly, is $140 worth it? I'm saving up for it with lawn-mowing so it will take a few months (or longer if it snows early this year), but if it's really worth it I'm in. And one more thing, does anyone know if it's possible to test-drive one in a pen shop? It doesn't have to be any particular size nib, I just would like to know if the clip placement is a problem before I spend that amount of money. Thank you, to anyone who can help me out!
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This post serves two purposes. Mostly, I would like to show some differences between the old and new versions of the Pilot Capless/Vanishing Point (which I'll call VP). But I would also like some advice about the converter on my old VP. I bought an old VP last year. I don't know how old it is, but the Japanese price-sticker is still attached - ¥2,000 - which at today's exchange rate is about US$20. I liked the pen so much that I recently bought a new version, in matte black. There are some clear differences between the two, most notably the following (and see pictures, below): • Material: plastic and metal (old) vs. Metal (new) • Weight: 18g (old) vs. 29g (new) • Clip: less obtrusive in older version - flatter, shorter. This is a big deal for me. • Visual balance: front end of pen is much longer with the new VP model • Section: longer section on older model means less interference from the clip when writing - much more comfortable • Girth: older VP is fractionally thinner • Ink delivery: both models use a converter, but the new version is simpler - just stick a converter on, vs. using an additional 'converter cap' to affix the converter to the older nib unit. Conversely, the older VP feels more secure. • Nib size: new nib looks longer and better-affixed, nib size marked on new nib, but not on the old • Nib material: 14k gold (old) vs. 18k gold (new). • Nib unit: older version is much shorter, given the extra 'cap' for the converter Old VP model abover, new VP model below New model on left (silver colour), older model on right (gold colour) New model on left (silver colour), older model on right (gold colour) New model above (longer unit), newer model below (shorter unit) Shows the converter and 'converter cap' on the older model Compatibility: The new converter can be used on the old VP, but it got stuck in the 'converter cap' and was a hassle to remove. The old converter doesn't sit securely on the new VP nib unit and is too long anyway. On the whole, I prefer the older version, as I find it easier to use (that clip!) and really enjoy the usefulness and feel of it. Unfortunately, the converter is cracked, so it holds nearly no ink. That brings me to part 2: does anyone know the specific part number of the old converter, and/or whether it is possible to either repair or replace it? See picture. Motage of pictures to show the crack on the old converter PS: I thought about putting this in the Reviews section, but decided that it isn't quite right for a review. I quite like the idea of comparing old and contemporary versions of the same model.
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Hi, I am new here (which is the reason why I am posting on this forum), and a group of my friends got exasperated with my clicking habits (I tend to click the pen repeatedly when bored, I used a lot of g2's), and bought me a nice kaweico AL sport, in black. I am actually heading out tomorrow to buy a pilot capless (vanishing point in america?). I do not intend to give my friends any mercy with my clicking habits, but I fell in love with fountain pens the moment I tried mine for the first time (I had adamantly refused tooo try due to me not wanting to spend that much on a pen, knowing I probably would if I tried), and after trying it, I have carried mine around every single moment, upon finding it to be a great conversation starter. I live in singapore, my question is, which ink/s should I get for my capless, as I have heard of it being dry or the capillaries emptying quickly? I would however mention that as far as I can find, the only inks I can get here are of the following brands: Graf Von Faber Castell. Caran D'ache, Platinum, Pilot, Namiki, Noodler, Sailor, and Private Reserve. I look forward to your knowledgeable replies, and cannot wait to wake up tomorrow morning.
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Why Aren't There More Capless Or Retractable Fountain Pens?
LDWoodworth posted a topic in Fountain & Dip Pens - First Stop
I'm new to fountain pens, but I'm very interested in the Pilot Vanishing point, but the price is a bit high for this early on in my interest in this hobby. So I am looking for alternates, but all I've seen is the even more expensive Lamy Dialogue 3. Is there a reason these aren't common? -
Are the differences between the Pilot Vaishing Point and the Pilot Capless Decimo enough to justify the extra $100 for the Decimo?
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Auctions For The Philippine Red Cross By Leigh Reyes - Maple Capless
cultpens posted a topic in The Mall
Everyone here is probably familiar with the amazing calligraphy and art Leigh Reyes does. She's doing something even more wonderful at the moment - auctioning off some of her favourite pens to raise money for the Philippine Red Cross, to help them respond to the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda. You can see all the pens she's auctioning here: Pens for Aid: a charity auction to raise money for Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda victims. The next auction to finish, later today, is for a Pilot Capless 50th Anniversary Edition Maple Wood fountain pen, which we have donated to this auction. This is a brand new pen, directly from our stock, and they are in very limited supply - it's a great chance to get one of these rare pens, while helping a very worthy cause at the same time. It will be shipped directly from us, by airmail, to whoever wins the auction. We'll find some little extras to put in with it, and Leigh will send some goodies too. http://www.cultpens.com/acatalog/Pilot-Capless-Maple-LE.jpg There are many other amazing pens, including quite a few you won't be able to get anywhere else - not only has Leigh put some of her own favourites up for auction, but a number of other people and companies have made very generous donations too. -
2013 Pilot Capless (Vanishing Point) Limited Edition - Now Available!
cultpens posted a topic in The Mall
Celebrating 50 years of the Pilot Capless, the 2013 Jubilee Limited Edition Maple Wood Capless Fountain Pen is now in stock. Made from hollowed maple wood with gold accents and an 18k gold nib, the pen comes presented in an elegant matching gift case. Only 900 of these pens are available worldwide! http://www.cultpens.com/acatalog/Pilot-Capless-Maple-LE.jpg Find out more here. -
Pilot Capless (Vanishing Point) Carbonesque White - Available Now From Cult Pens!
cultpens posted a topic in The Mall
Hello, Cult Pens here. We've just signed up to the Fountain Pen Network with a premium account to show our support and are very much looking forward to being part of community. For those of you that don't know us, we are based in the UK and stock the widest range of pens, pencils and refills on the planet! Our site is regularly updated with offers and new products, so there's always something new to check out. In fact, we are kicking off our activity on FPN by annoucing that the Pilot Capless (Vanishing Point) Fountain Pen in White Carbonesque is now available. Pure white with rhodium-plated trim and rhodium-plated 18k gold nib. Although known as the Carbonesque in Europe due to the similarity of the finish with (faux) carbon-fibre trim on some cars, this finish is actually known as the Kasuri in Japan. Kasuri is a textile dyed with a resist technique to create the simple patterns reflected in this pen. The Pilot Capless (Vanishing Point) Carbonesque White Fountain Pen is in stock for fast UK and worldwide delivery. http://www.cultpens.com/acatalog/Pilot-Capless-Carbonesque-wh-fp.jpg -
Howdy folks! So I (finally!) found my beloved Pilot Vanishing Point (after about 5 years!) which got me rather excited... and then very disappointed as it seems to have dried up permanently and won't write anymore! I'm using standard Pilot ink cartridges and have tried everything to get the ink to flow again, but to no avail. Is this a common problem VP? Is there a way to get it writing again? Would appreciate some tips and tricks please!
