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I just going to say it... I personally hate the look of the Lamy Safari and All TWSBIs.
collectorofmanythings posted a topic in Fountain & Dip Pens - First Stop
Can anyone explain to me why they like the designs so I can appreciate it more? I don’t mean to be rude or criticize people for what they like, I am just curious why you like the look of these pens. Just please reply! I really want to know what the appeal is. Thank you for your help! W. Major- 158 replies
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Hi all. Can I get some Opus 88 Demo users together please? I've had a long bad experience with these pens. Had 2 of them that leaked. You'd find the section full of ink and suddenly you have ink on your fingers in a meeting, etc. etc. At first I was looking for leaks inside the section, but I think it was something else. The feed, or the underside of the nib, would get overflow of ink, to the point where the feed collector is full. When capped this would fall into the cap and back into the section. So the main problem is overflow in the feed. I've had the pen replaced by Opus, which was nice of them, but the new pen does that, only much slower. Hold the pen downwards and, long as the rear knob is slightly open, the feed will very slowly begin to fill up. I want to ask if others are having, or can observe, similar phenomenon. I know the pen in your case may not actually drop the ink eventually, but if you can only use a light to look at the underside of your Jowo nib to see if the ink is controlled in the channel or filling up the underside, that would help me. I have a video I will add when I get a chance. Many thanks for anyone who gives me some input.
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Priced at well under $100, the steel-nibbed Prera is perhaps the epitome of an “entry level” fountain pen: it’s simple, reliable, durable, and economical. Three Preras. Writing sample on Rhodia paper. But don’t be misled by the “entry level” moniker. The Prera, like other models featuring Pilot’s “Super Quality” steel nib, is a serious writing instrument that compares well to pens priced many times as much. Pilot’s out-of-the-box quality (at any price) is second to none, and the Prera affirms their commitment to excellence. What makes the Prera an awesome fountain pen? Several things: 1. Design. Simple, classic aesthetics. While short when capped (about 4.75”), the Prera posts to a comfortable length (of about 5.38”). It is a nice “pocket pen” that can be carried conveniently in a shirt pocked but used like a regular pen. (See pictures.) 2. Nib. Though having virtually no give—the “Super Quality” nibs are quite rigid—the tipping is well ground. These SQ nibs, available in a number of Pilot models (Metropolitan, Plumix, 78G, etc.), are one of the best values out there. (See description of the various nibs below.) 3. Resin. The resin in both the opaque and the clear demonstrator models is warm and tactile. They actually remind me of piano keys. It’s really nice stuff. 4. Trim. Silver trim is simple but nice. (Again, classic.) The clip is quite sturdy and the chromed flat cap top is a great accent feature. The attention to detail highlights the overall quality of the pen. 5. Cartridge/converter. Though proprietary, the Pilot c/c options are quite good. The cartridges have a generous capacity. They also have a wide opening, making them easy to rinse and refill. Also, they seat securely against the inside of the section and so are not prone to cracking and/or leaking, which I've experienced with many other refilled carts (e.g., international, Waterman, Lamy, etc.). As far as I can tell, the Pilot carts can be reused indefinitely without risk of leaks inside the barrel. The new version of the CON-50 converter, while still having a small ink capacity, has an ingenious agitator mechanism that solves the problem of ink getting stuck due to surface tension. The new converter is quite usable, and I change my inks frequently enough that the limited capacity doesn’t bother me too much. I like the Prera so much that I have three different versions: · Configuration #1. Lime Green w/ F nib. This was my first Prera. I actually picked it up when the Lamy Safari in Lime sold out. The color is great (even brighter than the Safari) but the nib is really what makes this pen fantastic. Pilot’s “Super Quality” F nibs are really fine. Really, really fine. I’ve had a couple of these, and they write as fine (perhaps even finer?) than my Binder XXF—I’m guessing that it’s probably ground down to about 0.2 or 0.3, though I don’t have the official spec. This is the range of custom grinds or specialty nibs, and adds to the great value of this pen. (Incidentally, I