You might check and be sure the section is tightly installed. Sometimes there's that last little fraction of an inch that makes the difference in the section leaking or not. If its fully seated and still leaks you can remove it, clean it up and coat it with silicone gel, and reinstall it. This is what I ran into when swapping a nib on a Waterman. I also have a Pelican and the section is threaded, and it was leaking a little, but after a slight tightening of the nib it stopped. Nice review by the way. I had a Rotring 600, 3 in 1 that I was quite fond of back in the 90's. Unfortunately I left it on the desk in my room, at the Saddleback Motel, in Norwalk, Ca. When I was checking out I realized that I left it in the room. As luck would have it the room service lady was already cleaning my room, and denied seeing a pen on the desk. I think I paid $75.00 for the 3 in 1 in 1991. I bought a 600 Pen and Pencil set about 15 years ago but the feel just wasn't the same as the knurled barrel on the 3 in 1.
Thanks for the video, I actually learned a good amount from it. Some time ago I got a Levenger branded Rotring 600 fountain pen that is very similar to yours. It has the lugs and same branding but the bottom barrel is from a Rotring Newton so it doesn't have the knerling. I never knew exactly what it was I had because I've never seen the lugs on a classic 600 before but now I understand they had multiple generations of the pen. Also the clip on mine does in fact say Japan which always confused me because I thought the 600s were always made in Germany. About the feed, I've never successfully removed the feed from any Rotring fountain pen. Only the nibs. The Rotring Freeway fountain pen has what I believe to be the same feed, but for sure the same nib. The feed unscrews but its all in a housing that I can't separate it from. Similarly, on Ebay I've purchased extra nibs for my Rotring Newton and Frankenstein 600 that came off of spare Rotring Esprit (maybe Rotring 400?) parts. Again those nibs came in a feed and housing (with the Esprit/400 grip section it can be unscrewed from) but the feed isn't something I can completely disassemble. It makes me wonder if Rotring fountain pens are built in a way that the feeds aren't suppose to come out.
Yes I wonder if it’s an age thing or just secured in there with some glue or something that be removed with sufficiently force and then jammed into place later. I haven’t had one broke enough that I have needed to find out!
Both my rOtring 600 newton and newton lava have the same leaking problem. I've found that taking out the cartridge converter and cleaning the back of the feed with a Q tip and water helps. I think the problem can be attributed to air getting in and pushing the ink out.
Is it possible that the ink (from the previous owner) leaked inside the cap during shipping/transport (to your house) and this is just left over/residue. Did you use soapy-water (or alcohol) on a Q-tips to check inside the cap?
I had instructions for calligraphy pen cleaning that specified only cold water should be used. My dad's old-school drafting experience added a drop or two of ammonia to a cup of cold water. (Eventually Grand-dad's ultrasonic cleaner for false teeth was added to the process. That really cleans a nib and feed.)
That leaking may be caused by heat. Heat increases pressure. And with a near full cartridge that pressure has to go somewhere. And this can cause pens to leak at the base of the feed. The leaking should lessen as the cartridge empties. You may also try replacing the cartridge with a converter and only fill it about two thirds. The problem should also moderate in the fall.
Honestly, in my experience the issue will increase as the cartridge empties, not the other way around. That's why for eye dropper pens I keep them topped off, and for cartridge converter pens or piston fillers I like to close the piston down, starting around the point it is getting about half empty. There will always be an air bubble forming in the feed for air/ink interchange, but you kind of want to reduce the presence of empty space in the cartridge/filling mechanism. I don't really understand the physics of it, but the heat or whatever it is that causes pressure changes is acting on the dissimilarity between space and liquid, and I believe it is chiefly acting on the space which forces pressure into the liquid (thus expulsion.) Reduce the dissimilarity (i.e. fill the pen so there's no/less empty space) and the problem lessens. That will most definitely stop pens that have a problem belching or leaking into the cap.
See if capping and uncapping will replicate the problem after freshly cleaning it. It might be more of a nib creep problem than a leakage problem. I'm not familiar with this pen, but some designs are very prone to nib creep if the cap doesn't have some kind of escapement for the air pressure caused by capping and uncapping, and if it's a very forceful snap cap which this one seems to be thanks to those clutches. The clutches on the section could maybe be tweaked, and especially if there are any internal parts to the cap like a cap liner, slip mechanism, additional clutches or springs, it would be worth looking into them and seeing if there's any way to adjust the pressure. Maybe it's just an idiosyncrasy of this pen's design, but maybe it can be lessened.
I like your explanation. I checked my Lamy fountain pens and found small traces of ink(end of the grip). Because the pens are dark, I never noticed before. Maybe it's more common (and normal) then we think?
