The Namiki-Pilot MR series
- Thread starter Rory1262
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Isn't that the same as a Metropolitan that normally sells for $19 or less?
If so, it's a good pen for a starter if you like metal barrels, snap caps, and a step in the section -- all deal breakers for me. But many folks here like the Metropolitan, I've had a couple which were eventually gifted -- B&B threads show lots of love: Pilot Metropolitan - https://www.badgerandblade.com/forum/threads/pilot-metropolitan.546981/
If so, it's a good pen for a starter if you like metal barrels, snap caps, and a step in the section -- all deal breakers for me. But many folks here like the Metropolitan, I've had a couple which were eventually gifted -- B&B threads show lots of love: Pilot Metropolitan - https://www.badgerandblade.com/forum/threads/pilot-metropolitan.546981/
- Thread starter
- #3
Here's info on the MR series.
You're right, it looks to be the Metropolitan.
I guess some vendors (like Goulet) just have better prices.
You're right, it looks to be the Metropolitan.
I guess some vendors (like Goulet) just have better prices.
That is the difference between MSRP and what retailers are willing to drop the price to, I would guess. The Pilot owned website store is going to list them at full MSRP.Here's info on the MR series.
You're right, it looks to be the Metropolitan.
I guess some vendors (like Goulet) just have better prices.
The old Pilot 78g had a plastic barrel, screw-on cap, and no step in the section. They used to sell for about $10 from reputable Hong Kong e-bay vendors, including worldwide shipping. That was a fantastic deal.
IIRC, the 78g was discontinued a while back (not entirely sure when ... but after I was done my pen buying). More recently, a "new 78g" line was launched ... looks pretty similar, still made in Japan ... and not too much more than it used to be.
Now, a sub-$20 pen is not going to have a great nib. It's going to be a compromise in one form or another. The old 78g nib ... and presumably the Metro nib by extension ... had been described as a "nail". Okay, it's not a Sailor 1911, but it's not $300. So, I can live with it.
Quick e-bay search finds this:
pilot fountain pen 78g+ New Edition Blue F Nib | eBay
Pilot 78g+ F nib fountain pen. EF nib size properly ！. Love the touch feeling and color of this new edition. Quality product from Japan.
www.ebay.com
tankerjohn
A little poofier than I prefer
As I recall, the “MR” is the version of the Metro that Pilot sells in the European market. The main difference is that it takes an international cartridge or converter instead of the Pilot proprietary cartridges and converters. That might explain why FPH is selling them for more $ than the Metro usually sells for. It’d be worth asking about anyway.
I have one and it’s a fine pen for the $10 I paid, but I think there are better options for $30.
I have one and it’s a fine pen for the $10 I paid, but I think there are better options for $30.
tankerjohn
A little poofier than I prefer
Actually, I find the F nib on my Metro quite springy and nice; it’s the best part of the pen. It’s certainly less nail-like than the Jowo and Bock steel nibs I’ve used. Plus, it’s the same nib that Pilot puts on much more expensive pens like the Prera.
