Pen Q&A
Questions & Answers
The Pen Q&A section of Penfountain.org brings you various questions and answers from around the web. These questions may be some of what’s on your mind or maybe even something you never thought of.
Please read through the Q&A to see if you can have some, or all of your questions answered. I’ll be regularly updating this section so check back often.
Another great resource for getting your questions answered would be the Fountain Pen Network.
Add your own answer or question in the comments section and be sure to include which question you are answering!
Question by Tea: I have a Pelikano Junior fountain pen. Do one of the following converters work for it: waterman, parker, lamy?
I know a Pelikan converter will work with it but my local stores do not carry this. Thus, I want to know if other brands will work with it. Thanks!
Best answer:
Answer by pixiness
In my experience, it’s usually best to go with the products made by the manufacturer… it’s usually the most reliable way to get what you need. For a lot of my pens, I buy refills and converters online. Most of them will tell you what brand/model of pens the refills/converters will work for.
Some of my favorite retailers include:
www.theinkflow.com
www.swisherpens.com
www.pendemonium.com
Question by d_murik: Can I use a Calligraphy set for normal writing?
But can I use the set for normal writing, like in class taking notes or something, because aren’t fountain pens a very slow writing pen? And also, the set uses Skrip ink cartridges. Is that ink available anywhere in Melbourne, Australia, because I might need to refill the ink…
Link to Skrip Ink – Sheaffer Skrip Ink Cartridges, Black/Blue/Red/Green/Purple, 2 Packs Of 5 Cartridges, Total 10 Cartridges (SR/96400)
Best answer:
Answer by sally s
you can use it but i find it harder to write in Skrip ink cartridges. You are able to buy them from some office supply stores or through Sheaffer for around $8.00 for a bottle or $5.00 for a cartridge.
Question by AnonymousGuy: What’s the difference between a dip pen and a fountain pen?
List the advantages and disadvantages of each. Depending on the pressure you apply on a dip pen, you can change from a very fine line to a much bolder line. Can fountain pens do the same thing?
Best answer:
Answer by Jay
The dip pen was basically used for doing old English lettering because of its ability to widen as you press down on it. Where as the fountain pen was used more for every day writing.
by Admin: Also check out the various sections on Penfountain.org for additional pen types, nibs, inks and cartridges.
Question by charliew77: What is the best ink pens for comic book artists to ink with?
The best man in my impending wedding is an aspiring comic book artist, and I was thinking a good gift to give him was a set of classic ink fountain pens. Any recommendation on what kind or brand?
Best answer:
Answer by dantheanimated
rapidographs are a great gift and have been used forever in comic book work.they are refillable and allow for ink work on the go withgout the hastle of quill/fountain pens.they also come in a variety of sizes and brands koh-i-nor are one of the best a 9 pen set is 20 bucks on e bay also Rotring is a good one.
by Admin: Haven’t used but found this product on Amazon if interested in checking it out – Koh-I-Noor Rapidograph Artist Pen Set of 7 Technical Pens (Fine Nibs)
Question by voldemort4494: Where can I get fountain pen ink cartridges that isn’t an online store?
I have an old fountain pen that I dug out the other day and it was one where u bought prefilled ink cartridges and just stuck them in. I was wondering if there was a store I could go to to get these? Also I have an old quill and I was wondering where I could get an ink bottle for it. Would these things be cheap to buy or expensive?
Thanks.
Best answer:
Answer by konish59
Ryman sells ink cartridges and bottles of ink, some bottles are quite expensive. Well, i think it is, but if it’s for an art project i don’t suppose price is the most important thing.
by Admin: I’m not affiliated with Ryman, but here’s the link to their site. http://penfountain.org/wp-content/plugins/url-cloaker/url.php?u=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5yeW1hbi5jby51ay8=
Question by shasak35: JML pen set, fountain pen?
This may sound like a stupid question but why would a Fountain Pen work better with one colour ink.
My fountain pen from the JML set works perfectly smoothly with black cartridge ink but not with blue.
I have bought various types of cartridge of varying prices but i still get smoother writing with black, i’m getting irritated now because i prefer to use blue and the pen is very comfortable to use.
Best answer:
Answer by ukquilter
I can only think that your blue ink has been mixed up a bit thick! It does happen from time to time that the recipe for a batch is not quite right. I suggest that you give the pen a good wash (I’ve always done this from time to time) and maybe try another packet of cartridges.
by Admin: Check out the section on fountain pen ink to narrow down which to choose.
Question by Adam: I inherited some fountain pens. Where in NY city can I go to get them appraised? How should I sell them?
