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    Junior Member Hernan Cortes's Avatar
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    Default I need advice on which see through FP to buy.

    Hello.

    I have recently seen the Conid Minimalista and I fancy buying a see through (transparent) fountain pen, unfortunately Conid isnt accepting new orders. I am considering the LAMY vista FP or the TWSBI Eco-T Fountain Pen Clear, which one of the two do you think is more reliable? What other see through fountain pens do you recommend?

    Thanks,
    HC.

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    Senior Member Jon Szanto's Avatar
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    Default Re: I need advice on which see through FP to buy.

    There are a LOT of transparent, "demonstrator" (a common term) pens on the market today. The pens you mentioned have a remarkable difference in price - CONID being quite expensive, the other two are not.

    Since there are many pens out there that are transparent, could you narrow your interest a bit with some clues for us? Specifically, I would want to know what kind of filling system you would like in a pen (eyedropper? piston? cartridge? other?) and a specific price range (i.e. put a dollar/euro/other figure on it, not just "a cheap pen" or "an expensive pen").

    After there are some guidelines, it is a bit easier to give you suggestions that aren't wildly inappropriate for your needs/interests.
    "When Men differ in Opinion, both Sides ought equally to have the Advantage of being heard by the Publick;
    and that when Truth and Error have fair Play, the former is always an overmatch for the latter."

    ~ Benjamin Franklin

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    Senior Member FredRydr's Avatar
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    Default Re: I need advice on which see through FP to buy.

    I recommend one of these (I bought this one): https://fpgeeks.com/forum/showthread...-Pen-Body-Only They offer wide versatility with easily swapped M2xx steel and M4xx 14k nib units (modern and vintage).


    That's moonkata84's photo.

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    Default Re: I need advice on which see through FP to buy.

    Between the two you mention, I don't think one is more reliable than the other. I have found both to be equal in reliability. There biggest difference between the two is their filling system. The TWSBI is a piston filler, while the Lamy a cartridge/converter. I personally think the TWSBI will give you a better view of the ink since it's in direct contact with the surface you are viewing it through. It's really up to personal preference.

    Given the fact that you considered the Conid and it's cost didn't have a factor in your desire to acquire one, why not get both? You could even pick up a one of the Pelikans Fred suggested and have some ink funds left over. Nothing against the Conids, they are great pens, just not inexpensive but also worth their cost.

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    Default Re: I need advice on which see through FP to buy.

    I have enjoyed the Lamy Vista using a converter. Since I use Waterman Serenity Blue ink, the color adds a nice aesthetic.

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    Default Re: I need advice on which see through FP to buy.

    Hello.
    Thank you for your quick answers, I am looking for a FP that uses cartridges so I probably wont buy the TWSBI Eco-T Fountain Pen Clear since Wile E Coyote pointed out its a piston filler. My budget is 110 euros max.

    Thank you,
    HC.

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    Senior Member Detman101's Avatar
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    Default Re: I need advice on which see through FP to buy.

    Quote Originally Posted by Hernan Cortes View Post
    Hello.
    Thank you for your quick answers, I am looking for a FP that uses cartridges so I probably wont buy the TWSBI Eco-T Fountain Pen Clear since Wile E Coyote pointed out its a piston filler. My budget is 110 euros max.

    Thank you,
    HC.

    Oof...cartridges eh?
    Welp...that cuts out CONID or anything I'd suggest...lol.

    Good luck!
    "I can only improve my self, not the world."

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    Senior Member Jaguarish's Avatar
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    Default Re: I need advice on which see through FP to buy.

    Clear cartridge pens will be less exciting than piston fillers which will let you admire the ink inside more clearly. Nevertheless here are some suggestions: Pilot Kakuno, Kaweco Ice, Sailor 1911 or Pro Gear (many fun color ways), Platinum 3776.

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    Default Re: I need advice on which see through FP to buy.

