Search the Community

Hello. I am hoping someone could answer a few questions about the VP & Decimo pens if able, for lack of seeing the pen in person before ordering, mainly about the nibs: 1-I am under the impression that the matte black VP in medium might be a lot wetter than the medium Decimo, something about the intended market. Is that correct? If so, how does the medium nib in the Decimo and the VP compare to, say, the Metropolitan medium? 2-If the VP & Decimo are different in actual nib size, are the special alloy (capless) and the Decimo 18k the same actual size? (That is, their mediums are the same, their fines same, etc) 3-Keeping the lower end Pilots in mind for comparison (Penmanship, Metropolitan, Prera), how do the extra fine and fine nibs on the VP and the Decimo compare with those (if you have tried them)? Is the VP xf the same as the Penmanship for example, or the fine Decimo the same as the Prera fine? Basically I am not sure whether to get a fine or a medium VP or Decimo, since I like my Prera with a fine nib, and my Metropolitan medium. For clarity, when I say VP I am referring to the matte black brass pen, when Decimo, to the aluminum with gold nib.

I was wondering if anyone knew if the pilot 78G calligraphy nib is the same nib that is in the pilot Prera? I was thinking of getting a 78g and swapping it into a Prera. I like writing with stubs and find the calligraphy nibs to be pretty close to a stub. I would appreciate anyones comparison of the two pens and their nibs.I have shied away from the less expensive Pilots because I am not sure that I would like their steel nibs. I love their 14K nibs but don't want to spend the money for a calligraphy nib for any of the other Pilots. I bought the Parallels and the Lamy Joys but would like a writing pen that has a calligraphy nib. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I just received my new Pilot Prera in the mail. It has a medium nib. My Pilot Metropolitan has a fine nib. Noobie question - how best to swap? Also, will doing so lead to some unnecessary wear on materials (feed, etc.)?

Hello lovely fountain pen people I'm after a Pilot Prera iro-ai with a calligraphy nib (CM) and I'm in the UK: does anyone know where I might find one? There's one on amazon for £214 which seems a little steep. Cult pens is not helping me and they used to have them on eBay, but not at the mo. Any ideas gratefully received. David

