Converter For A Generation Fp?

[Maknfrnds]

Hi - newbie here - I have a Generation FP that I purchased new many years ago…I would like to use a cartridge converter with it, but I was just told by MB customer service that they no longer make the model of cartridge converter that is compatible with the Generation FP. They could not give me any information about the one they used to make that was compatible (oddly) and suggested I post here for information instead. Does anyone know if there is an aftermarket/ebay converter that would be compatible and what the identifying information would be to find the right one? Any help with this would be appreciated…I love writing with this pen and would like to use my bottled inks with it too…thanks so much!

[meiers]

I am sure that a standard international converter would work in the generation fountain pen. Is there a good pen store near you? Taking your pen to a store takes all the guess work out of the process.

 

You can also telephone the good people at the fountain pen hospital in New York. They have an 800 number posted on your website. These people are very helpful

 

https://www.fountainpenhospital.com/

 

My best guess is that this cartridge converter will most probably work: Schmidt cartridge converter

 

https://www.jetpens.com/Schmidt-K5-Fountain-Pen-Converter/pd/14478

Edited March 10, 2019 by meiers

[pajaro]

I think the screw-in converter works in the Generation.

[Maknfrnds]

Thank you both for the replies - I was concerned about whether it needs to be a screw-in converter or not. I have the companion rollerball pen and it does take screw-in refills, however the cartridges that MB sells for the Generation FP are not screw-in. So it gets confusing. I havent turned up any concrete answers by searching the internet either - there doesnt seem to be a lot of info out there about the Generation series.

 

The closest pen store I know of is the Fountain Pen Shop in Monrovia - its a great idea to take it to a store like that for advice! They seem to have a great reputation and it would be a great place to go anyway.

 

Thanks again!

[Jerome Tarshis]

If Montblanc said they no longer make the kind of converter that fits the Generation, that is a very, very strong indication that you need a push-fit converter. Those are the only two kinds. If you needed a screw-fit converter, there would be no problem, because that is the kind Montblanc now makes.

 

Cartridges don't screw in. So that's no indication.

 

My own experience with owning Montblancs that take the older converter is that a Waterman converter fitted just fine. Other international converters should, too, in principle, except that international converters are in truth less "standard" than that word implies, and it may take some trial and error before you find out which "standard" converter fits your Generation pen.

 

An afterthought: The Waterman converters I used in the Montblanc Noblesse and SlimLine were the model just before the present one. The present Waterman converter has a black plastic sleeve that grips the pen and, although I have confidence that it would fit the Generation, I just wouldn't want to own one of those. They seem less well made now. (Other users are of the same opinion, although obviously thousands of people are using today's Waterman converters.) If you happen to have the older model at hand, yes; otherwise try to find something that makes a reassuring impression.

Edited March 11, 2019 by Jerome Tarshis

[Rowbo]

Hi Maknfrnds,

 

 

Is your Generation one of the 'new' models - with the slightly rounded ends and sloping star or one of the older models with the flat ends (similar to the Classic and 221P)?

 

My recent Generation with the rounded ends, although now discontinued, has threads to accept the screw-in Montblanc converter. I am not sure whether there was a change from push-fit to screw-in as the pen evolved from the Classic.

 

If you have an older Generation, or maybe a transition model, it could well be an old push-fit.

 

The first thing you need to do is check to see if there are threads inside the section. They are not easy to see, are quite fine and right down at the bottom of the cavity.

 

Post some photos of the pen - it always helps.

 

Edit: 221P not 221

Edited March 11, 2019 by Rowbo

[Maknfrnds]

Thanks for the tips @Jerome Tarshis! Will take those into consideration for sure.

 

Gosh @Rowbo - I didn't know there were different models of Generation Fps! I think mine might be the "new" model since the star slopes. Great idea to post photos - I've included 3 here - one to show the pen capped, one to show the slight slope of the star on top of the cap, and one attempt at showing the interior of the forepart where the converter would connect…I wonder if the inside is like yours? I couldn't see any threads…but they did replace the forepart in the repair they just did, so it could have been replaced with the older version you are describing (without telling me of course, especially since I didn't know any different).

[meiers]

Nice colour!!! I am quite fond of this model.

Edited March 12, 2019 by meiers

[Rowbo]

Looks the same as mine in detail, if not colour. As I said, the threads would be difficult to see - you will need a magnifier. I'm guessing the current MB threaded converter will fit your pen and the reason that customer services said they do not make a converter to fit the Generation is simply because it is not a current pen and is not on their list.

[Maknfrnds]

@meiers - Me too! It feels light in my hand and writes so smoothly.

 

@Rowbo - Thanks so much for the advice - I may be able to try out the threaded converter in a MB boutique since it is the current model. Will see how that goes and report back!

[txomsy]

Yes, the boutique is your best bet, and try the screw-in. If it screws in, then it likely works.

 

If it doesn't then you will need to see if it's tightly sealed, which may require a purchase so as to fill it in with ink.

 

It it doesn't fit and you need an old type converter, it is not an international converter, but a Waterman type should work. At least it is what I use for my old montblancs.

[Kalessin]

There are no threads inside the pictured Generations pen section for the screw-in Montblanc converter.

The Pelikan converter should fit; it fits in my Noblesse from the 1970s, and is the size of two Standard International short cartridges placed back-to-back.

[Maknfrnds]

Great news! I did go to a MB boutique and the threaded converted DOES seem to work!

 

@txomsy - it did screw in, and we filled it and tried it in the store and it seemed to work fine. I haven’t experienced any leaking so far...definitely hoping this is the solution. If not, I will post back here. And @Kalessin thank you for the backup plan just in case!

 

Appreciate all the suggestions and support for this - thank you all!

[Rowbo]

Good result.

[txomsy]

Glad it worked. Congratulations! Now, go and enjoy your pen