I think your pen is missing a rubber ing at the place that it is leaking. I have the same issue and I noticed it on other nibs. Any tips on dismantling the nib and feed?
I think you are right about the rubber! And actually I never got that far taking this one apart. It was incredibly stuck together and I never felt like it was going to come apart without breaking
I'd like one of these, but they're super expensive. I'd like to see what you think about the Rotring fountain pens vs the TWSBI Precision, which they claim to have been done in this style.
@@MostlyLost Thanks for the tip. I hate the TWSBI ECO for the way it feels in my hand, and it's top-heavy when posted. I have both of those pens you mentioned and enjoy them, although I don't like how the VP broad nib writes and I'm not crazy about the clip on the tip. The Pilot 823 writes well for me, but I also don't like how it feels when posted. I'm still looking for that perfect fountain pen...
@@MostlyLost If you still have the pens contact TWSBI and they'll send you replacement parts for free. I've had replacement barrels, sections, and nibs sent for free due to damage. It's not ideal, obviously it would be better if it was less prone to cracking in the first place, but at least you're not throwing money away. And if you don't want the pens you could always get the free replacement parts, fix the pen, and sell it.
Thank you for posting the video. I have one and I am really glad I picked it up years ago. They are really expensive so what is the definition of "A very good deal" for you ($$)?
There’s VERY clearly ink inside the cap. That’s the only reason I have EVER seen ink on the front of the grip section by the nib. Probably leaked a lot of that cartridge into the cap.
You might check and be sure the section is tightly installed. Sometimes there's that last little fraction of an inch that makes the difference in the section leaking or not. If its fully seated and still leaks you can remove it, clean it up and coat it with silicone gel, and reinstall it. This is what I ran into when swapping a nib on a Waterman. I also have a Pelican and the section is threaded, and it was leaking a little, but after a slight tightening of the nib it stopped.
Nice review by the way. I had a Rotring 600, 3 in 1 that I was quite fond of back in the 90's. Unfortunately I left it on the desk in my room, at the Saddleback Motel, in Norwalk, Ca. When I was checking out I realized that I left it in the room. As luck would have it the room service lady was already cleaning my room, and denied seeing a pen on the desk. I think I paid $75.00 for the 3 in 1 in 1991. I bought a 600 Pen and Pencil set about 15 years ago but the feel just wasn't the same as the knurled barrel on the 3 in 1.
Very excited about this review. I've been wanting to get a Rotring, and this being a fountain pen makes it more interesting.
Thanks for the video, I actually learned a good amount from it. Some time ago I got a Levenger branded Rotring 600 fountain pen that is very similar to yours. It has the lugs and same branding but the bottom barrel is from a Rotring Newton so it doesn't have the knerling. I never knew exactly what it was I had because I've never seen the lugs on a classic 600 before but now I understand they had multiple generations of the pen. Also the clip on mine does in fact say Japan which always confused me because I thought the 600s were always made in Germany.
About the feed, I've never successfully removed the feed from any Rotring fountain pen. Only the nibs. The Rotring Freeway fountain pen has what I believe to be the same feed, but for sure the same nib. The feed unscrews but its all in a housing that I can't separate it from. Similarly, on Ebay I've purchased extra nibs for my Rotring Newton and Frankenstein 600 that came off of spare Rotring Esprit (maybe Rotring 400?) parts. Again those nibs came in a feed and housing (with the Esprit/400 grip section it can be unscrewed from) but the feed isn't something I can completely disassemble. It makes me wonder if Rotring fountain pens are built in a way that the feeds aren't suppose to come out.
Yes I wonder if it’s an age thing or just secured in there with some glue or something that be removed with sufficiently force and then jammed into place later. I haven’t had one broke enough that I have needed to find out!
Both my rOtring 600 newton and newton lava have the same leaking problem. I've found that taking out the cartridge converter and cleaning the back of the feed with a Q tip and water helps. I think the problem can be attributed to air getting in and pushing the ink out.
Awesome. Thanks. Have you removed the feed at all?
@@unsharpen I have not
Is it possible that the ink (from the previous owner) leaked inside the cap during shipping/transport (to your house) and this is just left over/residue.
Did you use soapy-water (or alcohol) on a Q-tips to check inside the cap?
I had instructions for calligraphy pen cleaning that specified only cold water should be used. My dad's old-school drafting experience added a drop or two of ammonia to a cup of cold water. (Eventually Grand-dad's ultrasonic cleaner for false teeth was added to the process. That really cleans a nib and feed.)
That leaking may be caused by heat. Heat increases pressure. And with a near full cartridge that pressure has to go somewhere. And this can cause pens to leak at the base of the feed. The leaking should lessen as the cartridge empties. You may also try replacing the cartridge with a converter and only fill it about two thirds. The problem should also moderate in the fall.
