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Noonan · 21 April 2010, 12:38 AM

I've been into pens for just as long as watches but it was a much more casual interest. For years, I've been using my dad's old Cross pen which writes great. I did a bunch of research and just bought my first real pen. I'm going to slowly get myself into fountains but wanted my first purchase to be something I could use at work and home from day one so I opted for a rollerball. It's one of the Cities Series from Pelikan. I'll save revealing which one until it arrives and I take some pics.

Can anyone recommend an inexpensive fountain to start with? Maybe something in the $50 range? Also, what's everyone's preference for fill system? I've been trying to decide which would be best for me.

Numismatist · 21 April 2010, 12:43 AM

Welcome to the pen sub-forum!

There is a great Cross fountain pen for under $50 at Staples so you can experiment with it.

It's an addiction, so beware! Soon you'll be wanting that Montblanc, Nakaya, or Omas...

Noonan · 21 April 2010, 12:45 AM

Thanks. I think I've gone about as far as I can go with watches in my reasonable price range so this is a welcome change for now.

What's your thought on Aurora pens? I was inches away from ordering their Asia special edition. I love the jade/brown look to it.

JBat · 21 April 2010, 01:14 AM

That's awesome, Noonan. I look forward to seeing what you got.

Naples09 · 21 April 2010, 01:21 AM

I found this kit to be a nice way to move into the FP world. It gives you the best of both worlds, as the kit contains bottle ink and cartridges.

http://www.amazon.com/Phileas-Founta...1776763&sr=8-1

sunburst · 21 April 2010, 02:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noonan

Can anyone recommend an inexpensive fountain to start with? Maybe something in the $50 range?

If you go to PenCity web site they list FPs by the price range which will
give you an idea of what you can get.

Lion · 21 April 2010, 02:43 AM

I'm am pretty new to the using of fountain pens but Noonan go to a store which carries them and try some out before you buy. Best advise I was given!!!

2careless · 21 April 2010, 06:51 AM

Hi Noonan, welcome to pen-dom!
For a max $50 budget, I would recommend a Lamy Safari aluminum which looks amazingly modern! They sell for approx $40 at the online stores such as Fountain Pen Hospital. Add say $5 for a convertor so you can use the varieties of bottled inks available

Noonan · 21 April 2010, 06:55 AM

Thanks for all the info so far! I think I might opt for something a little nicer for my first fountain. Does anyone have experience with a Pelikan M400? How about Marlen pens?

2careless · 21 April 2010, 07:04 AM

After seeing me getting all into pens, my son bought a M400 for himself. It's the all black version, piston filler with medium 2 tone nib.
It's a very light pen, with very good ink capacity. It writes very smooth (which is typical of Pelican nibs) and to my surprise it has a bit of flex!

I suppose you really need to handle it before trigger. They have various models/sizes to suit different hand size (from M400 up to M1000).

JBat · 21 April 2010, 07:19 AM

I have my eye on a Pelikan 600 or 800. I saw them in a pen store the other day and they are sweet.

Lion · 21 April 2010, 08:01 AM

Ah yes, John, I remember my first purchase just a few month ago and the addiction that has followed.....

shandy · 21 April 2010, 08:35 AM

welcome Noonan.

You can get some really nice writers for the amount you want to spend.
Looking at the pen city website the Faber Castell Ambition jumps out as a bit of a bargin

It looks really nice as well and they feel much more expensive than they are!
The black resin is in your price range.

Also you cannot go wrong with Lamy at that price either, excellent pens!

Swisher has the Pelikan 150 for $60 which is a lot of pen for the money.

Also you might want to think about a vintage parker 51, wonderful writers and the aerometrics are so easy to use. You can pick up some bargins with them on ebay, just check with the seller if they have been serviced, if so you would have many many years of use out of it and get a very high quality pen into the bargin!

sunburst · 21 April 2010, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBat

I have my eye on a Pelikan 600 or 800. I saw them in a pen store the other day and they are sweet.

John, you are ADDICTED!

sunburst · 21 April 2010, 09:22 AM

My recommendation for < $50 would be any one of :

1) Lamy Safari
2) Pelikan Technixx
3) Waterman Phileas

Shangas · 21 April 2010, 09:22 AM

Hey Noonan,

Whatever you buy, I think most people will wisely suggest that you get a pen that fills with a converter, from a bottle of ink. It's cheaper than using cartridges.

sunburst · 21 April 2010, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shangas

Hey Noonan,

Whatever you buy, I think most people will wisely suggest that you get a pen that fills with a converter, from a bottle of ink. It's cheaper than using cartridges.

