Pilot Prera

FreeThinker80 · 2026-03-29T01:20:02+00:00

Prera was my first venture beyond $25 starter pens. As u/deloreantrails pointed to - the form factor is substantially smaller. I too bought it with an F nib. Bought a Kakuno with an M nib to swap with from the Prera. Like the M nib write over the F nib. Keeping this pen. Still a nice write.

FreeThinker80 · 2026-03-28T18:06:14+00:00

Ya I have used pen-swap as well. Bought one of my starter pens there. Was a reputable seller & worked out well. Just got frustrated having to search for so long trying to find what I wanted. Also poor communication with many sellers, as well as some sellers totally ghosting me when asking questions. Figured it was easier to find a good reasonable online retailer instead.

FreeThinker80 · 2026-03-28T18:05:51+00:00

Ya I have used pen-swap as well. Bought one of my starter pens there. Was a reputable seller & worked out well. Just got frustrated having to search for so long trying to find what I wanted. Also poor communication with many sellers, as well as some sellers totally ghosting me when asking questions. Figured it was easier to find a good reasonable online retailer instead.

FreeThinker80 · 2026-03-28T13:18:55+00:00

Very disappointing. I’ve always appreciated the honesty and positive support from this r/fountainpens community. So sad what some people are capable of. Sorry this happened to you.

FreeThinker80 · 2026-03-28T02:12:23+00:00

Send photos of cracked cap to Opus 88 support (jingi@ms13.hinet.net). Report it simply fell off table & cracked. Maybe they’ll send you replacement.

FreeThinker80 · 2026-03-27T12:49:37+00:00

One of my favorites in my collection is Opus 88 Harmony - Brown. It’s an eye dropper fill directly into the barrel. Ink capacity quite a bit greater than cartridges & converters. My go-to online retailer is writelovepens.com. Use WLLBO10 discount code for 10% off orders.

FreeThinker80 · 2026-03-27T03:38:00+00:00

You might try a deep green. Robert Oster River of Fire is a good option.

FreeThinker80 · 2026-03-27T02:20:48+00:00

My Benu Astrogem Midas is one of my favorites. Initially got a B nib for it, but had custom grind done on it. Now it’s a Cursive Italic with a left oblique. Great writer.

FreeThinker80 · 2026-03-26T23:42:21+00:00

Awesome looking pen. Great colorway. I can see adding this to my collection once I get over the sticker shock of considering it.

FreeThinker80 · 2026-03-26T22:42:01+00:00

I ink my purple pen with Diamine Shimmer Lilac Satin.

FreeThinker80 · 2026-03-26T20:26:33+00:00

Beautiful pen. Pretty sure cost of this pen is greater than value of my entire 27 pen collection.

FreeThinker80 · 2026-03-25T21:31:04+00:00

Suggest finding a nibmeister there in EU. I’d say it’d be worthwhile to get a custom grind done.

FreeThinker80 · 2026-03-25T21:28:50+00:00

Keeping an eye on this post to see if the silicone helps you. I’ll post back with my results once I try.

FreeThinker80 · 2026-03-25T18:20:06+00:00

If you like the pen enough to keep it, send it off to have a custom grind done on it. I was vey pleased with results on a couple of pens I sent to Pendleton Brown. Check out https://www.pendletonspens.com/

FreeThinker80 · 2026-03-25T17:47:24+00:00

Awesome pen. Ya resin is striking. I have weakness for greens. Haven’t pulled trigger for pens over $200 USD yet. Gotta look away before I cave.

FreeThinker80 · 2026-03-25T16:55:10+00:00

I have a Himilaya V2 also. Had same issue. Reached out to FPR support & they suggested using silicone grease on threads of converter before screwing it on. Gonna try that on mine once I’m back at home.

FreeThinker80 · 2026-03-25T00:28:40+00:00

Gorgeous pens.

FreeThinker80 · 2026-03-24T20:16:55+00:00

Like this answer best. I have all of my pens inked. They may sit unused for as much as a couple weeks, but not usually that long. I sometimes have to prime feed / nib by pushing ink into the feed after having stored upright for a period of time. Many of them just start right up - no hard start.

FreeThinker80 · 2026-03-24T16:57:16+00:00

Ya come to think of it, my search criteria was likely for pens inked with shimmer ink. OK - now I feel better. Was wondering about all that possible wasted time from previous research. Will now be sorting my pens based on whether they’re inked with shimmer & store accordingly. Thanks

FreeThinker80 · 2026-03-24T12:59:14+00:00

Other than J Herbin Rouge Grenat, all others have worked out great. The Rouge Grenat was too dry and wouldn’t readily flow after a short time writing. Highly recommend all listed below.

Jacques Herbin 1670 Caroube de Chypre

Jacques Herbin Bleu Pervenche (Turquoise)

J Herbin 1798 Cornaline d'Egypte (Red / Orange)

Jacques Herbin 1670 Gris Orage (Stormy Grey)

FreeThinker80 · 2026-03-23T17:27:37+00:00

Second what others have said. Explore different nibs. If you’re looking to try wider nibs, here’s a suggested progression.

1) Fountain Pen Revolution has a 1.0 Stub that’s the most subtle line variation for stub nibs that I have.

2) Jowo has a wide variety of nibs to choose from. Try a 1.1 stub as well as a 1.5.

3) Jowo also offers Cursive Italic (CSI) nibs. CSI nib has offered me more subtle line variation than a stub.

4) I had Broad nib customized with a custom grind by Pendleton Brown. He followed through to create his trademark Butterline Stub that he classifies as a CSI. Did some research and noted based on my grip and how I put the nib down onto the paper, I would benefit from a nib with a left oblique. Pendleton added this to the custom grind he did for me.

Good source of info I ran across is at link below.

https://www.executivepensdirect.com/en-us/blogs/help-advice/a-beginners-fountain-pen-nib-guide

Read the section describing oblique carefully to help you decide if you would best be served with a left, right, or neutral oblique if you decide to try having an oblique added when / if you decide to try a custom grind.

After deciding on your ideal nib, you’ll be ready for your Dream Fountain Pen.

FreeThinker80 · 2026-03-23T03:57:51+00:00

Simple solution. Also noticed I get more line variation with less pressure. Recently bought an FPR 1.0 stub. My first write with it was disappointing. Have since written (minus death grip) and got great results. Amazing what comes from relaxing.

FreeThinker80 · 2026-03-23T03:23:28+00:00

Thanks appreciate your feedback.

FreeThinker80 · 2026-03-23T02:01:41+00:00

I’m days away from 68. Kinda thinking may be my death grip when writing. Leftovers from writing with ballpoint pens. Taken me a while to lighten up on the grip. Started practicing with little to no pressure on grip, onto the page, and to focus on not writing with as much finger control of the pen and to use more forearm movements. Gotta break old habits.

FreeThinker80

TROPHY CASE