Priced at well under $100, the steel-nibbed Prera is perhaps the epitome of an “entry level” fountain pen: it’s simple, reliable, durable, and economical. Three Preras. Writing sample on Rhodia paper. But don’t be misled by the “entry level” moniker. The Prera, like other models featuring Pilot’s “Super Quality” steel nib, is a serious writing instrument that compares well to pens priced many times as much. Pilot’s out-of-the-box quality (at any price) is second to none, and the Prera affirms their commitment to excellence. What makes the Prera an awesome fountain pen? Several things: 1. Design. Simple, classic aesthetics. While short when capped (about 4.75”), the Prera posts to a comfortable length (of about 5.38”). It is a nice “pocket pen” that can be carried conveniently in a shirt pocked but used like a regular pen. (See pictures.) 2. Nib. Though having virtually no give—the “Super Quality” nibs are quite rigid—the tipping is well ground. These SQ nibs, available in a number of Pilot models (Metropolitan, Plumix, 78G, etc.), are one of the best values out there. (See description of the various nibs below.) 3. Resin. The resin in both the opaque and the clear demonstrator models is warm and tactile. They actually remind me of piano keys. It’s really nice stuff. 4. Trim. Silver trim is simple but nice. (Again, classic.) The clip is quite sturdy and the chromed flat cap top is a great accent feature. The attention to detail highlights the overall quality of the pen. 5. Cartridge/converter. Though proprietary, the Pilot c/c options are quite good. The cartridges have a generous capacity. They also have a wide opening, making them easy to rinse and refill. Also, they seat securely against the inside of the section and so are not prone to cracking and/or leaking, which I've experienced with many other refilled carts (e.g., international, Waterman, Lamy, etc.). As far as I can tell, the Pilot carts can be reused indefinitely without risk of leaks inside the barrel. The new version of the CON-50 converter, while still having a small ink capacity, has an ingenious agitator mechanism that solves the problem of ink getting stuck due to surface tension. The new converter is quite usable, and I change my inks frequently enough that the limited capacity doesn’t bother me too much. I like the Prera so much that I have three different versions: · Configuration #1. Lime Green w/ F nib. This was my first Prera. I actually picked it up when the Lamy Safari in Lime sold out. The color is great (even brighter than the Safari) but the nib is really what makes this pen fantastic. Pilot’s “Super Quality” F nibs are really fine. Really, really fine. I’ve had a couple of these, and they write as fine (perhaps even finer?) than my Binder XXF—I’m guessing that it’s probably ground down to about 0.2 or 0.3, though I don’t have the official spec. This is the range of custom grinds or specialty nibs, and adds to the great value of this pen. (Incidentally, I eventually picked up a Safari but far prefer the Prera.) · Configuration #2. Demonstrator (Black Finials) w/ M nib. I received the M nib as a gift and thought about exchanging it, since I generally favor finer nibs. However, curiosity compelled me to try the M nib and I was amazed by how much I liked it. It is not perfectly round, but rather gives some noticeable line variation. The verticals are decidedly thicker than the horizontals; while definitely not a stubbed nib, I would qualify it as “stubbish.” Running a little dry out of the box, I increased the flow slightly and now count this nib among the best nibs I’ve ever used. · Configuration #3. Demonstrator (Red Finials) w/ italic nib. I actually bought this particular pen used at an excellent a price, then ordered a Plumix with an italic nib and swapped the original round nib myself--it's a fairly simple procedure. (Goulet Pen Co. now offers Preras for sale with the italic nib.) Unfortunately, this nib is somewhat inconsistent (and therefore vexing at times). I can say that when it works, it works well. The untipped nib is very smooth and the line has great variation. Sold as a 1.0 width, I would concur that is indeed a little finer than the Lamy Safari 1.1. However, I cannot give this nib an unqualified endorsement (much as I’d like to). It actually works best on mediocre (i.e., rough and absorbent) paper—it’s the only nib that I prefer to use on the likes of Moleskine, as its performance on that paper is nearly 100%. On smooth-finished Rhodia and Leuchtturm, my preferred papers, the performance is spottier. Though the nib generally works on these smoother papers most of the time, it will suddenly start “hydroplaning,” leaving a thin, anemic line that is a frustrating contrast to the otherwise beautiful italic line. Whether this is due to unevenness in the paper’s finish, smoothness of the nib, trace oils on the page, or some combination thereof, I cannot tell. But it is the downfall of an otherwise brilliant nib. That said, custom italics are occasionally subject to the same frustrating performance issues on smooth papers and I am glad to have this nib in my set of Preras. Three Preras. Comparison of writing samples on Fabriano paper. Overall, the Prera (like all pens from Pilot) is a top-quality writing instrument. As mentioned above, it shares the nib/feed with other “entry level” Pilot offerings, such as the discontinued ultralight 78G and the metal-barrel Metropolitan. (Note that these latter two pens actually cost less than the Prera and can be obtained new for under $20.) I have never tried the Metro (though I intend to), but I do have a 78G and consider that pen the single best value out there. That said, the Prera is a solid writer and the fit/finish are first rate—it feels and performs like a much more expensive pen. This pen would make a great introduction to fountain pens as well as a regular go-to for serious writers. The sturdy construction make it especially good for use “out in the field,” anything from trips to the grocery store to business meetings. (I’ve used mine for both!) Size comparison, posted: Lamy Safari, Pilot 78G, <b>Pilot Prera</b>, Sheaffer Sentinal. Nib comparison, Pilot "Super Quality": Gold-plated 78G and unplated Prera.

Hello! I've had a Lamy Safari with an EF nib for a while and I was looking for something that was finer than the nib lamy uses. I narrowed down my search to the Pilo Prera and the Pilot Metropolitan. I used the Nib Nook provided by Goulet Pens and it looks like the Metro's fine nib was slightly finer than the fine nib on the Prera. I was wondering if there was someone here that has or had both of them, and could speak on that issue and hopefully provide some clearer pictures. Thanks!