eventually picked up a Safari but far prefer the Prera.) · Configuration #2. Demonstrator (Black Finials) w/ M nib. I received the M nib as a gift and thought about exchanging it, since I generally favor finer nibs. However, curiosity compelled me to try the M nib and I was amazed by how much I liked it. It is not perfectly round, but rather gives some noticeable line variation. The verticals are decidedly thicker than the horizontals; while definitely not a stubbed nib, I would qualify it as “stubbish.” Running a little dry out of the box, I increased the flow slightly and now count this nib among the best nibs I’ve ever used. · Configuration #3. Demonstrator (Red Finials) w/ italic nib. I actually bought this particular pen used at an excellent a price, then ordered a Plumix with an italic nib and swapped the original round nib myself--it's a fairly simple procedure. (Goulet Pen Co. now offers Preras for sale with the italic nib.) Unfortunately, this nib is somewhat inconsistent (and therefore vexing at times). I can say that when it works, it works well. The untipped nib is very smooth and the line has great variation. Sold as a 1.0 width, I would concur that is indeed a little finer than the Lamy Safari 1.1. However, I cannot give this nib an unqualified endorsement (much as I’d like to). It actually works best on mediocre (i.e., rough and absorbent) paper—it’s the only nib that I prefer to use on the likes of Moleskine, as its performance on that paper is nearly 100%. On smooth-finished Rhodia and Leuchtturm, my preferred papers, the performance is spottier. Though the nib generally works on these smoother papers most of the time, it will suddenly start “hydroplaning,” leaving a thin, anemic line that is a frustrating contrast to the otherwise beautiful italic line. Whether this is due to unevenness in the paper’s finish, smoothness of the nib, trace oils on the page, or some combination thereof, I cannot tell. But it is the downfall of an otherwise brilliant nib. That said, custom italics are occasionally subject to the same frustrating performance issues on smooth papers and I am glad to have this nib in my set of Preras. Three Preras. Comparison of writing samples on Fabriano paper. Overall, the Prera (like all pens from Pilot) is a top-quality writing instrument. As mentioned above, it shares the nib/feed with other “entry level” Pilot offerings, such as the discontinued ultralight 78G and the metal-barrel Metropolitan. (Note that these latter two pens actually cost less than the Prera and can be obtained new for under $20.) I have never tried the Metro (though I intend to), but I do have a 78G and consider that pen the single best value out there. That said, the Prera is a solid writer and the fit/finish are first rate—it feels and performs like a much more expensive pen. This pen would make a great introduction to fountain pens as well as a regular go-to for serious writers. The sturdy construction make it especially good for use “out in the field,” anything from trips to the grocery store to business meetings. (I’ve used mine for both!) Size comparison, posted: Lamy Safari, Pilot 78G, <b>Pilot Prera</b>, Sheaffer Sentinal. Nib comparison, Pilot "Super Quality": Gold-plated 78G and unplated Prera.
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Five years ago this beauty was very popular and sadly they discontinued it. Well we would like to welcome back the Pelikan M205 Special Edition Classic Blue Demonstrator!!!! ( Only for a short time)
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I have a question. Are there any pelikan m80X demos other than these 5 (did a collage) ? 1) Green m800 2) Blue m800 3) Clear m800 4) Chronoswiss 5) Clear m805 (TBL -- Apr'15) http://s25.postimg.org/z1kqd329b/m800_demos.jpg Thanks, Sonik
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INTRODUCTION: The Omas Ogiva Vision Turquoise LE is my fifth Omas pen - a collaboration between local retailer Fook Hing Trading Co and Italian manufacturer Omas SRL. This installation of the Ogiva is exceptionally special because the pen is one in a limited edition of no more than 20 pieces. The new Omas Ogiva Vision Turquoise is only available locally and I consider myself fortunate to be able to own one of these beautiful specimens. The Ogiva Vision demonstrator was also available in another limited edition of Blue (with rose gold trims) and Green (with High Tech rhodium trims). The pens were a revival of the Ogiva Vision seen in the 1990s and early 2000s. The pen comes in an understated hard cardboard box lined with velvet. It is wrapped in plastic and placed into a velvety sheath. Below the pen, there is an information and warranty booklet. http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w143/nicholasyzh/Ogiva8Custom.jpg 