Tombow Zoom 828 Fp (Purty Pics Inside)

[autopsy]

Oh boy.

 

There's one other review on this pen, so I intentionally avoided reading it so I could be as unbiased as possible. Let's get started.

 

http://i.imgur.com/1ryQQKS.jpg

 

Aesthetics (9/10):

Yeah. Known as the egg pen, this is a fat, tiny little pen. Personally, I think it's a cute novelty little thing. You like it, or you don't. There's not much middle ground here. I love, love the way the clip is wide. It just looks like a Montblanc started eating too many doughnuts, and the clip reminds me of a fat guy with a wide tie. I wish it copied more design elements from MB like the gold bands for a blind cap, but still, it works as is. Posted, the pen completes the image of a fatty MB. You just want to pinch its cheeks, don't you? I also get some anime, 'chibi' vibes, if you're hip to that reference. The nib is widened too, matching the overall aesthetic. It's an older pen at this point, so it has it's fair share of scuffs, but there's been no brassing to this point. It's in good condition, but I'm hoping to buff out some of those scuffs in the future.

 

http://i.imgur.com/xBq3Q9v.jpg

 

Construction (10/10):

All parts working. Nothing interesting to add. No obvious manufacturing defects I could tell.

 

Usage (7/10):

People say arthritics loved this pen because it was less painful to grip. I wouldn't know about that, but I can say it's a bit weird to write with. I haven't had it long, so maybe I'll get used to it. Most of my collection is filled with fat, long pens (MB149, M1000, Dolce Vita, etc), so that may play a role. Either way, it just feels a bit awkward. You must post this pen unless you have tiny, tiny hands because otherwise it's just too short. It definitely needs the additional back weight.

 

http://i.imgur.com/K8F3ocI.jpg

 

Nib (8/10):

The pen would not write when I received it. It was gunked up with dried ink. I soaked it for literally days in an ammonia bath before I could get it flowing. I bet there's some still dried in there keeping the nib on the dry side. I personally love very wet nibs and not usually EF's, but this is not bad. I'll get Mr. Binder to wetten that sucker up a hell of a lot, but it's still totally workable otherwise.

 

http://i.imgur.com/SS9obgz.jpg

 

Filling System (5/10):

Ugh. It's a c/c pen, which I actually normally am completely happy with. However, due to the small size of this pen, it only accepts mini international size cartridges. I bought some cheapo cartridges, dumped the ink, and filled it with a needle/syringe. I estimate that it probably hold about .3-.4 mL of ink.

 

Overall (8/10):

The aesthetics save this pen - it's really the only reason to buy this pen. The writing experience is whatever. The filling system is bad. But this will turn heads. It will be, most likely, the most unique pen in your collection if you can find it. I'd buy it again, for sure.

Edited December 12, 2014 by autopsy

[Bennett]

Thanks for the great review. I agree with your overall assessment of the Tombow Zoom. There is one other pen that has a similar nib and has a short length and thick diameter. I am thinking of the Platinum Glamour. However the Zoom has a more pleasing look and the cap posts more securely when writing. The other thing to note to FPN readers is that the Japanese Jumbo fountain pen is typically thicker than the Zoom. The Jumbo is the model most people consider as the pen that assists those with arthritis in their hands. Jumbos also hold a huge supply of ink.

[benbot517]

This is the most delightful little pen I've ever seen. I wasn't even aware a pen like this existed. Thank you for sharing this fun little pen!

[WANCFF]

Ive look for this Egg Fountain Pen for years and finally got it today. Ive test the nib with a small magnet, and found out that this nib by Platinum is not made of still, but the only markings on the nib are Zoom and Tombow. There isnt any 12K nor 14K indication. Could anyone be able to tell me what is the material for this nib?

[Honeybadgers]

I was able to keep a straight face until I saw that tiny little SI cartridge, then I just lost it

[frankb3]

Ive look for this Egg Fountain Pen for years and finally got it today. Ive test the nib with a small magnet, and found out that this nib by Platinum is not made of still, but the only markings on the nib are Zoom and Tombow. There isnt any 12K nor 14K indication. Could anyone be able to tell me what is the material for this nib?

It's a steel nib, gold plated. 316L stainless is generally not magnetic. It can be weakly magnetic after work hardening but most steel nibs aren't.

 

I bought one of these new in the 90's - I think it was in the $30 range. I quickly found out there is a reason most pens aren't shaped like this, it's awkward.

Edited April 23, 2018 by frankb3

[NinthSphere]

I was able to keep a straight face until I saw that tiny little SI cartridge, then I just lost it

 

I made it to the uncapping. The chibified nib puts it a step above other pens I've seen in this sort of short/thick style.

 

I quickly found out there is a reason most pens aren't shaped like this, it's awkward.

 

I believe a pair of Mickey style toon gloves may be required to utilize one properly.

 

Edited April 23, 2018 by NinthSphere