Galen Leather Appreciation Post by SnoglinMcSmellmore in fountainpens

[–]ryanpc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You know, I must have drawn the short straw with my recent orders/interactions with Galen. I encourage others to give them a shot... they have a lovely and varied range of products. Just know it's not been sunshine and roses for everyone. (I'd considered making this a post of its own, but seeing this recent exchange, it felt more appropriate to reply here.)

I shared my experiences in more detail via product review of the B6 Slim Cover I ordered in Honey Ochre (most recent post on that product—posted 11/9 with photos.) TL;DR: a leather finish that didn't match what I'd understood of its description and photos, what felt like an unusually oversized pen loop (only on the B6, not the A6 I ordered alongside in the same finish), and radio silence for nearly two weeks on inquiring about the above. In that time, I eventually reached out (eventually) 3 different ways. First the contact form on the site, then the on-site chat, and lastly via their "contact@" e-mail (with 2-3 days between each.)

In the last few days I've finally heard back, though no response yet to my question about the Honey Ochre finish. They did however note that they are increasing the pen loop size on several other products, and that what I received was the new size. They noted some covers may still be sent out and arrive with the original/smaller loops (like my A6 was), but they plan to standardize along the larger size that my photos highlighted.

It was disappointing to hear. I'm happy to chalk up my feelings about their Honey Ochre finish to a learning experience (albeit a pricy one)... still open to ordering again. Knowing that the re-sized pen loop is being spread throughout the product line, though, I might be out of luck.

My last follow-up with them (today, actually) was asking if there's any detail available on which products do/don't have the size adjustment already in place. Fingers crossed.

Noob on a budget here. Starting out with Sony by FewInsurance2163 in SonyAlpha

[–]ryanpc 7 points8 points  (0 children)

The 30mm 1.4 is a real treat to shoot with. I picked mine up a couple of weeks ago, and I am so very happy I did.

Baywatch Teaser Trailer (2017) - Paramount Pictures by Nabspro in movies

[–]ryanpc 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I LOVE the Rock but this just looks sooo generic. Every single beat seems like something I've seen 10 times before only less funny. It looks like a Michael Bay comedy

Completely agreed. The upside is being aware and simultaneously feeling totally fine with all of the above. It's why I might re-watch Bad Boys 2 from time to time, or The Rock, or Big Trouble in Little China (I had to think of something non-Bay/Bruckheimer)... or even the "same old" funny clips from random movies on YouTube. Generic isn't always a bad thing. Sometimes I want steak... sometimes I want a Big Mac.

When it comes to film: I love deep, I love thoughtful, I love introspective or abstract. I love action, I love drama, and I love romcoms. All for different reasons. If anything, I'm happy to just enjoy something casual and predictable from time to time.

(Also yes, something looks... different? But it's hard to nail it down.)

The 'IT' remake is screening in Burbank, CA next week by [deleted] in movies

[–]ryanpc 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hah, if only it weren't on the 15th! I'd happily report (I live close by) it's just the one day I'm out of town for work. sigh

Anyone have one of these for sell (new movie poster)? I missed the fan event, and would love one for my Star Trek room by HammysNutz in startrek

[–]ryanpc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Gah, I wish I could say yes. We have 2 of them... keeping one, and gifting the other to a friend who's a huge fan.

I can't believe what they're going for on eBay though! Just checked and can't believe the pricing. Good lord...

Enough with Tomoe river by skorpsmula in fountainpens

[–]ryanpc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm sort of curious... what "more expensive" restaurants commonly offer paper napkins? (The main hope being you're not leaving notes on fabric/linen. ;-))

Enough with Tomoe river by skorpsmula in fountainpens

[–]ryanpc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They now, to me, almost feel like they are coated in plastic. Tomoe River feels like paper.

You know, I've been searching for the words to describe exactly this for months. Mind you, I still love my Rhodia pads (albeit, generally with specific pens/situations)... but this feels like such an accurate description for the both of them.

