Parker 61 Vs Vp

[Mhawke7894]

I have decided that I am going to get either a Parker 61 or a Parker VP as my next pen purchase, as I love the styling Parker used for both of them more than anything else they made. My only problem is deciding which one to get. Which would you rather have as a daily writer, and why? Thank you.

[Paul80]

Hi

 

Well a quick worldwide search on ebay brings up 181 Parker 61's and only 1 Parker VP's so for its rarity value alone I would say the VP but I do like to use a nice fully working 61 with a working Capillary unit.

 

61's are going to be a much easier and cheaper option though given that the VP is nowhere near as common as their many other pens.

 

Paul

[Sandy1]

Hi,

 

From a very personal perspective, I'd choose the 61.

 

I hold most pens rather high on the section, so I find the rather prescriptive grip of the VP a bit awkward for long haul writing, though it is a very fine pen indeed.

 

The two VPs I have were professionally restored, and I believe the fill systems were slightly modified to be more robust than factory stock. The 61s I have were recovered from 'as found' condition by yours truly.

 

The nibs on both pens are comfortably firm, with the 61 being perhaps more firm, but not rigid. I actually prefer the feel of the 61 nibs over the 51 nibs, though that bias is based on a modest number of each.

 

The 61 was offered in several all-metal cap+barrel configurations, so that may be a factor if you envision any rough & tumble.

 

I'd pair the 61 with a dedicated ink that is easy to rinse, yet still has some water resistance, and can handle most papers. At this moment my pick would be Montblanc Royal Blue. OooLaLa

 

Bye,

S1

[icardoth]

61s are much more common. They have sections prone to cracking and the arrow insert over the nib is easily lost. Capillary fillers are reliable but you must flush them carefully before storing the pen. Argentine 61s are aerometric and made with a better material, in fact Lucite just like the 51.

 

VPs are by far less common and the filling system is easily damaged if you aren't really carefull. The "converter" is unique for that model and it's not available anymore, but you can get reproduction for $50.

 

As a daily writer I strongly suggest you a 51, or an argentinian 61.

Edited September 16, 2013 by icardoth

[Ernst Bitterman]

You'll be just as well off with a 75 as a VP-- they're not EXACTLY the same, but they're very similar in the hand. A late 61 with a C/C rather than a capillary set up is probably better as a daily-use bet than a VP or the earlier 61... or you can get a 75 and be in much the same position without the constant fear of the arrow dropping off or something cracking.

[Rockyrod]

The VP is a much nicer pen to write with for me, but you will not find it in my pocket as a travel pen. Desk pen for journal use, yes. Work pen, no. Much the same can be said about the VS and the more rare color in the 51 series.

[Tom Aquinas]

You'll be just as well off with a 75 as a VP-- they're not EXACTLY the same, but they're very similar in the hand. A late 61 with a C/C rather than a capillary set up is probably better as a daily-use bet than a VP or the earlier 61... or you can get a 75 and be in much the same position without the constant fear of the arrow dropping off or something cracking.

I support this. I have a VP I purchased new from the Parker branch itself in 1969. I good pen, but the filling system , a type of syringe can be a weakness, and you will have to send it to a specialist pen hospital most likely for repairs. A P75 would be a better pen, and give you the adjustable nib the VP which Parker described to me as the "budget" 75. A quaint pen necessary for a Parker collection, but I don't use mine regularly now. The 75 beats the 61 hands down.

[richardandtracy]

I beg to differ about the P75 beating the P61 hands down, but it is a personal preference. And my preference is for the c/c P61 as a daily writer, even over the P65 & P51.

 

Regards,

 

Richard.

[Tom Aquinas]

I beg to differ about the P75 beating the P61 hands down, but it is a personal preference. And my preference is for the c/c P61 as a daily writer, even over the P65 & P51.

 

Regards,

 

Richard.

To each his own and I totally respect that. In my experience with the P61 and P75 since 1969 and 1970 I have found that whilst the C/C P 61 is a lovely pen, to my use the P75 does beat the 61. I have had a major disaster in the first hour or 2x3hr University exams , when my P65 fell apart at the nib section. Fortunately I just had enough ink in a P51. Parker Queensland who were (in) conveniently across the road from where I worked replaced it with a P61 , and gave me swags of cartridges and a couple of bottles of ink, and told me it was a fault in the pen. This disaster also happened to one of my mates and Parker were good to him also. The P65 had a lovely nib. The P61 is very good but in my experience does not surpass the P75. Best wishes, Tom