And it's fun to experiment with different inks.

Lion · 21 April 2010, 01:20 PM

Geez...don't get started on the different ink colors or we will be here all nite!!!

gelshocker · 21 April 2010, 04:04 PM

Well Leo you'll have to burn the midnight oil then

Going from watches to pens was a bad move. But with inks coming in at just US$4 for a bottle of Waterman, you can kiss your redemption hopes goodbye. I'm just starting out and inbetween saving for (relatively cheaper compared to watches) pens, you can always find loose change for another ink. Problem is, ink bottles need storage space too.

My ink collection is self-replicating like tribbles. Cannae take anymore!

Noonan · 21 April 2010, 10:21 PM

Thanks for all the great info everyone. I'm going to keep doing some research and try to find a local shop to test drive a few. I'll hopefully have the inbound Pelikan in a day or two.

shandy · 21 April 2010, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noonan

Thanks for all the great info everyone. I'm going to keep doing some research and try to find a local shop to test drive a few. I'll hopefully have the inbound Pelikan in a day or two.

Hi noonan.
Just did a google search and it looks like you have a great pen shop in your wonderful city (not suprising considering the illustrious literary figures who have resided in or near Boston!)
http://bromfieldpenshop.com/home/

Lol-x · 21 April 2010, 10:51 PM

I didn't realise until now that the Lamy Safari comes in 2 distinctive models 1. Plastic and 2. The so called "Al-star" in Aluminum.

Good value for money and lots of interchangable nib widths that don't cost an arm and a leg

JBat · 22 April 2010, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunburst

John, you are ADDICTED!

Skullring · 22 April 2010, 12:35 AM

Congratulations Noonan. My favorite sub $50 pen is my Parker 51. http://rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=125155
I also have a Pelikan M-150 that is a great pen http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=120881
I would recommend either one. I have also heard nothing but good things about the Waterman Phileas and the Lamy's.

Make sure you post some pictures. Welcome to the pen club.

JBat · 22 April 2010, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gelshocker

Well Leo you'll have to burn the midnight oil then

Going from watches to pens was a bad move. But with inks coming in at just US$4 for a bottle of Waterman, you can kiss your redemption hopes goodbye. I'm just starting out and inbetween saving for (relatively cheaper compared to watches) pens, you can always find loose change for another ink. Problem is, ink bottles need storage space too.

My ink collection is self-replicating like tribbles. Cannae take anymore!

Nice!

Noonan · 22 April 2010, 12:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lol-x

I didn't realise until now that the Lamy Safari comes in 2 distinctive models 1. Plastic and 2. The so called "Al-star" in Aluminum.

Good value for money and lots of interchangable nib widths that don't cost an arm and a leg

The Al Star is one of the few I'm considering. I think I may try to find a model with a more flexible nib though.

shandy · 22 April 2010, 01:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noonan

The Al Star is one of the few I'm considering. I think I may try to find a model with a more flexible nib though.

I have a Safari and a lovely pen it is but a flexi nib it is not

If you are looking for a flexible nib then you may want to go the route of a vintage as you stand more chance there. Not many new pens are made with flexible nibs nowadays unless you start going up the price ladder

Noonan · 22 April 2010, 01:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shandy

I have a Safari and a lovely pen it is but a flexi nib it is not

If you are looking for a flexible nib then you may want to go the route of a vintage as you stand more chance there. Not many new pens are made with flexible nibs nowadays unless you start going up the price ladder

I'm noticing the same thing. I'm off to check out some vintage pieces.

Thanks again everyone. I think I've learned more about pens since starting this thread than I've ever known.

VetteBandit · 22 April 2010, 02:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shandy

Hi noonan.
Just did a google search and it looks like you have a great pen shop in your wonderful city (not suprising considering the illustrious literary figures who have resided in or near Boston!)
http://bromfieldpenshop.com/home/

I know Im a little late on this one, but Bromfield is an excellent shop with a great selection. Best in Boston by far and they are great about allowing you to test drive the pens in the shop.

Good luck!

Noonan · 22 April 2010, 05:06 AM

And before the rollerball has even arrived, I have my first fountain on order! I spent way above what I was planning but I found a model I fell in love with. It's also a Pelikan. Should be here in 3-4 days.

Pics to follow.

