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This post serves two purposes. Mostly, I would like to show some differences between the old and new versions of the Pilot Capless/Vanishing Point (which I'll call VP). But I would also like some advice about the converter on my old VP. I bought an old VP last year. I don't know how old it is, but the Japanese price-sticker is still attached - ¥2,000 - which at today's exchange rate is about US$20. I liked the pen so much that I recently bought a new version, in matte black. There are some clear differences between the two, most notably the following (and see pictures, below): • Material: plastic and metal (old) vs. Metal (new) • Weight: 18g (old) vs. 29g (new) • Clip: less obtrusive in older version - flatter, shorter. This is a big deal for me. • Visual balance: front end of pen is much longer with the new VP model • Section: longer section on older model means less interference from the clip when writing - much more comfortable • Girth: older VP is fractionally thinner • Ink delivery: both models use a converter, but the new version is simpler - just stick a converter on, vs. using an additional 'converter cap' to affix the converter to the older nib unit. Conversely, the older VP feels more secure. • Nib size: new nib looks longer and better-affixed, nib size marked on new nib, but not on the old • Nib material: 14k gold (old) vs. 18k gold (new). • Nib unit: older version is much shorter, given the extra 'cap' for the converter Old VP model abover, new VP model below New model on left (silver colour), older model on right (gold colour) New model on left (silver colour), older model on right (gold colour) New model above (longer unit), newer model below (shorter unit) Shows the converter and 'converter cap' on the older model Compatibility: The new converter can be used on the old VP, but it got stuck in the 'converter cap' and was a hassle to remove. The old converter doesn't sit securely on the new VP nib unit and is too long anyway. On the whole, I prefer the older version, as I find it easier to use (that clip!) and really enjoy the usefulness and feel of it. Unfortunately, the converter is cracked, so it holds nearly no ink. That brings me to part 2: does anyone know the specific part number of the old converter, and/or whether it is possible to either repair or replace it? See picture. Motage of pictures to show the crack on the old converter PS: I thought about putting this in the Reviews section, but decided that it isn't quite right for a review. I quite like the idea of comparing old and contemporary versions of the same model.