I got this pen today

[FlyingClay]

(3) Pack of Wing-Sung 601's w/ Fine nibs, based on a member recommendation to another member. 

 

Pretty nice inexpensive pen for what it is.  Writes feather light.  Have some Noodler's Zhivago in one and some Noodler's Cayenne in the other.  Super light though.  But starts great every time.  No fuss refillable bladder/converter cartridge.

[A Smug Dill]

1 hour ago, AmandaW said:

Does it write?

 

Uh, … yes, it does.

 

1 hour ago, DvdRiet said:

Can't wait to hear what you think of it.

 

First impressions:

• the pen feels more ‘substantial’ than a Japanese pen of similar size in the hand
• the black resin is pretty good, although at this point I can't say if it's better than that on a Sailor Profit, as I haven't tried to compare the two ‘head-to-head’ by holding them in turn and in rapid succession
• the metal housing of the piston unit makes the pen a bit more back-weighted than I like
• on inspection under a loupe, the finish of the tipping is smooth, tine alignment is good, and the nib slit is about right, although I wasn't convinced it'll write all that finely

Upon dip-testing in Montblanc Irish Green ink (thanks to @AmandaW)‍:

• the nib produced a lot of feedback, enough to slightly derail my hand movements, although at no point was it scratchy (as in observably damaging the paper surface)
• the back-weighting of the pen didn't help my attempts at writing was as little downward pressure as possible
• I was only able to get 13 distinct horizontal lines inside a 5mm-tall space on Rhodia DotPad 80gsm paper, which puts the line width into the Sailor F or MF nib territory (depending somewhat on physical size of the nib, constitution of the gold alloy, etc.); I'd need to be in a forgiving mood to say it wrote like a Western EF nib
• the snapback is … OK, better than that of most other nibs (in my limited experience) that purport to be flexible, or are mis-categorised by a certain segment of fellow hobbyists as being ‘flex’ even though the respective manufacturers do not claim their nibs to be so

Upon filling the pen up with Montblanc Irish Green ink:

• the weight balance improved slightly (but is still back-weighted by my reckoning)
• the line width became narrower, and I could get 14 distinct horizontal lines in a 5mm-tall space, making it a decent Western EF or Japanese (Big Three) F
• writing felt a lot smoother and far less feedback, but there is still some (which is a good thing)

 

So, it's not a pen I would put away because I dislike using it or have no use for it; nor am I going to be in a rush to offload it either to my wife or our friend. The same could not be said for the Scribo FEEL with the 14K gold flexible EF nib.

 

On the other hand, I don't think it writes ‘better’ (in view of my personal preferences) than, say, a Pilot Elabo with a SEF nib, or Custom Heritage 91 with a (#5 sized) SFM nib. I no longer have a Pilot pen with a #5 sized SF nib, but to my best recollection I was not impressed with its narrowness or precision, even when compared to the SFM nib.

 

Therefore, at this point, I'd say this Montblanc is an expensive pen that does an OK job, and I've paid dearly for the name (which, as I said before, is somewhat distasteful to me personally). All in the name of experimentation and discovery; I don't regret it that much, but I'm not wowed by it.

 

But, who knows; maybe in time I'll like it a little better, and count it a fit peer of the Japanese Big Three.

[dragondazd]

20 minutes ago, A Smug Dill said:

Therefore, at this point, I'd say this Montblanc is an expensive pen that does an OK job, and I've paid dearly for the name (which, as I said before, is somewhat distasteful to me personally). All in the name of experimentation and discovery; I don't regret it that much, but I'm not wowed by it.

I appreciate learning from your experience. The brand and look do nothing for me so it would have to be a spectacular nib for the price for me.

[nibtip]

4 hours ago, A Smug Dill said:

I know I said I wouldn't get this, if for no other reason that it's a brand I find distasteful, but here we are:

I understand your repulsiveness attached to the brand. Nonetheless albeit overpriced they tend to make excellently built objects. I hope you'll enjoy your new purchase.

I myself hated the 149 flex I purchased last year and sent it back for a refund within 15' after reception. Flex is not for me. I prefer slightly bouncy nibs (Pelikan M1005) or even hard nails.

Good luck anyway!

[PithyProlix]

23 hours ago, A Smug Dill said:

I know I said I wouldn't get this, if for no other reason that it's a brand I find distasteful, but here we are:

 

That's the only current Montblanc I'd consider buying. Looking forward to your impressions of it after you have used it for a while.

[PithyProlix]

23 hours ago, FlyingClay said:

(3) Pack of Wing-Sung 601's w/ Fine nibs, based on a member recommendation to another member. 

