Thank you for one of the best ever reviews of this pen that I have ever watched. You made some very useful comments about the size of the nib and how it writes. I also like your reviewing style and production values.
I recently bought one of these pens, used, with a small velvet-covered box. The pen is supposed to be from around 1989. The nib really is a delight to write with. I'm happy that I got an EF nib, because it writes more like an Italian Fine or a Japanese Medium. It is taking me a little time to get used to the size of the pen, the body is so stubby, and I tend to hold my pens rather far back, so it feels like it's going to be too short -- although it isn't actually. I have resisted getting one of these, since I have a 146 which is a much more congenial size pen. If they could squeeze the #9 nib into a 146 body somehow, I think that would make me very happy.
My favourite pen in my 7 pens collection. The size is just perfect for my larger hands. The nib is supersmooth. And I just love that classic black/gold and the cigar shaped look.
@@leonz2562 I have two of those as well. And I love them. The nib is on the soft side. So it gives some line variation with a tiny bit of pressure. (Something you don't get from the MontBlanc.) Quality wise, the M000 and the M149 are on the same level. It's just a matter or taste. And hard vs softer nib. They are both classic pens with a long history. And either one will be great to have.
I own a 144 (fountain pen F Nib), a 145 (rollerball), two 146's (fountain pen F Nib; Rollerball) and I love all my MONTBLAC pens. I am planning on purchasing the 149 sometime this year. Thanks for the video :-)
Great review!!! I like the MB ink bottles too, you can use the used bottles as inkwells. I have been pens since I was a child in India, but, have a love for the MB 149 pens. I have 7 at the moment, and dont intend to buy any more!!!!:):)
The pen is very nice indeed, but the (retail) price is very steep for a plastic pen. For half the price you can get a Waldmann Xetra Vienna made of 925 sterling silver and brass, hand engraved cap, made in germany.
How smooth is it? I'm honestly debating if I should lay down $1,000 for a grail pen. I got a parker 51 in a medium nib that is 14k gold and it was $74 and I really like it. I have always been intrigued by the 149 though.
Thank you very much for your review ! I would like to know what you have to complain about MB 149. I have a lot to complain about that pen and above all, about the price, performance and undeserved fame .... An average fountain pen that scratches paper is unbalanced and too big. He tires the writing hand and writing with him is more annoying than happy … I would say just nervous, considering the price-performance ratio ... In one sentence, a fountain pen monster that should be avoided ... I'm sorry, that's just my opinion without any claim to generality ...
I am wondering whether it's only me who noticed an amusing detail - the 149 artefact that had been recently purchased at the local Montblanc boutique (a present for me) has a tiny visible step-down along circumference from the side of piston knob facing the main barrel - to be exact its platinum ring (as if it's a space for a missing ring or something else intended) - it is a clean cut seemingly made on purpose I just don't understand (the shop could not explain it either) - the step down leaves an unnecessary however tiny gap in the flow of the surface when the knob is fully screwed up. Isn't it a little weird? I'd love to understand the puzzle.
Some top-end carbon wheels for bicycles have a serious problem of aluminium alloy nipples corroding from carbon rims they screwed on - presumably forming diode/anode combination; so many cyclists forced to use brass nipples. That is the only `reasonable' explanation I have - however, I doubt it's a sound one since pens are rarely used in wet conditions.. =)
Yup, Montblanc has a very beautiful two tone gold nib. I wish they would have a metal one instead of cellulose which is essentially plastic. God bless.
Hello sir, i like some line variations, wet juicy writers for daily writing. What should I purchase, mb 149 m or mb 149 calligraphy? Or something else?
Hi. Thanks for the good review. I am using my 149 (M) with Mont Blanc Irish Green ink and its performing awesome. I recently changed my ink (of course after cleaning it well) to Mont Blanc Mystery Black then my pen started giving troubles, it skips in between often. Then I again changed back to Irish Green then again it started performing well. I am facing serious problem with Mystery Black ink. Tried 3 other diffrent pens (Twisbi Go (F) Sheaffer Award (M), Parker urban (M)) every where I had the issue of skips in between & writes dry and having to prime the nib often. Also I tried inking it to Gama Supreme (Eye dropper M) pen (usually writes wet) but it is also showing similar problems. Can u pls guide what is going wrong here.
David my 80s MB 149 (F) tends to skip a bit and is not like a M which I like more too. I’ve had it service at MB once or twice but it’s still happening. I only use MB ink but don’t wash and clean it out much. Any suggestions? Would switching to a (M) be smoother etc.?
Hi ! When I write with my 149, my middle finger (the one supporting the pen) is in contact with the matte ring at the top of the section. The ring tends to leave a smear (that has the same color as the used ink) on my finger. Does the same happen to you or is this an indicator of a problem with the pen that I need to get checked ?
From time to time I have had this happen for me as well. Not only on my 149, but on a couple of my Visconti pens also. I have found that sometimes it's due to excess ink in the cap. If ink splatters around inside the cap while it is on, then that is the point where it tends to settle. So, my feeling is it doesn't sound like you have a mechanical issue with the pen.
@@TheAmitkumar2010 there isn't much of a difference. If you need to you can get a Pen Goulet nib for 15 bucks and the Jinhao is a great pen. I have had both and I prefer the Jinhao
Figboot, I’m in the search for one of these pens. I love your review and having been eyeing this one ever since I bought my LAMY 2K. Where would you suggest I locate on that isn’t it’s standard pricing? I see you mentioned a expo of some sort, but since I’m new to the fountain pen world I need some guidance please! Thank you.