1. Appearance & Design (10/10) – The Omas Ogiva Vision was born in the year 1927. It was one of the foremost pens designed by OMAS founder Armando Simoni, a prelude to some remarkable achievements which were to follow. The significance of the Ogiva in Omas’ history is clear - although the Ogiva is now discontinued as part of Omas’ regular production, it is still seen on commemorative editions. Like its name suggests, the Omas Ogiva Vision is a translucent demonstrator pen made with turquoise cotton resin. The turquoise coloured barrel is really attractive, with just the right amount of transparency. It is accented by luxurious rose gold trims and black piston parts, and a matching genuine agate cap rolling wheel. The rolling wheel matches the pen perfectly because it is semi-translucent. The appearance of the Ogiva Vision Turquoise is inspired by its creator’s love for Greek culture and architecture. The trademark Greek key etching is found on the central ring, while the pen's overall design is certainly a timeless statement of elegance. The Ogiva Vision Turquoise is more refined than its relative, The Paragon. The barrel is rounded, unlike The Paragon, which is faceted. This makes the pen very comfortable to hold and write with, no matter what your writing angle. Finally, the details of the pen are etched onto the cap in an understated way. If you weren’t looking closely, you may not notice the words "XX/20", which tell of the exclusive collaboration. 2. Construction & Quality (10/10) – The Omas Ogiva Vision Turquoise is a really well made pen. It is constructed from thick translucide “Cotton Resin”. The Ogiva Vision’s clear turquoise design reveals the innards of an Omas pen, and the innards of an Omas demonstrator offers no less than absolute perfection. Looking at the pen under a loupe, I could tell that the greatest efforts were taken to create the pen. It is free from imperfections and the translucent resin shows off the innards and piston mechanism. Apart from that, there were also no remnants from the factory and manufacturing line. Even the Flessible nib was free from any micro scratches and was polished to a perfect shine. The piston mechanism can be seen at work, something really enjoyable to watch. I have seen piston pens from other brands held together by some kind of epoxy, but here I can tell the Ogiva Vision Turquoise is held together by technical ingenuity. On a whole, I could find no flaw with the construction and quality, and I do believe that the pen will last a lifetime if used carefully. 3. Weight & Dimensions (8/10) – The Omas Ogiva Vision Turquoise is made of cotton resin, and therefore the pen is not very heavy. It is not light to the extent it feels cheap, and if it is filled it has considerable weight. The cap is also rather light so posting it is not a problem. The weight and dimensions of the Ogiva Vision Turquoise makes for long, comfortable writing and the almost standard sized body will suit almost any hand. Here are some technical specifications for those who’d like to know: Weight : 28 grams Length with cap closed : 14.7cm Diameter : 1.5 cm 4. Nib & Performance (10/10) – This is where everything gets exciting. The Omas Ogiva Vision Limited Edition Turquoise Demonstrator comes with a 14 karat gold Extra Flessible nib plated in rose gold. The nib can be regarded as semi-flex, and it gives a very nice soft feel to your writing. The 14k Extra Flessible is (in the words of a friend) unquestionably one of the closest things to a vintage flex (excluding the vintage flex itself). I opted for the Extra Fine version because I know that it gives the greatest line variation, and I really enjoy writing with this nib. If you do push it ever so slightly, you will see that the nib responds to your writing pressure. It is not as soft as a Pilot FA nib but not as hard as a Pilot Falcon either. Such a nib gives great shading when inked with the right inks. (Refer to attached writing scan.) If you write normally, you will get really comfortable writing with little effort, and the wonderful ebonite feed certainly keeps up with the nib in terms of flow. Some specialty nibs are also fitted on pens with a rather small ink capacity, which is a letdown - thankfully, that is not the case here. The generous piston system on the Ogiva Vision will provide hours and more of great writing. I continue to be impressed by the great nibs that Omas pens are fitted with. Omas nibs certainly hold up to the smoothness of Japanese nibs, yet they aren't as stiff. It seems their quality control systems are also very strict because I have yet to find any serious issues or misaligned tines out of the box. Overall, I would highly recommend Omas pens for their nibs. The nib is somewhat semi-flex but I do think it'd make a great daily writer especially in Extra Fine! 5. Filling System & Maintenance (8/10) - Specialty nibs consume a lot of ink just as a performance car consumes fuel. Fortunately, as I briefly mentioned above, the Ogiva Vision has a capacious filling system that will provide hours of continuous writing. The Omas piston system is not as easy to dismantle, and I'm unlikely to want to attempt that myself. However, I do trust that it will operate smoothly for years to come. The double-lipped plunger is unlikely to leak and will not need grease for a long time because it operates very smoothly. 