Do you use a fountain pen?
Discussion
I bought a couple of Hero 616 pens, which are Parker 51 lookalikes. One in jumbo size and one small. Both nibs needed work to make them write ok. I managed to get the small one writing well, but the larger one is still a bit scratchy and needs to be held in its sweet spot to write well. The quality of them is obviously poorer than Jinhao. The barrel gets scratched badly by the caps when posted.
If you hold them at arms length they look pretty decent. It is a beautifully simple classic design and makes me want a proper Parker 51. Parker should re-launch this pen.
If you hold them at arms length they look pretty decent. It is a beautifully simple classic design and makes me want a proper Parker 51. Parker should re-launch this pen.
There's a good selection of Parker 51s on the Heritage Pens website, but they do command good money.
Makes me regret not looking after the hand me down one I had when I was at school!
http://www.heritagecollectables.com/heritage-colle...
Makes me regret not looking after the hand me down one I had when I was at school!
http://www.heritagecollectables.com/heritage-colle...
ClockworkCupcake said:
Edit: Also, what's the Jinhao X750 like? I rather like the Lava Red design in this pic and for £2.75 it may be worth a punt.
Had mine for the last 4 weeks or so, only bought it thanks to this thread. Writes really well. Very smooth nib, No leaks etc and looks far more expensive than the £2.48 I paid for it. Have had a couple of colleagues ask where I got it from and they were shocked when I told them the price. Edited by ClockworkCupcake on Sunday 12th February 16:46
The problem with the Hero 616 is one of consistency, it is pot luck on whether you buy a good one or a duffer, also they dont always work well straight out of the packet. I ma sure there are exceptions but usually Jinhao pens work well without a fuss.
Parker say that they made a million Parker 51 pens every year so they are still around
Parker relaunched the 51 around 2002 with a high price tag, from memory more than £200. Trouble was that they didnt use the original Lucite plastic but some nastier lower priced plastic that cracked, Parker had many warranty claims and stopped production. The Parker 51 2002 Special Edition is now worth £350+ if you can find one in original amd perfect condition, it is one for collectors though and not pen users, some people have an issue with that concept. I used to collect boxing memorabilia and had a pair of Sonny Liston gloves from 1958, no one thought I should wear them in the ring instead of modern originals, I dont have an issue with collecting for preservation and using something else on a day to day basis.
I suggest that it remains a better option to buy a newly restored Parker 51, you will need to pay £70 but you will love it and it will go up in value every year, the added bonus with an original is that you can use it daily. If you drop it and break it, every part is available or can be repaired.
Parker say that they made a million Parker 51 pens every year so they are still around
Parker relaunched the 51 around 2002 with a high price tag, from memory more than £200. Trouble was that they didnt use the original Lucite plastic but some nastier lower priced plastic that cracked, Parker had many warranty claims and stopped production. The Parker 51 2002 Special Edition is now worth £350+ if you can find one in original amd perfect condition, it is one for collectors though and not pen users, some people have an issue with that concept. I used to collect boxing memorabilia and had a pair of Sonny Liston gloves from 1958, no one thought I should wear them in the ring instead of modern originals, I dont have an issue with collecting for preservation and using something else on a day to day basis.
I suggest that it remains a better option to buy a newly restored Parker 51, you will need to pay £70 but you will love it and it will go up in value every year, the added bonus with an original is that you can use it daily. If you drop it and break it, every part is available or can be repaired.
Edited by Robbo 27 on Wednesday 15th February 08:48
Thanks to this thread and the success of my previous Jinhao 599 purchase, I've now ended up with a vintage Parker 51 Aerometric in Navy Grey (approx late 1950s it appears?) and a Rhodia "Webbie" notebook. Plus a bottle of Mont Blanc oyster grey ink.
I have no real need to write anything in particular, so maybe this post should be on the frivolous things I don't need thread....! All lovely tactile items to own however.
Cheers All.
I have no real need to write anything in particular, so maybe this post should be on the frivolous things I don't need thread....! All lovely tactile items to own however.
