New Duofold Intl Nib Size Problem

[amiebeer]

I just received my new Duofold international in blue checks. I had the seller swap out the M nib for an XF. The problem is that the pen writes with what I consider a heavy fine to medium line. It is marked X. I took it in to a local pen store and the salesman agreed that it looked closer to a medium. Is this common? Should I send it in to Parker? I bought the pen from France so the shipping back to the seller seems extreme if I can get it looked at here in the states. I'm more into vintage pens and have no idea what I need to send where with modern ones under warranty. I haven't posted any pics yet, but will try today.

 

Thanks,

 

Amy

[Koyote]

Perhaps have it reground by a nib specialist. Try Greg Minuskin for a shorter turnaround time.

Edited May 4, 2012 by Koyote

[icardoth]

Some time ago I also bought a Duofold Centennial in green check with XF nib from a well known pen seller from France. I kept it long time uninked, as I had other pens in my rotation. When I finally decided to ink it, I discovered the same as you: My XF nib writes more like a medium, and the feed is also marked X.

 

As my return time had been elapsed, I kept the pen with me. It seems to be the XF nibs writing like a medium are a common problem, or at least not an exceptional one.

Edited May 4, 2012 by icardoth

[amiebeer]

 

Here is a writing sample. It's funny, but looking at the actual paper looks worse to me than the image. I dipped a new Baoer pen I got which is medium and the lines are quite similar in size.

 

I suppose I will write the seller and ask about what to do. I can live with it for the price, but I was expecting something different.

 

icardoth, I would guess it is the same seller and maybe a bad batch of nibs from Parker.

 

Thanks,

 

Amy

[Tdot]

I have a Centennial Duofold from the late '80s with an "X" nib. It is the sharpest, thinnest, pointiest, tiny tipped nib I've ever used. I thought it was impossible at first.

 

Here's my X and my 96 (fine left oblique). The X is about the size of 0.3 pencil lead, it can lay down ink thinner than the ruled lines on the page.

 

http://episodefive.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/x96nibs.jpg?w=590&h=442

[icardoth]

A picture of my 2006 Duofold Centennial's XF nib. It writes wider than it should, and it's toothy and rough under normal writing conditions. Not a pleasure at all.

 

http://i939.photobucket.com/albums/ad236/icardoth/P3050023_DuofoldCentennial.jpg

[Leftytoo]

I have a modern made in UK Parker International with a F nib. Yes, its width is half way between fine and medium. The measured line width is 0.39 mm. I smoothed and adjusted the nib myself. The end result is a very smooth, soft nib, which is exactly the same feel and performance as a Namiki. I can't tell the two apart. I like a wider line, so I am very happy with this pen. I enjoy adjusting nibs, and this is the easiest, most adaptable nib I've ever worked on.

 

Bob

[Joane]

I would send it to Parker with an explanation and ask for an exchange. I would also ask that they test the nib before sending to make sure it writes an extra-fine ine.

[richardandtracy]

Just a thought.

 

Is this a UK made pen?

If so, we tend to like sizes rather bigger than US sizes and it could be a UK XF. I tend to think of a US medium as at least half a size too fine.

 

Regards,

 

Richard.

[amiebeer]

The pen is made in the UK which may explain things. Glad I picked XF instead of F

 

I can live with it as is, it just wasn't what I expected.

 

Thanks everyone,

 

Amy