I'm very happy - I have a Prera Oeste Kingfisher on the way, to go with my Oeste yellow Canary & pink Flamingo

Are the nibs on the Pilot Kakuno swappable with the other cheaper pilot pens that all swap nibs (Metropolitan, 78g, Penmanship, Plumix, etc.)? The smiles on the Kakuno nibs make me unsure, as none of the others have them, but if they are I would love to put one of the smile nibs on my Prera! Thanks, Phillieskjk

Hi guys, I´m a recent owner of 2 pilot prera, one in a beautiful dark brown and one in clear black. I must say, the nib is wonderful for such a small pen! I really love the pen which as become my EDC. Usually I´m a screw type pen but in the case of the prera I couldn´t resist.... Although I love the clicky sound when it closes, I´m a little concerned the snap cap mechanism will wear out very quickly.... I believe the inner cap secures the cap, but because it´s plastic I believe it will not last many years of daily use This one is for those of you who have a prera for a long time: How well is the mechanism sustaining the daily open/close? Many thansk!!! Pedro

Just arrived in the post from Japan, two limited edition Pilot Prera coloured 'demonstrators', made for the West Japan Stationer's Circle "Oeste". I'm told that they only made 200 of each colour; the pens are unnumbered. One is called Canary Yellow; it was released first. The other is Flamingo Pink. The yellow has a Fine nib, the pink is a Medium. The nibs are marked with the Oeste symbol, rather than the Pilot name, as is standard on other Preras. These do not have any of the typical printed 'Prera' branding on the cap or barrel. Both are fitted with a Con-50 converters. I don't usually go for brightly coloured pens, but I really like these.

Fountain pens are quite new to me and I still only have one pen, a Lamy AL-star with a fine nib. I like the pen, but I think it writes a bit too broad. I have been looking around quite a bit lately for a pen with a nice fine nib and have now come down to the following pens: Pilot PreraPlatinum Cool/BalanceSailor Procolor 500Sailor 1911 YoungThe problem I have is that these pens are not for sale in Sweden, hence I can't try them. The Prera seems like a really nice writer and is also the cheapest, but I'm a bit worried it is a bit too small (I hate posting pens). I'm worried that the nib of Cool/Balance isn't fine enough for me. Or is it? I can't find many reviews of the Procolor, but it seems to be a bit "more pen" than the other two, but it aslo seem short (like the Prera). The Young seems to be a good choice too, but it's streching my budget a bit too far. Last option is an EF nib for my AL-star, but it would be nice with one more pen for my daily writing. I would like to buy the pen from a retailer within the EU. For some reason the Swedish customs are quite picky when it comes to fountain pens, and I don't feel like paying 3.7% duty, plus 25% VAT. What's your advice?

Oh wise ones, I need a bit of assistance.... Just received a Pilot Prera demonstrator with an F nib, thinking it would be more akin to a U.S. M nib (isn't that the direction most Asian nibs drift?). This is definitely too fine for my liking; what nib could I swap out instead? I love how a Lamy Safari F (and M, for that matter) writes, so that's the goal. Suggestions, anyone? UPDATE: It was brought to my attention that the F followed by ellipses could be construed as...um...unsavory language. My bad, but no idea if/how a thread title can be edited...? Ooooooooooooops!

This is my first post and I already read the awesome FAQ looking for answers, but haven't seen much in the way of what I was wanting to know. Small background on me. I'm a writer and I write at least 2-3 pages a day, front and back, in a Miquel Rius notebook with my Pilot Prera in a M nib. I've found a happy spot with the pen, I love the size and feel but I want something a little flashier that might last longer. I have recently tried other a number of other pens, mostly Jinhao, but also a Nemosine Singularity, which wrote very wet and caused a bit of bleedthrough on my notebook. I'm looking for a pen that will write relatively dry, possibly in a Western Fine nib. Current front runners are the TWSBI Eco in F (Giving it a second chance, hated my Mini to the point of returning it) and the Pelikan M200 (Demonstrator). Open to any other suggestions, preferably small and chunky pens for someone with small hands that will write similar to a Pilot Prera in M that is a bit more forgiving with paper. MiquelRius is pretty great for FP, but the real swanky paper is a bit out of my price range, especially since I write so much. Thanks!