 

Pretty nice inexpensive pen for what it is.  Writes feather light.  Have some Noodler's Zhivago in one and some Noodler's Cayenne in the other.  Super light though.  But starts great every time.  No fuss refillable bladder/converter cartridge.

 

Do they actually come in packs of three? I have one - it's one of those 'just works' pens (and now I'm thinking of putting it in my everyday bag).

[PithyProlix]

Finally found a second hand Pilot Elabo/Falcon here in Thailand! An Elabo has been at the top of my want list. Would have preferred a SEF nib but I'm not going to complain at all about a SF. Note the slip-on cap on this vintage version - the current is screw-on. "Elabo" is also on the cap band, below the clip - not sure if the current Japanese-market versions have that or not. (?)

 

The Elabo was purchased from a seller I have become friends with. Believe it or not, he also sent along that Platinum pocket pen, which is unused, for free! He's done that once before with another unused Platinum pocket pen ...

 

And another that has been at the top of my want list - a full-size cigar-shaped Pilot Elite. This one with a Manifold nib. Never before have I seen a full-size cigar-shaped Elite here.

 

 

Sorry this photo is horribly out of focus!

 

 

 

[FlyingClay]

36 minutes ago, PithyProlix said:

 

Do they actually come in packs of three? I have one - it's one of those 'just works' pens (and now I'm thinking of putting it in my everyday bag).

 

Someone here suggested a 601 to me, and I went looking for one.  The only ones I could find were in packs of (3) (on Amazon).  They may very well be available individually, but I didn't see any when I looked.  So, it could just be a timing thing, but that's all I found.

[FlyingClay]

@PithyProlix Wow!!  Those are beauties!!!

 

Me likey!!   👍👍👍

[OldTravelingShoe]

On 5/26/2022 at 7:49 PM, DvdRiet said:

That is certainly a distinguished looking group of pens! Beautiful 🤩 Hope you are enjoying them!

I second @DvdRiet, very nice pens, @PithyProlix! I like very much what you did with them. 

[OldTravelingShoe]

11 minutes ago, PithyProlix said:

Finally found a second hand Pilot Elabo/Falcon here in Thailand! An Elabo has been at the top of my want list. Would have preferred a SEF nib but I'm not going to complain at all about a SF. Note the slip-on cap on this vintage version - the current is screw-on. "Elabo" is also on the cap band, below the clip - not sure if the current Japanese-market versions have that or not. (?)

 

The Elabo was purchased from a seller I have become friends with. Believe it or not, he also sent along that Platinum pocket pen, which is unused, for free! He's done that once before with another unused Platinum pocket pen ...

 

And another that has been at the top of my want list - a full-size cigar-shaped Pilot Elite. This one with a Manifold nib. Never before have I seen a full-size cigar-shaped Elite here.

 

 

Sorry this photo is horribly out of focus!

 

 

 

Great pens, @PithyProlix! Each of the three has lots going for it. And I believe you bought the right Falcon - I really like the SF nib for sketching. 

[OldTravelingShoe]

22 hours ago, A Smug Dill said:

Therefore, at this point, I'd say this Montblanc is an expensive pen that does an OK job, and I've paid dearly for the name (which, as I said before, is somewhat distasteful to me personally). All in the name of experimentation and discovery; I don't regret it that much, but I'm not wowed by it.

That's what the congratulations are for. The way I see it, experimenting with a new pen is likely to be a wonderful experience. When this also leads to discovering a pen you like, which only happens sometimes, is a bonus that leads to even more congratulations 😄

 

I cannot comment on the price in general, but your review has given me even more food for thought. For the listed price, one can experiment with 5-10 Montblancs from the 1960s and 1970s, and I know for myself what I prefer. (Both, whispers the walletless angel, but I know better now.) I also understand opinions may vary, and some may even not consider Montblanc at all. No problem. 

 

Last, but not least: thank you, @A Smug Dill, for sharing. 

Edited May 31, 2022 by OldTravelingShoe
Edited for clarity.

[Number99]

3 hours ago, PithyProlix said:

Finally found a second hand Pilot Elabo/Falcon here in Thailand! An Elabo has been at the top of my want list. Would have preferred a SEF nib but I'm not going to complain at all about a SF. Note the slip-on cap on this vintage version - the current is screw-on. "Elabo" is also on the cap band, below the clip - not sure if the current Japanese-market versions have that or not. (?)

 

The Elabo was purchased from a seller I have become friends with. Believe it or not, he also sent along that Platinum pocket pen, which is unused, for free! He's done that once before with another unused Platinum pocket pen ...