Cheers All.
timmymagic73 said:
Thanks to this thread and the success of my previous Jinhao 599 purchase, I've now ended up with a vintage Parker 51 Aerometric in Navy Grey (approx late 1950s it appears?) and a Rhodia "Webbie" notebook. Plus a bottle of Mont Blanc oyster grey ink.
I have no real need to write anything in particular, so maybe this post should be on the frivolous things I don't need thread....! All lovely tactile items to own however.
Cheers All.
I think that this shows a great deal of style, nicely photographed too.I have no real need to write anything in particular, so maybe this post should be on the frivolous things I don't need thread....! All lovely tactile items to own however.
Cheers All.
Vroom101 said:
Well, we went to the shops today and the eldest decided he wanted to buy this little lot...
Looks like we have a convert!
They should last him a while - must be rewarding for sons and daughters to have an interest that they can take with them and remember for years to come.Looks like we have a convert!
I have had a Parker Reflex in a cupboard for some years, it was never an expensive pen when new, about £5, and still available now. Going to give it a try, I seem to enjoy cheaper Parkers a lot more than the expensive ones.
Robbo 27 said:
They should last him a while - must be rewarding for sons and daughters to have an interest that they can take with them and remember for years to come.
I have had a Parker Reflex in a cupboard for some years, it was never an expensive pen when new, about £5, and still available now. Going to give it a try, I seem to enjoy cheaper Parkers a lot more than the expensive ones.
My Reflex (a gift from Mrs Pints when we were still dating) split near the nib, which means it leaks ink onto my fingers while I'm writing. I have had a Parker Reflex in a cupboard for some years, it was never an expensive pen when new, about £5, and still available now. Going to give it a try, I seem to enjoy cheaper Parkers a lot more than the expensive ones.
I've had the same problem with my Parker Jotter.
Robbo 27 said:
I have also seen them with a crack in the cap caused by pushing them on the barrell too hard.
If you would like this Reflex as a replacement you can have it.
My caps are all perfect and I don't apply much pressure when writing, so a bit perplexed. Have wondered if it was perhaps caused when cleaning. I think water that's too warm can cause this, and I admit to cleaning my nibs very frequently when used as everyday pens.If you would like this Reflex as a replacement you can have it.
It's a very kind offer but I couldn't accept.
Pints said:
My caps are all perfect and I don't apply much pressure when writing, so a bit perplexed. Have wondered if it was perhaps caused when cleaning. I think water that's too warm can cause this, and I admit to cleaning my nibs very frequently when used as everyday pens.
It's a very kind offer but I couldn't accept.
A less kind offer would be a section, I have an older Reflex with a damaged cap with a good section, I dont use this and it is just for spares, you are welcome to it.It's a very kind offer but I couldn't accept.
So my Jinhao 126 and 250 Arrived yesterday, The 250 in Brushed Stainless with gold bands and the 126 in chrome plate.
I like both of these pans and the 250 writes nicely ( i feel nicer than my Waterman Hemisprere) So i'm a complete convert to the 250 however the 126 just leaks ink. anyone else experienced anything similar ? did i just get a dud? I'm using Waterman Cartridges ?
I like both of these pans and the 250 writes nicely ( i feel nicer than my Waterman Hemisprere) So i'm a complete convert to the 250 however the 126 just leaks ink. anyone else experienced anything similar ? did i just get a dud? I'm using Waterman Cartridges ?
djt100 said:
So my Jinhao 126 and 250 Arrived yesterday, The 250 in Brushed Stainless with gold bands and the 126 in chrome plate.
I like both of these pans and the 250 writes nicely ( i feel nicer than my Waterman Hemisprere) So i'm a complete convert to the 250 however the 126 just leaks ink. anyone else experienced anything similar ? did i just get a dud? I'm using Waterman Cartridges ?
By leaking ink I assume that you mean that ink is just dripping straight through the nib?I like both of these pans and the 250 writes nicely ( i feel nicer than my Waterman Hemisprere) So i'm a complete convert to the 250 however the 126 just leaks ink. anyone else experienced anything similar ? did i just get a dud? I'm using Waterman Cartridges ?