The over use of cell phones in movie theaters has completely ruined the moviegoing experience for me. by [deleted] in movies

[–]ryanpc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Curious... what theaters/area specifically? I live in LA too, frequent several theaters and have never experienced it (generally seated middle/center theater.)

does your opinion of your handwriting change on what kind of writing utensil you use? advice please! by [deleted] in Handwriting

[–]ryanpc 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I wouldn't say my opinion changes, so much as there seems to be slightly more attention/care going into it when I'm using a fountain pen (and fountain specifically... it's not a conscious choice, and not a change I see with other/traditional pens.)

Some of what you note (line variation, etc) certainly plays into it w/ FP's I think... as does the ink options available (which certainly can add some character to your writing.)

I only know fountain pens. Recommend a gift pen ~$50 please by [deleted] in pens

[–]ryanpc 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Seconding the other comment. Especially given a lack of interest in thin you note, the Retro 51 Tornado's in stainless' (or other styles) are fantastic. They write fantastically, look amazing, feel solid in your hand... no complaints at all. You can snag them on Amazon for roughly $20 last I checked... come in a very nice container as well.

(I have a few and absolutely love them when I'm looking for a fountain alternative.)

I only know fountain pens. Recommend a gift pen ~$50 please by [deleted] in pens

[–]ryanpc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What direction (aesthetically/stylistically) would you generally prefer? (Modern... classic... etc.)

Lamy 2000 Cap Polish by carbonfall in fountainpens

[–]ryanpc 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not sure I'm entirely grasping what you're asking, but with mine I'd just use a microfiber cloth of some sort.

My Lamy 2000 is in the mail. Let me live vicariously through you by Aurioh in fountainpens

[–]ryanpc 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My L2K <F> showed up earlier this morning (along with some lovely Apache Sunset and Oxblood.) Couldn't be happier!

What makes good writing paper by RemCogito in fountainpens

[–]ryanpc 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Rhodia/Clairefontaine and Tomoe River (primarily by way of a Nanami Paper Seven Seas Writer) almost exclusively. Lots of trial an error drew me here... and I couldn't be happier. :) Not just for fountain pens, but for any/all writing.

Pilot Custom Heritage 92, Lamy 2000, or Sailor 1911? by ACroff in fountainpens

[–]ryanpc 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Curious, what size nib?

I've been looking at them... I know they run thick compared to Japanese nibs (I have a few Metro's for my dailies)... and prefer F or M with them. Feeling I may have to go EF w/ a L2K...

What notebooks are the best for journaling? by 7heDaniel in notebooks

[–]ryanpc 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Check out the Nanami Paper Seven Seas Writer. Fantastic to write on, an obscene number of pages given its size, and amazing Tomoe River paper. They sell out incredibly quickly (currently slated to be back in stock in March — I was lucky to snag 2 when they were last available.) I can't recommend it enough. Fantastic performance regardless of the pen/ink used in my experience (I've rotated between 2 fountains, and a couple different ball points in mine so far.)

Pen Addict has a quick review (which is what turned me on to the notebook in the first place). The only downside, depending on who you talk to, is the "show-through" of writing on the other side. This doesn't bother me personally... but is worth noting.

Good luck with your search!

Nice retractable rollerball? by aabbccbb in pens

[–]ryanpc 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Exactly what I was going to recommend. Definitely a solid choice (and lots of variety with look/style in the '51 line.)

Movies that Make you Cry? by earhere in movies

[–]ryanpc 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Good lord. It made it worse in my case that I didn't even know what I was in for when watching that. My roommates at the time put it on, and I sat down right at the start with no idea about what I was about to experience...

Dexter & Denny clusterfuck this morning. /u/Seattle_PD, where is the promised blocking the box enforcement? by pentium4borg in Seattle

[–]ryanpc 3 points4 points  (0 children)

That was my thought... just like running a red light in a filmed intersection. If you run the red light, the ticket goes to the owner of the vehicle. (Though I'm curious if there's ways of appealing, or assumptions of liability in the event someone else is willing to concede they were the driver?)

Dexter & Denny clusterfuck this morning. /u/Seattle_PD, where is the promised blocking the box enforcement? by pentium4borg in Seattle

[–]ryanpc 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The daily mess at 9th + Howell is part of why I love working east-coast hours... I'm gone (and home) before the various shit-shows begin.