 

And another that has been at the top of my want list - a full-size cigar-shaped Pilot Elite. This one with a Manifold nib. Never before have I seen a full-size cigar-shaped Elite here.

 

 

Sorry this photo is horribly out of focus!

 

 

 

What kind of mechanism did the cigar-shaped pilot elite filler work with?

 

[PithyProlix]

7 hours ago, Number99 said:

What kind of mechanism did the cigar-shaped pilot elite filler work with?

 

 

This particular one uses an 'accordion' filler but it seems there were cartridge/converter versions as well. See https://estilofilos.blogspot.com/2011/09/japanese-accordion.html

 

Unfortunately, the sac on mine is ossified and no current replacement sac is available. A fix is to use a regular sac and turn the button, instead of pressing it, to twist the sac, then turn it back to the original position to untwist and fill. I suppose another fix would be to use a regular sac, leaving the sac protector tube (and the button) off, and simply squeeze the sac with your fingers, which is what I did with a couple Sheaffer Touchdown filler pens until I got the rubber seals they need. 

 

 

[mizgeorge]

13 minutes ago, PithyProlix said:

 

This particular one uses an 'accordion' filler but it seems there were cartridge/converter versions as well. See https://estilofilos.blogspot.com/2011/09/japanese-accordion.html

 

Unfortunately, the sac on mine is ossified and no current replacement sac is available. A fix is to use a regular sac and turn the button, instead of pressing it, to twist the sac, then turn it back to the original position to untwist and fill. I suppose another fix would be to use a regular sac, leaving the sac protector tube (and the button) off, and simply squeeze the sac with your fingers, which is what I did with a couple Sheaffer Touchdown filler pens until I got the rubber seals they need. 

 

 

I don't know if they're the same as the accordion fillers on some of my old French pens, but I've had good results using bicycle brake bellows to replace the rubber element. Might be worth a try?

[PithyProlix]

42 minutes ago, mizgeorge said:

I don't know if they're the same as the accordion fillers on some of my old French pens, but I've had good results using bicycle brake bellows to replace the rubber element. Might be worth a try?

 

What an interesting idea - thanks for the suggestion! I am a little worried, though, that the rubber used may not be as inert as, say, a latex pen sac. This Elite has a very long and very thin breather tube and, if it were to get clogged, it might be extremely difficult to clear it out. 

 

What did you use to seal off the hole on the end of the brake bellows? EDIT: Never mind - I see now that the sac is open on both sides and one side goes around the button so that the button becomes part of the ink chamber. 

[inkstainedruth]

On 5/30/2022 at 8:35 AM, AmandaW said:

 

That's more box than contents! Does it write?

I don't think boxes are all that literate.... 

Sorry, everyone -- I just couldn't help myself.... 

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

[inkstainedruth]

12 hours ago, PithyProlix said:

And another that has been at the top of my want list - a full-size cigar-shaped Pilot Elite. This one with a Manifold nib. Never before have I seen a full-size cigar-shaped Elite here.

[snip]

12 hours ago, PithyProlix said:

 

 

 

That is really interesting.  I think of 18K nibs as being "softer" and having more "give" than 14K ones.  And that seems to be the antithesis of a "manifold" nib (designed to use with multiple layers of paper for carbon copies or with multi-page "carbonless" forms).  I can't wait to see a writing example from this pen!

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

[PithyProlix]

4 hours ago, inkstainedruth said:

[snip]

That is really interesting.  I think of 18K nibs as being "softer" and having more "give" than 14K ones.  And that seems to be the antithesis of a "manifold" nib (designed to use with multiple layers of paper for carbon copies or with multi-page "carbonless" forms).  I can't wait to see a writing example from this pen!

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

 

I have a number of gold-nib Big 3 Japanese pens, mostly from the 1950s on (post lever-filler), with the median likely being somewhere in the 1970s. I haven't done any purposeful comparison between the 14k and 18k nibs of these pens but, limiting to 14k & 18k only, I doubt that karat count contributes much to variation in nib softness. It's of no consideration when I'm purchasing. My guess is that the particular alloy used, the nib design, and the fabrication contribute much more to nib softness. 21k and higher Big 3 Japanese nibs of this era are a different story - they tend to be quite soft.

 

My impression is also that there is not a really tight consistency within a single nib type from any one of the manufacturers. (Though there is not a wide variation, either.)

 

The Manifold nib on this pen is certainly not a nail - it has a slight bit of softness. I have other Pilots from this era with a different nib type that are harder than this one - 18k even, in case you think that might matter. Go figure ...

[Misfit]

I received the TWSBI Diamond 580 RBT with a 1.1mm stub nib.