I also assume that you are using the Watermans cartridges because you dont have any bottled ink to fill the pen using a converter.
Almost certainly the problem lies with the cartridge and it is likely that you have not pushed the cartridge far enough into the section, it is not seating properly. This could be because the cartridge is a bit too fat to go far enough into the section, perhaps give it a bit more force, it should clunk or click into place. If you have already used this cartridge on another pen, try using another cartridge or better still use the converter with bottled ink.
Cpt Stirling said:
Random question, what's the general view of Montblanc fountain pens? Always fancied one.
My view is that they are very well made using high quality materials and have excellent back up with after sales service. Classic design that is envied and copied all over the world.Personally I dont really care for the many limited editions that are produced, these seem more like jewellery to me, I prefer the simple and classic Meisterstuck line but even those are regarded as being a bit too flash by some.
They are not cheap, you would need to be spending £650 for a 149, the slightly smaller 146 is around £550 and probably better for most people. They hold their price very well too, a 1950s 149 is worth over £1000 now, a 1970s 149 about £400, this would have cost you £125 when new as compared to £15 - 20 for a contemporary Parker.
My Cross ATX was delivered today with a pot of green Mont Blanc ink.
Three things of note.
1) Further to my first effort at filling the doodah I am now covered in ink, which is reminiscent of my school days
2) Writing with a fountain pen again is utterly fantastic!
3) My colleagues think I'm nuts.
Big thanks to this thread for getting me back into it!
Three things of note.
1) Further to my first effort at filling the doodah I am now covered in ink, which is reminiscent of my school days
2) Writing with a fountain pen again is utterly fantastic!
3) My colleagues think I'm nuts.
Big thanks to this thread for getting me back into it!
Robbo 27 said:
By leaking ink I assume that you mean that ink is just dripping straight through the nib?
I also assume that you are using the Watermans cartridges because you dont have any bottled ink to fill the pen using a converter.
Almost certainly the problem lies with the cartridge and it is likely that you have not pushed the cartridge far enough into the section, it is not seating properly. This could be because the cartridge is a bit too fat to go far enough into the section, perhaps give it a bit more force, it should clunk or click into place. If you have already used this cartridge on another pen, try using another cartridge or better still use the converter with bottled ink.
Yep dripping straight through. No bottled ink . I'll buy some and give it a try. Thanks I also assume that you are using the Watermans cartridges because you dont have any bottled ink to fill the pen using a converter.
Almost certainly the problem lies with the cartridge and it is likely that you have not pushed the cartridge far enough into the section, it is not seating properly. This could be because the cartridge is a bit too fat to go far enough into the section, perhaps give it a bit more force, it should clunk or click into place. If you have already used this cartridge on another pen, try using another cartridge or better still use the converter with bottled ink.
Robbo 27 said:
My view is that they are very well made using high quality materials and have excellent back up with after sales service. Classic design that is envied and copied all over the world.
Personally I dont really care for the many limited editions that are produced, these seem more like jewellery to me, I prefer the simple and classic Meisterstuck line but even those are regarded as being a bit too flash by some.
They are not cheap, you would need to be spending £650 for a 149, the slightly smaller 146 is around £550 and probably better for most people. They hold their price very well too, a 1950s 149 is worth over £1000 now, a 1970s 149 about £400, this would have cost you £125 when new as compared to £15 - 20 for a contemporary Parker.
Thanks Robbo, that's interesting. I intend to go and try some but not sure the third party retailers allow customers to 'try before you buy'.
Personally I dont really care for the many limited editions that are produced, these seem more like jewellery to me, I prefer the simple and classic Meisterstuck line but even those are regarded as being a bit too flash by some.
They are not cheap, you would need to be spending £650 for a 149, the slightly smaller 146 is around £550 and probably better for most people. They hold their price very well too, a 1950s 149 is worth over £1000 now, a 1970s 149 about £400, this would have cost you £125 when new as compared to £15 - 20 for a contemporary Parker.
Thanks Robbo, that's interesting. I intend to go and try some but not sure the third party retailers allow customers to 'try before you buy'.
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