Cartridge or Converter?

[JJZ]

Hello,

 

I have just recieved a Parker Vector and a Frontier in the mail from EBAY. I am new so I am sorry if the question is a little ridiculous. The pens came with blue cartridges. My job requires I write primarily in black. So, my question is is it better to use black cartridges or use the converter and fill with black ink? If the converter(I think it is called that.) is better do you have any black ink suggestions? Lastly, is it hard to fill the pen that way? I have never done it before.

 

Thanks ahead of time.

 

JJZ

[ANM]

Well, a cartridge holds more ink than a converter. OTH a converter will let you use any ink in a bottle. Cartridge ink comes with Parker ink only. After it is empty, you can refill it with bottled ink by using a syringe. The choice is yours.

 

To use a converter, most of them today are piston filling. You put it in place of the cartridge, twist the knob end until the piston is all the way down, then insert the nib so it is completely submerged in the ink, then reverse the piston until it is back all the way. Repeat if the converter doesn't fill completely on the first try. Most directions say to then twist the converter knob to expel a few drops of ink, then return to the full position.

 

Wipe the nib clean and re assemble the pen.

Edited January 3, 2009 by ANM

[JJZ]

Well, a cartridge holds more ink than a converter. OTH a converter will let you use any ink in a bottle. Cartridge ink comes with Parker ink only. After it is empty, you can refill it with bottled ink by using a syringe. The choice is yours.

 

To use a converter, most of them today are piston filling. You put it in place of the cartridge, twist the knob end until the piston is all the way down, then insert the nib so it is completely submerged in the ink, then reverse the piston until it is back all the way. Repeat if the converter doesn't fill completely on the first try. Most directions say to then twist the converter knob to expel a few drops of ink, then return to the full position.

 

Wipe the nib clean and re assemble the pen.

 

Thank you for the advice. I know it sounds so easy, but I guess until I try it I won't know. Do you need differnt converters if you are going to use different inks? And, do the converters only work in the brand of pen they were made for? I see lots online. Are any inks better then others?

 

JJZ

[andyk]

Hi,

 

Only Parker converters work in Parker pens (as do their cartridges).

 

Why not look in the ink review section for suggestions for black inks. Personal favourites are Pelikan Brilliant Black, Diamine Quartz Black, CS Black and Noodlers Black (although this takes ages to dry so can be a pain to use, but is permanent once dried).

 

Andy

[shadowsforbars]

It's all a matter of personal preference and whilst many of us use bottled ink most of the time, cartridges are easier to change "on the go". Many students for example will carry a spare cartridge to drop in if their ink runs out during a lecture.

[JohnS-MI]

While Parker is a proprietary cartridge, Aurora uses the same design, so you can also use an Aurora cartridge. Levenger makes a long cartridge that is Parker fitting on one end, "international" (fits several pens but NOT Parker) on the other. Those three are the only choices I am aware of. Aurora black is a terrific black ink (but not waterproof) if you want to use a cartridge.

 

The converter doesn't hold quite as much in one filling, but bottled ink is WAY cheaper per milliliter than cartridges, and you have a much larger choice of inks. I prefer Noodlers (standard bulletproof) Black. It is waterproof, performs well even on poor paper, is quite dark, reasonable drying time. Noodlers has other blacks that excel at one of those, at the expense of others. I consider standard black the best balanced.

 

BUT, you will see a wide variety of opinions here, and you may not care for inks that are my "must haves." It is very much of YMMV.

 

My Parkers (4 Sonnets, 2 Frontiers) that are c/c all have converters, but I have a few cartridges of Aurora Black and Aurora Blue in case I need one when traveling.

Edited January 3, 2009 by JohnS-MI

[JJZ]

While Parker is a proprietary cartridge, Aurora uses the same design, so you can also use an Aurora cartridge. Levenger makes a long cartridge that is Parker fitting on one end, "international" (fits several pens but NOT Parker) on the other. Those three are the only choices I am aware of. Aurora black is a terrific black ink (but not waterproof) if you want to use a cartridge.

 

The converter doesn't hold quite as much in one filling, but bottled ink is WAY cheaper per milliliter than cartridges, and you have a much larger choice of inks. I prefer Noodlers (standard bulletproof) Black. It is waterproof, performs well even on poor paper, is quite dark, reasonable drying time. Noodlers has other blacks that excel at one of those, at the expense of others. I consider standard black the best balanced.

 

BUT, you will see a wide variety of opinions here, and you may not care for inks that are my "must haves." It is very much of YMMV.

 

My Parkers (4 Sonnets, 2 Frontiers) that are c/c all have converters, but I have a few cartridges of Aurora Black and Aurora Blue in case I need one when traveling.

 

Thank you for the information. I have been reading about the inks here in the forums. I think I will start with a Noodler's black. I am not sure which. All of it will have to be ordered on line. There are no stores locally I have found. The Heart of Darkness may be my first step into bottled ink. I am going to look for the Aurora cartridges thought. I have never been a big fan parker inks.

 

Thanks again!

[JohnS-MI]

I know Paradise Pen Co. carries Aurora cartridges (I have a b&m store near me and bought mine there). Other retailers probably have them. The black is wonderful. The blue is nice but leans slightly to the purple, not bad, but there are other blues I like better (but not in Parker-compatible cartridges).

 

I bought my Noodlers at Pear Tree Pen Co. Owner is a member here and they are very easy to deal with. A few colors (like Legal Lapis) are proprietary, and only sold through one retailer, but he has a good selection of the "open" colors.

 

"No affiliation with above retailers, just satisfied."