Celebrating my new blue 605

[bphollin]

In honor of my 100th FPN post, first Souveran, second Pelikan, and third "real" fountain pen, I thought I'd post some pictures of my newest prize. FedEx, bless them, delivered a dark (solid) blue Pelikan M605 this morning! There are so many reviews of these birds already, so I thought I would just show off some pics here and gush a bit amongst the Pelikan faithful.

 

Wow do I like this pen! I paid a bit of a premium for the out-of-production blue, but still less than the average going rate for a new 600. I'm glad I did, because this is the color that got me interested in Pelikans in the first place. I played it safe and got a Lamy Al-Star to make sure I liked FPs, then I got a 215 to make sure I liked piston fillers. After a bit of saving, hemming, and hawing over 600 v 800, 800 v 640, etc, I bit the bullet and snatched up this lovely pen. I love the details that differentiate the 600 pen from the 215 pen: double rings, larger cap and clip, wider girth, prettier nib, and on...

 

The NOS F nib is wonderful--no QC issues here. I wish it were a bit more springy, but it is still capable of making some flourishes with the right pressure. This is my first gold nib, and honestly I can't tell the writing difference between it and the stainless steel number Richard Binder sold me on the 215--maybe that is a testament to his work. I DO love the gorgeous two-tone coloring on the nib, and it is much longer and wider than the steel nestmate. I was a bit worried that the F would be more like a M based on posts here, but this F is truly fine much to my relief. I prefer XF, but I think I will stick with this one for now and perhaps I will get used to it.

 

For as much as I love my M215, I really, really, REALLY, like this new bird! It is just a hair longer, a detail that makes a world of difference for me. I like that it weighs less, but I ALSO like the weight of the 215. I guess this means I'll have to try an M805 next. I have a feeling this 605 is tops, though, at least for me.

 

Now for some piccys!

 

The unposted length of the M605 is not much longer than the M215 by looks, but it feels much better in my hand. The small extra fractions of an inch in the nib and barrel add up to a much nicer experience writing unposted. This was the biggest consideration for me. Since the unposted 600 and unposted 800 are nearly the same size, I decided on the cheaper 605.

 

Posted, the M605 is even longer and more comfortable than the M215! Good times!

 

Capped, the M605 comes out a bit longer.

 

Since none of the pen shops around me carry Pels (shame on them!) I really appreciate size comparison shots. These are the M215, Lamy Al-Star, and M605 from top to bottom.

 

Uncapped

 

Posted

 

Capped

Edited November 24, 2008 by bphollin

[MrK]

 

Beautiful pen. Use it well. May I ask what is the difference between a 600 and 605? Thanks.

 

[penburg]

Very nice! I too like size comparisons. Recently, I've come to the conclusion that my m200 is just a bit too small. Ideal for carrying, but I prefer a slightly larger pen for writing. And it is amazing that it doesn't take a large size increase to maximize writing comfort. The jump from an m200 to Lamy Safari is not all that great visually, but hand-wise it's a big leap.

[bphollin]

Beautiful pen. Use it well. May I ask what is the difference between a 600 and 605? Thanks.

Thanks, I hope to! As I understand, the 400, 600 and 800 pens come with gold colored trim on the rings and clip, whereas the 405, 605 and 805 pens come with silver colored trim. The current 400, 600, and 800 line comes in solid black, green striated, blue striated, and red striated whereas the X05 line comes in solid black or blue striated.

 

Also, the dark/solid blue 405, 605, and 805 weren't produced for very long because they didn't sell well. They seem to be more popular now, only after they've been discontinued.

Edited November 24, 2008 by bphollin

[MrK]

Beautiful pen. Use it well. May I ask what is the difference between a 600 and 605? Thanks.

Thanks, I hope to! As I understand, the 400, 600 and 800 pens come with gold colored trim on the rings and clip, whereas the 405, 605 and 805 pens come with silver colored trim. The current 400, 600, and 800 line comes in solid black, green striated, blue striated, and red striated whereas the X05 line comes in solid black or blue striated.

 

Also, the dark/solid blue 405, 605, and 805 weren't produced for very long because they didn't sell well. They seem to be more popular now, only after they've been discontinued.

Thanks for the information.

Best regards,

Evan

 

[Opus104]

Congrats. This was my first "good" Pelikan as well. A great pen and, for me, it traveled quite well. Never a leak and always at the ready.

[lapis]

Hmm, I can see the day coming when' I'll own one of each Souverän (incl Toledos).

(I know that I'm not the only member here in this regard.)

 

Mike

[Bartimaeus]

Apparently Galeria Kaufhof, a department store chain, offers a pen called Pelikan M 605 once in a while. Here.

But they offer only one picture, so I'm not quite sure it's exactly the same as your pen.

 

[bphollin]

they offer only one picture, so I'm not quite sure it's exactly the same as your pen.

Interesting. The picture looks like the same pen to me, and at a good price, too.

[piembi]

Apparently Galeria Kaufhof, a department store chain, offers a pen called Pelikan M 605 once in a while. Here.

But they offer only one picture, so I'm not quite sure it's exactly the same as your pen.

Yes, this is the same pen. And a very good price.

I bought it last year from the Galeria Kaufhof (saw it when I had been to the store and could not leave without it .....).

On their website it is an on/off item.

 

 

[unnarrator]

What a*beautiful* blue creature! Congratulations!

[Bartimaeus]

Indeed, it looks beautiful here. So beautiful that I am almost tempted .

[BobR]

Thanks for your homage to a great pen, it was introduction to the world of Pelikans. Your pictures are helpful too. I purchased mine here in the US a couple of years ago at about the same price (converted to US dollars)--perhaps when they were being discontinued.

[Pensee]

That pen was so perdy, I couldn't help but bidding on one!

 

Should be getting it in a week or so.

 

This place is dangerous!

[holgalee]

The 605 looks thoroughly delectable at that price! Too bad it can't be bought online

[Clive Merrick Morel]

Hmm, I can see the day coming when' I'll own one of each Souverän (incl Toledos).

(I know that I'm not the only member here in this regard.)

 

Mike

Very well stated Mike. Guilty, as charged. I'm one of "those" members . . . :roflmho:

 

Cheers!

 

-Clive

[Clive Merrick Morel]

In honor of my 100th FPN post, first Souveran, second Pelikan, and third "real" fountain pen, I thought I'd post some pictures of my newest prize. FedEx, bless them, delivered a dark (solid) blue Pelikan M605 this morning! There are so many reviews of these birds already, so I thought I would just show off some pics here and gush a bit amongst the Pelikan faithful.

Bphollin,

 

Outstanding pictures of two timeless, beautiful Pelikans! Thanks a lot for sharing your photos and your enthusiasm. The latter is pretty darned addictive I'll have you know!!!

 

Very best of luck with your new M605.

 

Cheers!

 

-Clive