Zebra R-301 Converter?

[kevanf1]

I have a current little obsession with ink cartridge rollerballs, as some may have found out from my posts on another thread As part of this obsession I ordered a Zebra R-301 rollerball. It arrived this morning and is a very nice looking pen. I haven't tried it yet as I have a number of others inked up already. I'm not too happy about the way the barrel threads onto the tip as it seems to me that it will not last too long (the threads are a bit insubstantial and shallow). That's just a minor point though. What I would like to know is this. Has anybody found a converter or even more widely available replacement cartridges for this rollerball? It will not take standard international cartridges as the opening is a tad too small A Parker converter and/or cartridge will fit very nicely but both are about 10mm too long for the barrel. Is there a short version of the Parker converter/cartridge? I know Parker do a mini cartridge but I have always assumed they were standard short international sized ones?

 

Replacement Zebra cart's are around £3 here in the UK for just 2 carts. That is way over the top in my opinion. I can get a bottle of Parker Quink for around £5 and that is one heck of a lot more ink for my money

[Chthulhu]

Refill the cartridges. I've yet to find a converter to fit these pens (and their FP and highlighter cousins), but chances are one would hold less ink than a cartridge.

[kevanf1]

That will be my first option Chthulhu I like to have a converter for those times when I want a quick change. I've ordered a pack of 12 Parker mini cartridges for now so I will have plenty to use.

[Chthulhu]

Refill the empties, and keep one or two new Zebra carts on hand for emergencies. :-)

[kevanf1]

Refill the empties, and keep one or two new Zebra carts on hand for emergencies. :-)

 

That is precisely what I will do Great minds think alike on this one those 12 mini Parker cartridges have arrived this morning. I'll try one later this afternoon to double check for fluid tightness/security but I don't think there will be a problem. I may even be able to pop a spare in the barrel under the one in use. Meantime I'll still look out for a converter to fit it as I just like to have one....

[kevanf1]

I can report that the Parker mini cartridges fit perfectly in the R-301 Very happy with this as they are a lot cheaper to buy than the official Zebra cartridges. I cannot pop a spare one in the barrel as I had hoped but that's no matter. The cartridges are certainly small enough to pop into the small change pocket in a pair of jeans

[californiabob]

another one to try is the lamy cartridges. it's a tight squeeze (you may need to trim the excess plastic

​at the bottom of the cartridge) but it works like a charm. the refillable lamy does not fit since it's too long.

[kevanf1]

Thank you 'californiabob' I do have some Lamy cart's so why I hadn't thought of trying them I don't know....... Once the Parker cart's are no longer viable (I shall refill them of course) I'll give the Lamy's a try.

 

Thank you and may your ink never run dry.

[amberleadavis]

OH, man, I solved this problem years ago and posted it up here because I adore the highlighter pens and the rollerballs which you can refill with FP ink. I will go check but I think it's a Platinum converter.

[amberleadavis]

Here is the link: https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/185653-zebra-v-301/page-6?do=findComment&comment=2454305

 

Back in 2012, and I'm stilling using the rollerballs.

 

Posted 05 September 2012 - 19:07

For the price, I've found it be a great little pen and I bought a ton of them to give out - the big trick for me was to dumpt their cartridges. Use the Platinum converter and bam -no problems on any of the pens. I use the heck out of the refillable rollerball which is probably my favorite.

[virgilio]

Very, very interesting kevanf1. I have a ton of Parker converters. and have ordered some of these rollerballs on sale. If any of mine fit, I'll let you know. Most of my Parker converters are from a pack of Parker 21s I got years ago.

[kevanf1]

Very, very interesting kevanf1. I have a ton of Parker converters. and have ordered some of these rollerballs on sale. If any of mine fit, I'll let you know. Most of my Parker converters are from a pack of Parker 21s I got years ago.

 

I'll certainly be interested if you do find a Parker converter that fits. Did Parker do a smaller converter? That could be the better bet. I do seem to recall that the squeeze converters were somewhat longer while they did a slightly shorter one? Which I may even have an example of myself..... somewhere

[virgilio]

I had a Parker 51 with an aerometric or squeeze converter until just recently, when I gave it away to my cousin, a very kind fellow who helped me find some of my favorite pens. The parker 21 converters do not look to be very long at all. I'm guessing that they might just fit. When I get my Zebras I'll see what I can come up with. Cheers.

[virgilio]

I got my Zebras, but none of my converters fit it. The Parkers fit, but as has been stated, they are too long. The Zebra barrel is just too darned short. However, I do have some converters ordered on amazon that may fit; they have pretty short pistons.

[kevanf1]

we do at least have the refilling option for used Zebra cart's thankfully. Or, using those mini Parker cart's of course. They are just not the same as a good converter :/

[amberleadavis]

That little Platinum converter is perfect. I tried a whole bunch before I found it, but it's great.

[kevanf1]

I think I've heard mention of the Platinum converter before. Sadly it doesn't 'seem' to be as easily available here in the UK Unless somebody knows better? The cheapest I can find it here in the UK is at just under £14 sterling (including P&P) which is incredibly steep for a converter

[virgilio]

On amazon.com it is around $7 plus shipping, not much less, but maybe amazon.co.uk might have something. I have some Chinese converters ordered which might do the trick. If they work I will report back. Still nice to know about the platinums tho. But to pay $7 for a $6 pen is depressing, still...

[kevanf1]

You've just jogged my admittedly poor memory. I bought a pack of small Chinese converters a couple of years ago. I'll look to see where I put them as I have a feeling they may just do the trick

[amberleadavis]

Let me know if you find a cheaper alternative. The ones I bought for the preppy did work.