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GonzoTGreat
756
May 25, 2015
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Part 5: The Pilot Metropolitan (in general)
These pens are great. They're better than a lot of pens that cost twice as much. In fact, depending on where you live, they may be sold under a different model name for twice as much. They come with a converter, look great and are simple to use. Along with the Lamy Safari, these are true "work-horse" pens. Try writing with them posted and not posted. Find what works for you. If you've never tried them before, get one with a medium nib and one with a fine. You can swap the nibs between the bodies, so don't worry about if you can't find the right combo for one pen. Mix and match. In fact, you can even swap in the nibs that come with the: Plumix (italic); 78g (F, M, the B is a stub) - 78g is discontinued but readily available online, still; Prera - I think (although if you're getting a Prera, you're probably not checking out the Metropolitans); Penmanship (want a super EF nib? that's how you get one). Except for the Prera, you can find the other pens for about $10-$15/each. That's about the same price as a spare Lamy nib.
Not sure why but to me, these nibs seem to write a finer line than other Japanese nibs - even from Pilot.
While the drop is still open, I will post a pic with examples of my Metropolitans with different nibs. (UPDATE: Pic uploaded to separate post on next page of discussion.)
If you're new to fountain pens and want a great starter pen, you can't go wrong with these. If you know someone who is knew to fountain pens and wants a solid pen, get in on this drop: one for them and one for you. They are solid, work-horse pens that are durable and easy to maintain. There are plenty of pens out there that are twice the price or more that aren't as "nice" as these. And if you're not thrilled, give them as a gift to someone else.
Hope this helps those making up their minds.
Cheers.
As usual, this post is periodically edited for typos, grammar and clarity. Significant changes are noted as such. Affiliations, if applicable, are clearly indicated. In this case, I have none.
May 25, 2015
KAPS1M0
378
May 26, 2015
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GonzoTGreatNice posting @GonzoTGreat
Too bad it will be lost soon, buried beneath a mountain of "when does it ship" comments, as well as comments like this one I am leaving right here.
So, in the next run of your edits, make every following comment a reply of your previous one. That way this 5-part saga of a post will remain intact and a little more easily accessible in the next pages with the "View conversation" option. And if anyone just wants to reply and read only one of the five parts, well they ain't that long to be annoying, I scroll through them pretty fast.
May 26, 2015
GonzoTGreat
756
May 26, 2015
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KAPS1M0@KAPS1M0, Thank you for your kind words.
As this is post 680, I figured it would be a good opportunity to, once again, ask Massdrop for 2 things, so this message is directed to @JonasHeineman primarily.
1. As of this post, the drop is picking up participants at a rate of about 100/day. Is there any way to add another drop point at 19.99/2-pack (+ the listed shipping cost) at 1,000 participants?
2. Also, can you add CON-50 converters as an optional add-on at, say, $4.50 (or less)/each?
I know I'm asking a lot here. Even with the best intentions (and I think you agree with me on this), it may not be possible to do this kind of an order yet. I know you guys *want* to be able to offer both of these (lower drop point and optional CON-50).
If not possible for this drop, please consider this as a possibility for future drops. I know, also, that you cannot comment on what future drops may or may not bring, but if you could briefly indicate what may be possible for this current drop, that would be greatly appreciated.
Hope this helps.
Cheers.
Periodically edited for typos, grammar and clarity. The opinions expressed in my posts are mine and mine alone. Facts expressed in my posts come from direct personal experience and/or at least 2 reputable sources. Regarding this specific drop, I have no commercial affiliations or interests with anything or anyone unless otherwise clearly noted.
May 26, 2015
GonzoTGreat
756
May 26, 2015
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KAPS1M0@KAPS1M0,
Thanks again for this reply. It enables me to post the following promised pic.
Notes for this pic:
This was all done as one photo, with a little bit of cropping to eliminate some of the unecessary bits. I ran out of space to include the actual Lamy pens being used. The asterisk (*) indicates a pen purchased through Massdrop.
The EF nib was taken from a Pilot Penmanship. Nibs not included in this comparison are those from a Prera (F, M, B) and F and M from a 78g. Otherwise, I think this represents most of what can be swapped in a Metropolitan.
As always, I hope this helps.
Cheers.
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Periodically edited. No affiliations. Squirrel!
May 26, 2015
JonasHeineman
5987
May 27, 2015
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GonzoTGreatHey @GonzoTGreat -- We'd love to add another drop point, but it's not feasible right now.
I appreciate you asking, and I will go to the vendor to ask what quantity would be required to be able to offer an even lower price in the future, but I do know that it's higher than 1000.
The price we've been able to get on many hundreds of units is not likely to change at 1000 units...maybe 10,000...but we're not quite to the point where that is a reasonable quantity.
Sorry I can't make it happen for this drop, but I do have some better news about converters...
May 27, 2015
JonasHeineman
5987
May 27, 2015
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GonzoTGreatHey @GonzoTGreat @jlamb @Marshallmallowlol and everyone who asked:
Great news! We just got word that CON-50 converters will be available!
I've updated the options at check-out so that you can add 1, 2, 3, or 4 converters to your order.
HOWEVER, please be aware that these converters are still in transit to the vendor's warehouse. We have been told they will arrive later this week or early next week, and may ship with all of the pens...or, they may not.
So, if you choose to add any number of CON-50 converters ($5/each), please add one week to your Estimated Shipping Date. We'll try to make it happen sooner, but nothing is guaranteed.
May 27, 2015
GonzoTGreat
756
May 27, 2015
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JonasHeineman@JonasHeineman, Thank you!
I understand the issue about dropping the pen price to $19.99 but felt it my duty to bring it up again. And again. And ... well, you get the idea. Thanks for checking on this for us!
And thanks for adding the CON-50. I suspected things might have been going on behind the scenes, but who knows? Most people haven't heard of Massdrop and saying, "Oh, can you set aside a few thousand units that we may or may not need." is a bit challenging, to say the least. Really, thanks for going to bat for us on this one. Don't forget to let those who've already joined (and might not be monitoring the conversation) know about the additional offerings. Wheeee!
Well, I suppose I should have followed my own advise and gotten in early on the off-chance this would happen.
Not to look a gift horse too far in the mouth, but can we order more than 4? I can put about 4 to use right now (I have 3 already). Also, does one have to order the pens to order the converters? I would imagine the answer is, "Yes." But again, I have to ask. I probably will anyway.
D&^n you, Massdrop, for listening to us!
Cheers.
Periodically edited, etc.
ps. Oooh. I just noticed I'm at 300 positive responses. Thanks guys. I'm blushing. For the record, I only write when something needs to be corrected, to point out something Massdrop is doing wrong ... or right ... or to share a tid-bit that I've learned along the way or ... when I'm just trying to avoid my work. But 300 is a pretty cool number. Thanks!
pps. Time to put my money where my mouth is, so to speak. I'm in.
May 27, 2015
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