Interesting theory! I’m going to do some testing on that front.
Honestly, in my experience the issue will increase as the cartridge empties, not the other way around. That's why for eye dropper pens I keep them topped off, and for cartridge converter pens or piston fillers I like to close the piston down, starting around the point it is getting about half empty. There will always be an air bubble forming in the feed for air/ink interchange, but you kind of want to reduce the presence of empty space in the cartridge/filling mechanism. I don't really understand the physics of it, but the heat or whatever it is that causes pressure changes is acting on the dissimilarity between space and liquid, and I believe it is chiefly acting on the space which forces pressure into the liquid (thus expulsion.) Reduce the dissimilarity (i.e. fill the pen so there's no/less empty space) and the problem lessens. That will most definitely stop pens that have a problem belching or leaking into the cap.
@@sluggger
Good observation, & great advice!
@@sluggger thx...i also keep out the air from cartage, but i do it as it looks more pleasing to me. Didnt knew it was a good thing to do...
I’ve had good luck removing printing (from Casio watches) like the “Levenger” with an eraser. Didn’t damage the finish under the printing.
Oh interesting. Good tip!
See if capping and uncapping will replicate the problem after freshly cleaning it. It might be more of a nib creep problem than a leakage problem. I'm not familiar with this pen, but some designs are very prone to nib creep if the cap doesn't have some kind of escapement for the air pressure caused by capping and uncapping, and if it's a very forceful snap cap which this one seems to be thanks to those clutches. The clutches on the section could maybe be tweaked, and especially if there are any internal parts to the cap like a cap liner, slip mechanism, additional clutches or springs, it would be worth looking into them and seeing if there's any way to adjust the pressure. Maybe it's just an idiosyncrasy of this pen's design, but maybe it can be lessened.
I like your explanation. I checked my Lamy fountain pens and found small traces of ink(end of the grip). Because the pens are dark, I never noticed before. Maybe it's more common (and normal) then we think?
I think your pen is missing a rubber ing at the place that it is leaking. I have the same issue and I noticed it on other nibs.
Any tips on dismantling the nib and feed?
I think you are right about the rubber! And actually I never got that far taking this one apart. It was incredibly stuck together and I never felt like it was going to come apart without breaking
i lost my cap... does someone has a replacement cap for me or a alternative?
is there an epoca chrome but full metal available?
No, not that I’ve seen
Long term grail for me. What a shame about the seepage, but you seem to be enjoying it anyway, good.
I'd like one of these, but they're super expensive. I'd like to see what you think about the Rotring fountain pens vs the TWSBI Precision, which they claim to have been done in this style.
@@MostlyLost Thanks for the tip. I hate the TWSBI ECO for the way it feels in my hand, and it's top-heavy when posted. I have both of those pens you mentioned and enjoy them, although I don't like how the VP broad nib writes and I'm not crazy about the clip on the tip. The Pilot 823 writes well for me, but I also don't like how it feels when posted. I'm still looking for that perfect fountain pen...
@@MostlyLost If you still have the pens contact TWSBI and they'll send you replacement parts for free. I've had replacement barrels, sections, and nibs sent for free due to damage. It's not ideal, obviously it would be better if it was less prone to cracking in the first place, but at least you're not throwing money away. And if you don't want the pens you could always get the free replacement parts, fix the pen, and sell it.
Can you please if possible to review Nitecore NTP 31pen.🤔🤔.
Thanks for the tip.
I have the same pen from circa 1992. The nib is bad so I haven’t used it in 20 years. Anyone know where I can find a replacement nib?
My understanding is that you can get a Rotring freeway from the same generation bit I haven’t tried it yet
Thank you for posting the video. I have one and I am really glad I picked it up years ago.
They are really expensive so what is the definition of "A very good deal" for you ($$)?
This was under $100
Does yours leak like the one in the video?
@@unsharpen I agree with your definition of a good(even great) deal! 👍
You don't this often.
@@franksalem8580 Nope!
Once he finds the cause for the leaking, I am sure it can be fixed. This pen is really well designed.
I like the other rotring Writing instruments but but the fountain pen for this one I don't like but good video anyway
How much this cost?
You need to hunt on eBay or something similar and find one you are happy with
If ther feed is ebonite, you may need to heat set it.
Great pens but awful the premium they command now
👍
You HAVE TO BE CAREFUL with using ALCOHOL/ACETONE don't fountain pens. Some can react with fluids
True, but that's more applicable to plastic pens than metal pens
There’s VERY clearly ink inside the cap. That’s the only reason I have EVER seen ink on the front of the grip section by the nib. Probably leaked a lot of that cartridge into the cap.