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Hello, Everybody, To me it is a bit of sad and sentimental story, yet life goes on. Perhaps it’s worth sharing, please pardon me if not so… My one and only “friction fit mechanism” 149, with 18C architect grind nib started failing after 45+ years of continuos use. It started developing hairline cracks in the section. I have treated the pen neither badly, nor like a piece of jewelry. Being a valuable part of my every day reality it has traveled with me all around the world for 40+ years. Material fatigue, perhaps… As I know nothing about “precious resin” solvent welding (any shared experience would be more than appreciated), my only option was getting a replacement 1963 type barrel. Those who had it tried to charge for it almost as much as for a new pen, without mint condition warranty, so it was not a secure and afforfable option. Luckily, a friend had an entire 1967 type (screw-in “threaded” mechanism) spare body, which cost me just a fraction of what I’d have paid for a 1963 barrel only. I knew my 149 would become a sturdier, heavier pen, with less ink storage capacity than the one I got used to. It made me feel a little reluctant, but I eventually decided to go for it. So, I just “transplanted” the nib unit and cap to the newer body. It is still a great pen, almost as much a marvel of engineering as the old one, just feeling somewhat more robust, with weight distribution slightly reminding of the 50s celluloid ones. Yet, my trusty “friction-fit” is gone for good, or at least until I arrange a barrel I can afford, or hopefully learn solvent-welding MB “precious resin”. 🙂

Well having visited Pensense in my town centre I could not resist popping into browse the Montblanc showcases. As it was busy at the time I had a look and walked away. Came back a little while later when it was quieter and the owner got out the demonstrator 149 and even allowed me to try his own 1976 with a super fine nib he had ground way back then. The demonstrator was showing the 'abuse' it had been getting as that nib was not a very good writer but gave me a good idea how the pen felt and writes with such a large nib. His 149 on the other hand was superb. For a superfine nib it really was smooth and I was grateful he actually let me use it! I know I wouldn't lend mine out. LOL. I decided with his help to go for the EF knowing that if it was not right I can exchange it anyway. I was also given a new bottle of Royal Blue ink instead of the Black ink bottle. Blue is my favourite colour, however the Tsuki-yo is my favourite ink now. Anyway he filled up my pen for me and showed me how it works, etc and I came away excited and dying to try it and the Royal Blue ink. Below is my poor writing inside my Midori TN comparing the 149 with my Raden V.P. 'F' nib with Tsuki-yo ink. The 149 is using Royal Blue ink.