6. Cost & Value (9/10) – Although the Omas Ogiva Vision Turquoise is a limited edition pen, retail price is indeed priced competitively in comparison to similar models. The fact that all models are equipped with an Extra Flessible nib is a big plus. The value of the pen is therefore tremendous, whether for use or for collection. The Extra Flessible nib will provide years of writing pleasure while the exclusivity and rareness of the pen means that you probably will never see a turquoise coloured, rose gold accented Ogiva Vision in the near future. 7.Conclusion (Final score, 9.16666666667/10) - I eagerly anticipated the arrival of the Ogiva Turquoise, and once it arrived my expectations were exceeded. Three things really made this a special pen for me - a. Turquoise demo b. Flexible nib c. 20-piece Limited Edition It is on this positive note that I end my review. I must say Omas truly deserves its listing by Foundazione Altagamma as one of the premium brands encapsulating the principles of Italian design and craftsmanship. I must also commend the good folks at Fook Hing Trading Co for their impeccable taste in creating this stunning demonstrator pen which balances luxury with writing performance. I can only wish them the best in their future collaborations. Background Information: You may be interested in the kinds of pens I like - I've long been an advocate of Japanese pens. I started out with my first pen, a Lamy Vista, many years ago. Eventually I progressed to the Lamy 2000 and a Sailor Professional Gear which I still write with daily today. I like wooden pens and demonstrator pens, and recently I started to appreciate Omas pens for their great nibs and construction quality. I acquired the Arte Italiana Art Deco and 360 in Vintage Turquoise, both of which are wonderful pens I am glad to have in my collection. This is my ninth review on FPN. You may have read my reviews of the Sailor Professional Gear here, Pilot Custom Heritage 92 here, Namiki Origami Crane here, Sailor Chizusugi Cedar Wood Sapporo here, Omas 360 Vintage Turquoise LE here, Pelikan Souveran M800 Tortoiseshell Brown here, Sailor 1911 Profit Hakone Yosegi-Zaiku here, Sailor Precious Wood of the World Sapporo pens here, Stipula Etruria Rainbow Yellow LE here. If you'd like to know more about my pens and collection you can find out more about me here at my profile. This review contains high-resolution photographs which you can view below the post. Till my next review, here are some photographs of this exceptional pen for your viewing pleasure! I’ve also included links to my previous reviews in the above paragraph for your convenience. http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w143/nicholasyzh/Ogiva1Custom.jpg http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w143/nicholasyzh/Ogiva2Custom.jpg http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w143/nicholasyzh/Ogiva3Custom.jpg http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w143/nicholasyzh/Ogiva4Custom.jpg http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w143/nicholasyzh/Ogiva5Custom.jpg http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w143/nicholasyzh/Ogiva6Custom.jpg http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w143/nicholasyzh/Ogiva7Custom.jpg
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Received my new Poseidon II demo on Saturday. It is beautiful. I have a pretty big sub-collection of Poseidon and Poseidon Magnum pens, so this one fits right in. http://www.gergyor.com/images/bex-pos2.jpg Partial family shot: http://gergyor.com/images/bexley-poseidons_2012-08-26_1200x.jpg Best Regards, greg
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On my last thread where I can be seen having a struggle choosing between pens, the Pilot Custom 74 was brought up. Up until this point, I had believed that it only came in demonstrator models... Until I actually googled it. I see LOTS of reviews showing the pen in a Non Demo design. But I can not find one seller that actually sells a non demo model (Except amazon sadly) Has anyone found any sellers or personally own a non demo 74? ~Phil