Montblanc 149 Fountain Pen... why?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 31 ม.ค. 2025
- A little musing on my thoughts... and changing thoughts... about the Montblanc 149 fountain pen. An icon, a classic, but worth the money?
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The opinions are my own, based on my own experiences with the product. Not to be used for reference or as gospel.
I think every fountain pen enthusiast should have a Montblanc 149 in their collection. I bought mine new from the Pen Corner in Dublin, Ireland before it sadly closed down. I chose the red gold version with a fine nib. I’m left handed and it writes beautifully for me.
I own several MBs, but all are from the 90s or earlier. Amongst them are two 149s, which I love, one that I reground from medium to oblique, and some from the 60s that I even love more. I couldn't compare them with a modern MB, but as you said, the price is up there, and I could not justify buying them new.
like you, couldn’t justify the cost of my Montblanc so bought thro’ eBay and haven’t regretted it: aesthetically, it knocks everything else in my collection into second place, but like yourself, I much prefer the writing experience of a whole bunch of Japanese fp’s which are a fraction of the price of a new Mb:)
A lot of people buy their MB 149s used so I disagree that it doesn’t warrant a full review. I’m not ashamed I could afford one. I had to save for a year for it, and then I had the nib fine-tuned by Mike Masuyama so I love it more than my Pilot 823 which is now rarely used.
Pilot 823 vs 845? I have a Pilot 823. Should I get a 845 too or a Pelikan m800 instead?
The Pelikan m800 is a fantastic writer.
I have tested a 149 at a pen show. Now question you can. Feel the quality of the pen and the nib, just in looks alone, is outstanding, and he writing experience is very nice. But I am not leaping to get one. One is the price. Two, the "precious resin" is somewhat fragile. Do not drop your pen into the floor as the resin will crack.
I have a Sailor King of Pen and its huge nib is outstanding. Does the pen have nib options like the 149? No. And for that you may want to try a different pen but I will never part with the King of Pen.
I love my Pilot 743. It has a Soft nib that is bouncy and provides character to my writing. It may be the finest gold nib on the market. If they ever came out with the 823 with this nib, I would buy it immediately.
I just think the 149 is just far too expensive and other pens perform as well if not better, unless you want one of their specialty nibs.
I’ve always liked the Mont Blanc JFK, I’m fascinated with the man and I’d love the pen but I just can’t justify the price. If ever you want to move it on, let me know, I’d be happy to negotiate a good price for both of us
I'm bias as a collector of MB 149s - 1970s to modern. They are, on average, exceptional versus the competition. To many, they are considered common and pedestrian in use and appearance, but you'll only know why they cost as much as they do when you disassemble them for maintenance. The value is equal in the inside as the outside - German design inside and out. I've been using and collecting fountain pens for 35 years and only Pilot & Pelican come close to MB engineering regarding mass produced fountain pens. The nibs (18C - 14C) from 1972 to 1980 are THE best MB ever produced.
Hi Mick - I've had a similar experience with Mont Blanc: I think the nibs in particular are overrated. I also have a Pilot Custom 823, which is an excellent writer. But I'm commenting mainly to suggest you might have a look at (or review?) a pen which I bought recently and have found to be an excellent all-round fountain pen: the Asvine J16, a piston-filling brushed titanium pen with a Jowo nib, which also has an ink window. It writes wonderfully, and particularly considering the relatively modest price (about AU$104.00) is outstanding value. Thanks for your reviews.
@@MichaelP-s3y yes, an Asvine J16 is already on it’s way to me. With my backlog of videos, I probably wont get around to reviewing it until some point in the new year… but titanium, and the size, and a jowo nib (no surprises it writes well) and from a good pen brand… It has every reason to be very good pen, especially at it’s price point
I've got an MB 149 & a Pilot 823. Love & use both frequently. The Pilot is the better writer, IMHO. Should all collectors have an MB 149? It doesn't hurt, and the nib is glorious, but there are more interesting options available.
MONTBLANC is the Rolex of pens. Maybe not the best but everyone knows the brand. Yes everyone knows Pilot, the G2.
Connor shirt?
Very probably.
I think Montblanc is iconic because of their massive ongoing ad campaign. That's not something I want to pay money for. I leave it for bankers, lawyers, and CEOs. Just my 2¢.
The Icon !
Sadly the quality control at Montblanc is not good nowadays - At least with their regular edition pens. Piston mechanisms in the regular editions are failing often.
You are so right. You can't beat the older Montblancs from the 1970s and 1980s. Piston mechanisms were much better made. Nibs, 14k, were perfectly ground and tempered.
@@steventrosiek2623 💯
All the more reason for me to enjoy my older 149 and feel better about not enjoying my modern MBs as much.
I'm like you too expensive and I have a Pilot 823.
Years ago I received an MB 149 as a birthday present. Unfortunately the grip section was too big. I tried for at least three years to get used to it, but unfortunately that didn't work. I sold the pen. As far as the writing qualities are concerned it was OK, but I have much cheaper pens that are just as good. Greetings from Belgium.
I love my 149. I have never not had it inked up. I think everybody should give the M a go before they judge. I also never take mine out it the house.