Pilot Prera, Medium Nib While I was considering whether I should purchase the Pilot Prera initially, I read a number of reviews and even stumbled upon one that said that it was "one of the best fountain pens ever made." I had been eyeing this pen for some time but was always held back when I thought that I should spend $50 on something else that didn't have the same nib as a Metropolitan or 78G (both of which I have owned before and have thoroughly enjoyed). Then again, if you're like me, you probably find yourself often giving away your Metropolitans or 78Gs to friends who discover the fascinating, joyous, and dare I say expensive world of fountain pens. But I digress. Last week, after completing my final research project for my capstone, I caved and rewarded myself with this Pilot Prera in slate gray (which was purchased on Amazon for $30). Two days later the package arrived and I was eager to finally get my hands on this pen. http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e237/collectibles114/IMG_4698_zpsqsukbny8.jpg http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e237/collectibles114/IMG_4705_zpszyke5yvw.jpg Appearance: The color of the pen is slate gray; I find it has a pleasant appearance. I was expecting a darker color from the pictures online—it is not a very dark gray. It looks almost like it has a hint of blue to me, which I personally like a lot. The chrome accents along the body and cap make the pen look expensive but not flashy. http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e237/collectibles114/IMG_4736_zpslvxyofeh.jpg PENS IN ORDER (FROM LEFT TO RIGHT): Jinhao 250, Faber Castell Loom, Pilot Prera, Lamy Safari, Nemosine Singularity. http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e237/collectibles114/IMG_4743_zpsl5remqx6.jpg PENS IN ORDER (FROM LEFT TO RIGHT): Jinhao 250, Faber Castell Loom, Pilot Prera, Lamy Safari, Nemosine Singularity. Build Quality: This is definitely a smaller pen. I would consider it an EDC, but to be honest, with an MSRP of $58, I don't know how comfortable I would be taking it on the go. Don't get me wrong, this pen doesn't feel cheaply made, but it also doesn't feel very solid overall. I will say, however, that the cap and clip are both firm in place and don't wiggle around when I use the pen. http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e237/collectibles114/IMG_4707_zpsw4xew4vm.jpg Balance: I can write with it posted and it feels nicely balanced. Uncapped, it is just a little awkward for my larger hands. http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e237/collectibles114/IMG_4730_zps9tk7j0af.jpghttp://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e237/collectibles114/IMG_4731_zpsbiow3ikh.jpg Filling System: Unlike the Metropolitan and 78G, the Prera I purchased does not come with a converter. This could be because I got it for a cheaper price on Amazon. I noticed that they had the demonstrator Preras for sale also, which come with a converter (those are around $30 too). Luckily, I had a spare CON-20 on hand and filled it up with Namiki Blue ink. One thing I noticed is that the pen is entirely plastic—I would imagine that you could get away with converting it to an eyedropper with some silicon grease. I'll have to try it sometime. Nib Performance: Okay, this is where the pen shines. The width is about 0.6-0.7mm, a medium. It writes VERY smooth. Seriously, I can't put it down... I just want to keep writing and writing. It does tend to run a little dry after about a half a page of writing, but that's not a huge deal to me. If it really becomes an issue in the future, I can always bust out a loupe and adjust the feed. It is a nail. Smooth, yes... but it doesn't give much flex at all, which is expected from a stainless steal nib. http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e237/collectibles114/IMG_4734_zpslvmq2vjp.jpg Concluding Thoughts: I really like this pen and I'm glad I purchased it for the price I did (you can get it here on Amazon, along with the demonstrator version as well). Pros: Well-balanced penVery smooth nibCan be converted to an eyedropperCap snaps snug into placeClip is firmly attached to the penCons: Does not come with a converterDoesn't feel very solid overallNib sometimes runs a little dryThere is a video below that includes a brief writing sample. Enjoy! I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Hi, Anyone know the nib width of the Cursive Medium nib that comes on some Preras? And is that the width of the nib itself, or the line that it draws? Thanks