    P.S. also Platinum Preppy or Profounte.

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    Default Re: I need advice on which see through FP to buy.

    how about an Opus 88 demonstrator? Very large ink capacity and they do a nice job on polishing the acrylic.

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    Default Re: I need advice on which see through FP to buy.

    If you are going for a TWSBI, the 580 would be my recommendation over an Eco-T.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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    Default Re: I need advice on which see through FP to buy.

    Quote Originally Posted by Radonactionservices View Post
    If you are going for a TWSBI, the 580 would be my recommendation over an Eco-T.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    However, as one to try out first the Eco is a very good buy for the price. However, OP wants a cartridge pen so they are both out of the equation. As is the Conid that he originally wanted....
    Regards, Chrissy | My Review Blog: inkyfountainpens

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    Default Re: I need advice on which see through FP to buy.

    Cultpens in the UK has good prices, and a good selection. I’m thinking of getting a Sailor Pro Gear from them, the one I want is just under $150USD, compared to US sellers who are asking $236. I’ve also bought a few Platinum 3776 pens from Japanese sellers on Amazon for around $100USD, and they have all been perfect. They have transparent options in burgundy, and blue. My favorite pens.

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    Default Re: I need advice on which see through FP to buy.

    Was going to suggest a PenBBS 355, which has a Conid-like filling system, but the cartridge requirement rules that out.

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    Default Re: I need advice on which see through FP to buy.

    Does it have to be a clear demonstrator, or would a transparent coloured acrylic meet your needs?

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    Default Re: I need advice on which see through FP to buy.

    Sorry. Missed the filling system preference.

    Penlux makes a beautiful pen called a Masterpiece Cloudy Bay. These are about $200 and, as I recall, is a standard c/c filling system. The size is about that of a Montblanc 149. I think this is a Taiwanese company.


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    Default Re: I need advice on which see through FP to buy.

    Hello all.
    Thank you for your kind replies. I didn't even realise that Conid didn't work with cartridges. Im gonna buy both Pilot Kakuno and LAMY vista and try them both since they are cheap. I tried looking for a Sailor Pro Gear but i wasn't able to find it within my 110 euro budget.

    Thanks and God bless.

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    Default Re: I need advice on which see through FP to buy.

    They sell the Pro Gear on Amazon for under $100.

    How did the Kakuno turn out for you? I have the clear one, it was one of my first pens…extra fine. I think that Pilot nibs, even on their affordable pens, are some of the best. I don’t use the Kakuno anymore, it’s an EF and I started liking broader nibs more…but I just bought my niece a Pilot Metropolitan with a fine nib, tested it when it arrived, and I think I will get one for myself! Pilot nibs write beautifully.

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    Default Re: I need advice on which see through FP to buy.

    You’re welcome. This is a great community to learn a lot about pens.


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    Default Re: I need advice on which see through FP to buy.

    For roughly the same price (~ usd $30) as that TWSBI Eco you can get a Sailor Compass 1911. You can get any nib you like as long as you like medium-fine, and it comes with a converter and two cartridges.

    It's what I might call a "normal-sized" pen, smaller than a Metropolitan, smaller than the Eco. It's good quality, and they make a fully transparent model. Even the feed is clear so you can watch it turn the color of the ink. The nib has some mild feedback (like a very soft pencil) but is good quality and flows properly (you'll want to flush the pen first). I'm currently using it for work notes.

    On the higher end but still within your budget, would be the Pilot Custom 74. This one gets you a gold nib (which is excellent), and a high-capacity converter (the CON-70), or the ability to use cartridges. From what I've read, the Custom 74s sold in Europe take standard international cartridges (though you'll want to verify this, I'm unsure that's still true). The models sold in the US market, and from Japan take proprietary Pilot cartridges. There is an entirely clear model, sold in Japan, and many fine colorful transparent models in most other markets. I have one of these inked up, sitting next to my Sailor Compass, as I type this.
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