21 April 2010, 12:38 AM	#1
Noonan Banned Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: US Watch: 3570.50 Posts: 2,156	First Pen Purchase Inbound! I've been into pens for just as long as watches but it was a much more casual interest. For years, I've been using my dad's old Cross pen which writes great. I did a bunch of research and just bought my first real pen. I'm going to slowly get myself into fountains but wanted my first purchase to be something I could use at work and home from day one so I opted for a rollerball. It's one of the Cities Series from Pelikan. I'll save revealing which one until it arrives and I take some pics. Can anyone recommend an inexpensive fountain to start with? Maybe something in the $50 range? Also, what's everyone's preference for fill system? I've been trying to decide which would be best for me.

21 April 2010, 12:43 AM	#2
Numismatist "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Real Name: Chris Location: Camden ME & STT Watch: 116600 Posts: 6,350	Welcome to the pen sub-forum! There is a great Cross fountain pen for under $50 at Staples so you can experiment with it. It's an addiction, so beware! Soon you'll be wanting that Montblanc, Nakaya, or Omas... __________________ Rolex 116600 Sea-dweller Montblanc Solitaire Doué Black & White Legrand FP Montblanc Solitaire Doué Black & White RB Montblanc Meisterstück Diamond Mozart BP Montblanc Meisterstück Mozart BP

21 April 2010, 02:43 AM	#7
Lion "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Leo Location: Midwest Watch: GMT-II 16710 PEPSI Posts: 21,461	I'm am pretty new to the using of fountain pens but Noonan go to a store which carries them and try some out before you buy. Best advise I was given!!! __________________ SS GMT-II 16710 PEPSI(Z-serial#) THE ONLY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MEN AND BOYS IS THE PRICE OF THE TOYS!!! MontBlanc Meisterstuck Doue Silver Barley MontBlanc Meisterstuck Solitaire Doue Signum Proud Card Carrying Member of the Curmudgeons.....Yikes!!!

21 April 2010, 08:01 AM	#12
Lion "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Leo Location: Midwest Watch: GMT-II 16710 PEPSI Posts: 21,461	Ah yes, John, I remember my first purchase just a few month ago and the addiction that has followed..... __________________ SS GMT-II 16710 PEPSI(Z-serial#) THE ONLY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MEN AND BOYS IS THE PRICE OF THE TOYS!!! MontBlanc Meisterstuck Doue Silver Barley MontBlanc Meisterstuck Solitaire Doue Signum Proud Card Carrying Member of the Curmudgeons.....Yikes!!!

21 April 2010, 09:22 AM	#15
sunburst "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: Joji Location: KY, So. Cal., NJ Watch: 16800 Posts: 979	My recommendation for < $50 would be any one of : 1) Lamy Safari 2) Pelikan Technixx 3) Waterman Phileas __________________ Rolex Sub 16800 Rolex No Date Sub 114060 Omega Speedmaster Professional Sinn 356 Flieger II, Sinn 556, Sinn ST-140 Marathon SAR, Marathon GSAR

21 April 2010, 12:45 AM	#3
Noonan Banned Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: US Watch: 3570.50 Posts: 2,156	Thanks. I think I've gone about as far as I can go with watches in my reasonable price range so this is a welcome change for now. What's your thought on Aurora pens? I was inches away from ordering their Asia special edition. I love the jade/brown look to it.

21 April 2010, 01:14 AM	#4
JBat "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: John Location: Washington Watch: 16710, 16610, DJ Posts: 7,329	That's awesome, Noonan. I look forward to seeing what you got.

21 April 2010, 01:21 AM	#5
Naples09 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Real Name: Jim Location: Naples, FL Posts: 1,795	I found this kit to be a nice way to move into the FP world. It gives you the best of both worlds, as the kit contains bottle ink and cartridges. http://www.amazon.com/Phileas-Founta...1776763&sr=8-1

21 April 2010, 06:51 AM	#8
2careless "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Melbourne, AU Watch: Pepsi Posts: 4,370	Hi Noonan, welcome to pen-dom! For a max $50 budget, I would recommend a Lamy Safari aluminum which looks amazingly modern! They sell for approx $40 at the online stores such as Fountain Pen Hospital. Add say $5 for a convertor so you can use the varieties of bottled inks available

21 April 2010, 06:55 AM	#9
Noonan Banned Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: US Watch: 3570.50 Posts: 2,156	Thanks for all the info so far! I think I might opt for something a little nicer for my first fountain. Does anyone have experience with a Pelikan M400? How about Marlen pens?