I am the happy owner of a Pilot Prera (ivory). I received it as a gift. I never thought on buying one because I rarely buy anything than black or aluminium/steel... but surprisingly it has become is my everyday pen I am thinking on buying a second one. Just thinking it twice because of the colors, which I hardly can find appealing... Anyway, the story is that I have been browsing around and I have found a detail in my Prera that I have not seen elsewhere: it has no "Prera" logo printed on the cap. "Pilot Japan" is printed on the other side of cap, but definitely, the typical Prera logo is missing. I am just curious. Is it something common... maybe from a particular edition? As I am considering buying another (I found it at a very good price online), alternatives or suggestions of a similar quality pen (preferably black with fine nib) around £20/€25/$30 are very welcome as well, if someone have something in mind... Thanks!

I use my Pilot Prera as an eyedropper. It's the green demonstrator that I fill with Kobe no.19 and I think it looks quite cool. I even like the white, semi-opaque cap that others despise. It's a decent little cheapy and I've had fun with it for a while, but lately it has been burping; burping a lot. I suspect it has something to do with the way the cap is held in place. Has anyone else found this, and might there be a solution?

I received my first Pilot Prera yesterday and I am amazed at the quality of the nib on a relatively inexpensive pen. I always prefer Japanese pens for their exquisite fine nibs. The Prera fine compares very well to my Sailor Pro Gear Slim EF 14k gold nib. I am very impressed! Having said that, I do enjoy collecting things as well. As far as I can tell, the Prera has 16 variants with nine solid colors and 7 demonstrators. Are there any others I am missing? Special or limited editions? Some seem to have started out as LE or were presumed LE and ended up as production models. Is the white endcap model real , or a frankenpen? And since the Metropolitan has the same nib and feed system, and are even less expensive, how many variants are available in that model? Please forgive me if these are commonly asked questions. I've been away from the forums quite a while, but now have time to participate in my beloved hobby once again. Thanks in advance for your help!

Hello. I recently made my first Japanese pen purchase. It was the Pilot Prera. An excellent writer, with a nib akin to mercury: liquid metal... That smooth right out of the box. I WILL be buying more. One question though: Is the body, nib, size, etc of the demo or clear versions of the Prera, the same as that of the solid-colored Prera's? Please help if you have the infor for me. Definitely interested in more of these and at such a great price...Thanks and regards, Leroy

Hello. I made my first Japanese pen purchase: a Pilot Prera, demo series w/ a "M" nib. I inked it w/ my new Edelstein "Topaz". Another story, but a good one... I have a question about the Prera: there is a white, semi-translucent insert in the cap of the pen and it appears to be a permanent part of the pen. I think? When you open the pen and insert the body into the cap, the white insert seems to "grab" the body and makes a snug fit. I looked online closer at the images of Preras, and they all seem to have this. Photos aren't 100% of course, but this appears the case. Just never had cause to look that closely...Please let me know if this stays? I'm sure it does, so I didn't dare screw-it up. BTW, this is one excellent writer. Glad I got the "M" nib as per/ research. Read that "F" was too fine. Med. gives me what I think is closer to a US fine. Any comments about the INSERT foremost, and others as secondary would be most helpful...Thanks for the continued help, LeRoy

A Franken-Plumix has come my way - it has one color body, anther color cap, and is missing the nib. Reading carefully on FPN, and calling a supplier or two, it seems that: Pliot does not sell nibs for these pens Pilot Varsity nibs will not work Generic nibs will not work But nibs from Pilot Prera, 78-G, Plumix and Penmanship should be replacements for each other. So... if anyone happens to have nib for any of these, and no longer has a workable pen to go with it, and would be interested in getting rid of that nib, maybe we can work something out. (I know the pens are not expensive. It's more the challenge here...) T