There are 12 pens in all. 2 are Mont Blanc Meisterstruk pens, and the other 10 are Waterman. They are probably about 30-40 years old. I don’t know anything about pens to comment on their condition, the outsides look fine to me. I can take pics and link if necessary. Might they be worth anything?
Best answer:
Answer by Secret Agent of God (BWR)
The best place to start would be amazon or ebay just to shop for price comparisons.
by Admin: One of my bookmarks is http://penfountain.org/wp-content/plugins/url-cloaker/url.php?u=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5yaWNoYXJkc3BlbnMuY29tLw==. If you go to his pen links section there are some great references. He may be able to assist you himself.
Question by Rwosver: Where can I purchase a nib (Just the metal part) of a Parker Frontier Fountain Pen?
I’ve looked on quite a few stationer’s websites but I just can’t seem to find anything like it! I would have thought that it would be a common problem because most people can’t afford a new Parker every time it breaks!
Thank You!
Best answer:
Answer by Pbhvfuhp
I’d go direct to Parker Pens and you can check out their (Find A Boutique) section. You just put in your location and you’ll get a list of all vendors in your area. You can then call the local vendor for a quote.
Question by SJH : How can inkflow in a fountain pen? Most of my fountain pens write very well, but an Italian pen, bought years ago from Levenger, is stubborn and let the ink flow. I beat, shake, and sometimes resort to tighten the converter or cartridge. Ink has never run very well in this pen. Otherwise, a beautiful pen.
by Admin: Check out the following sections on the site:
Question by smith: Where in London can I get a medium nib for a circa 1960 Osmiroid Fountain pen. (piston fill).?
This nib seems to have had the balls broken off of the end so unfortunately will not write, Ebay is no good I’ve tried that. What I need is a shop where I can buy one off the shelf or that can repair it. Can you help. The nib just screws in. Please note this pen is for handwriting not calligraphy.
Best answer:
by Admin: Found this shop online but they have a physical location in London, hope this helps. http://penfountain.org/wp-content/plugins/url-cloaker/url.php?u=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5wZW5mcmllbmQuY28udWsv
Question by Fraulein Schlampe: Scribbler Poll: As a discerning scribbler what is your favorite pen?
Mine is a like new vintage 1952 Sheaffer Snorkel Thin Model fountain pen. It’s one of the nicest writing pens ever made and also the most sophisticated one ever engineered!
My set is exactly the one at the top of the page, but in burgundy and further down is a section about the Snorkel.
http://penfountain.org/wp-content/plugins/url-cloaker/url.php?u=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5yaWNrY29ubmVyLm5ldC9wZW5zcG90dGVycy9zaGVhZmZlci5zbm9ya2VsLmh0bWw=
I also have some very expensive Watermans (as high as $ 225) as well as the early model Namiki Vanishing Point retractable fountain pen and other various ones.
Best answer:
Answer by charliew
I also love the Namiki fountain pens based on look, but have yet to purchase one. What I do own is a Meisterstuck by Montblanc which I feel is the best fit for my writing style and very comfortable. Beautiful as well.
Question by melabela: Does the Lamy Safari fountain pen come with ink or do I have to buy it seperately?
This is the pen I’m looking to buy. http://www.amazon.com/LAMY-SAFARI-FOUNTAIN-PEN-FINE/dp/B0002T401Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=office-products&qid=1260290567&sr=8-1
Best answer:
Answer by pelican
With this one I think you have to order the ink (or cartridges since it also takes those) separately, since the ad does not specify that ink is included.
by Admin: It’s not a bad idea to just order some more cartridges either way. You will also have varied color choices. You can get Lamy fountain pen cartridge colors in, blue, black, black/blue, red, turquoise, violet and green.
Question by anonymous: where can i download the program for this mini pen digital camera?
I have this little camera that i lost the CD for the program to and it doesn’t work if i don’t have the program, i had to reboot my computer so i lost the program. i really need a camera right know and my sister has my other digital camera so im stuck with this one. The camera looks like this….
http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0Je5mUF7x5GkNgAVIujzbkF;_ylu=X3oDMTA4NDgyNWN0BHNlYwNwcm9m/SIG=142ojg0rj/EXP=1176518789/**http%3A// or http://penfountain.org/wp-content/plugins/url-cloaker/url.php?u=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5jaGluYXRyYWRlcm9ubGluZS5jb20vRmlsZXMvRGlnaXRhbC1DYW1lcmEvTWluaS1wZW4tdHB5ZS0xMDBrLXBpeGVscy1kaWdpdGFsLWNhbWVyYS0xOTQ5NDU4NjcwOS5qcGc=
haha i just noticed that i keep on repeating myself….. lol
Best answer:
Answer by Earl D
http://www.sakar.com/driverdownloads.aspx
These might work. That’s like a Kidz Camera or a Pen camera.