21 April 2010, 07:04 AM	#10
2careless "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Melbourne, AU Watch: Pepsi Posts: 4,370	After seeing me getting all into pens, my son bought a M400 for himself. It's the all black version, piston filler with medium 2 tone nib. It's a very light pen, with very good ink capacity. It writes very smooth (which is typical of Pelican nibs) and to my surprise it has a bit of flex! I suppose you really need to handle it before trigger. They have various models/sizes to suit different hand size (from M400 up to M1000).

21 April 2010, 07:19 AM	#11
JBat "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: John Location: Washington Watch: 16710, 16610, DJ Posts: 7,329	I have my eye on a Pelikan 600 or 800. I saw them in a pen store the other day and they are sweet.

21 April 2010, 08:35 AM	#13
shandy Banned Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Ian Location: canada Posts: 1,724	welcome Noonan. You can get some really nice writers for the amount you want to spend. Looking at the pen city website the Faber Castell Ambition jumps out as a bit of a bargin It looks really nice as well and they feel much more expensive than they are! The black resin is in your price range. Also you cannot go wrong with Lamy at that price either, excellent pens! Swisher has the Pelikan 150 for $60 which is a lot of pen for the money. Also you might want to think about a vintage parker 51, wonderful writers and the aerometrics are so easy to use. You can pick up some bargins with them on ebay, just check with the seller if they have been serviced, if so you would have many many years of use out of it and get a very high quality pen into the bargin!

21 April 2010, 09:22 AM	#16
Shangas Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Shahan Location: Melbourne, Austra Watch: 1957 Ball RR watch Posts: 312	Hey Noonan, Whatever you buy, I think most people will wisely suggest that you get a pen that fills with a converter, from a bottle of ink. It's cheaper than using cartridges.

21 April 2010, 01:20 PM	#18
Lion "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Leo Location: Midwest Watch: GMT-II 16710 PEPSI Posts: 21,461	Geez...don't get started on the different ink colors or we will be here all nite!!! __________________ SS GMT-II 16710 PEPSI(Z-serial#) THE ONLY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MEN AND BOYS IS THE PRICE OF THE TOYS!!! MontBlanc Meisterstuck Doue Silver Barley MontBlanc Meisterstuck Solitaire Doue Signum Proud Card Carrying Member of the Curmudgeons.....Yikes!!!

21 April 2010, 04:04 PM	#19
gelshocker Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 318	Well Leo you'll have to burn the midnight oil then Going from watches to pens was a bad move. But with inks coming in at just US$4 for a bottle of Waterman, you can kiss your redemption hopes goodbye. I'm just starting out and inbetween saving for (relatively cheaper compared to watches) pens, you can always find loose change for another ink. Problem is, ink bottles need storage space too. My ink collection is self-replicating like tribbles. Cannae take anymore!

21 April 2010, 10:21 PM	#20
Noonan Banned Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: US Watch: 3570.50 Posts: 2,156	Thanks for all the great info everyone. I'm going to keep doing some research and try to find a local shop to test drive a few. I'll hopefully have the inbound Pelikan in a day or two.

21 April 2010, 10:51 PM	#22
Lol-x Facilitator Join Date: Nov 2005 Real Name: Steve Location: Omnipresent Posts: 33,256	I didn't realise until now that the Lamy Safari comes in 2 distinctive models 1. Plastic and 2. The so called "Al-star" in Aluminum. Good value for money and lots of interchangable nib widths that don't cost an arm and a leg __________________ *Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.* ~Abraham Lincoln Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride. ~John F. Kennedy ROLEXploitation - yeah I'm a victim

22 April 2010, 12:35 AM	#24
Skullring "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Real Name: Phillip Location: Alabama Watch: Triple 6 SD Posts: 1,720	Congratulations Noonan. My favorite sub $50 pen is my Parker 51. http://rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=125155 I also have a Pelikan M-150 that is a great pen http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=120881 I would recommend either one. I have also heard nothing but good things about the Waterman Phileas and the Lamy's. Make sure you post some pictures. Welcome to the pen club. __________________ It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye. - Antoine de Saint Exupéry

22 April 2010, 05:06 AM	#30
Noonan Banned Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: US Watch: 3570.50 Posts: 2,156	And before the rollerball has even arrived, I have my first fountain on order! I spent way above what I was planning but I found a model I fell in love with. It's also a Pelikan. Should be here in 3-4 days. Pics to follow.

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