I purchased this specific pen at an estate auction. For non-standard pricing, you're going to need to deal with an individual seller, rather than a company, so that can get a bit tricky...especially if it is someone you don't have a purchase history with. I would suggest looking at the classifieds on The Fountain Pen network, or even the Pen Swap subreddit on Reddit. And proceed with caution...
Why would you buy this pen for regular writing? You can get couple dozens of pens for under $50 that will be more useful as a daily regular writer. I like my 149, but it’s a signature pen.
I'm sorry...are you referring to the auction house which ran the sale, or something else? It was a small auction house near Charlotte, NC. This was a one-time estate sale for them. They do not specialize in pen sales.
Thank you for the review David! The Montblanc 149 is a true icon. If you want to see the entire Meisterstuck collection, checkout our overview of the collection: th-cam.com/video/Kz4SFnPqBMw/w-d-xo.html
Thank you for one of the best ever reviews of this pen that I have ever watched. You made some very useful comments about the size of the nib and how it writes. I also like your reviewing style and production values.
+Chandon Bleackley Thanks for the kind words. Glad you enjoyed it.
Time flies, your current videos are so much higher quality. Though the substance here is solid as ever.
I would be interested in you revisiting the review of this pen now that you’re later on in the hobby.
I recently bought one of these pens, used, with a small velvet-covered box. The pen is supposed to be from around 1989. The nib really is a delight to write with. I'm happy that I got an EF nib, because it writes more like an Italian Fine or a Japanese Medium. It is taking me a little time to get used to the size of the pen, the body is so stubby, and I tend to hold my pens rather far back, so it feels like it's going to be too short -- although it isn't actually.
I have resisted getting one of these, since I have a 146 which is a much more congenial size pen. If they could squeeze the #9 nib into a 146 body somehow, I think that would make me very happy.
My favourite pen in my 7 pens collection. The size is just perfect for my larger hands. The nib is supersmooth. And I just love that classic black/gold and the cigar shaped look.
What do u think of the Pelikan m1000? Supposedly also perfect size for your larger hands. Any recommendations as of which one should I purchase?
@@leonz2562 I have two of those as well. And I love them. The nib is on the soft side. So it gives some line variation with a tiny bit of pressure. (Something you don't get from the MontBlanc.) Quality wise, the M000 and the M149 are on the same level. It's just a matter or taste. And hard vs softer nib. They are both classic pens with a long history. And either one will be great to have.
Whenever someone says "precious resin" I hear it in the voice of Gollum/Smeagol.
Charlie Bernth I hear plastic.
I own a 144 (fountain pen F Nib), a 145 (rollerball), two 146's (fountain pen F Nib; Rollerball) and I love all my MONTBLAC pens. I am planning on purchasing the 149 sometime this year. Thanks for the video :-)
I purchased a new MB yesterday that I am very excited to receive. Thanks for watching!
Good review! I think the "pix" has something to do with being able to tell a fake one from the real deal...
Appreciate your review and admire your handwriting. May i ask if the Medium nib would have better ink flow than the Fine nib ?
My dream pen after becoming an offical DIPLOMAT and another diplomat 149 on left pocket..😍😍😍😍😍
Great review!!! I like the MB ink bottles too, you can use the used bottles as inkwells. I have been pens since I was a child in India, but, have a love for the MB 149 pens. I have 7 at the moment, and dont intend to buy any more!!!!:):)
Thanks for watching!
Glad you like it and congratulations on the great deal. MB leaves me cold but I certainly see why it has fans.
The pen is very nice indeed, but the (retail) price is very steep for a plastic pen.
For half the price you can get a Waldmann Xetra Vienna made of 925 sterling silver and brass, hand engraved cap, made in germany.
Great review. Just wondering if the line width that this F nib produces is similar to the F or M of a Pelikan M800/M1000? Thanks
Like the review! Care to do a comparison on 149 and m1000. Really struggling to make a purchase decision between the two
How smooth is it? I'm honestly debating if I should lay down $1,000 for a grail pen. I got a parker 51 in a medium nib that is 14k gold and it was $74 and I really like it. I have always been intrigued by the 149 though.
@subaruford3344 not glossy smooth, but the limited feedback is pleasant. Don't think I have e ever heard someone complain about a 149 nib.
Great review, very informative!
+Z085 Thanks...appreciate it!
Thank you very much for your review !
I would like to know what you have to complain about MB 149.
I have a lot to complain about that pen and above all, about the price, performance and undeserved fame ....
An average fountain pen that scratches paper is unbalanced and too big.
He tires the writing hand and writing with him is more annoying than happy …
I would say just nervous, considering the price-performance ratio ...
In one sentence, a fountain pen monster that should be avoided ...
I'm sorry, that's just my opinion without any claim to generality ...
I am wondering whether it's only me who noticed an amusing detail - the 149 artefact that had been recently purchased at the local Montblanc boutique (a present for me) has a tiny visible step-down along circumference from the side of piston knob facing the main barrel - to be exact its platinum ring (as if it's a space for a missing ring or something else intended) - it is a clean cut seemingly made on purpose I just don't understand (the shop could not explain it either) - the step down leaves an unnecessary however tiny gap in the flow of the surface when the knob is fully screwed up. Isn't it a little weird? I'd love to understand the puzzle.
Some top-end carbon wheels for bicycles have a serious problem of aluminium alloy nipples corroding from carbon rims they screwed on - presumably forming diode/anode combination; so many cyclists forced to use brass nipples. That is the only `reasonable' explanation I have - however, I doubt it's a sound one since pens are rarely used in wet conditions.. =)
Yup, Montblanc has a very beautiful two tone gold nib. I wish they would have a metal one instead of cellulose which is essentially plastic.
God bless.
Very good explanatory and enjoyable video. Thank you. RS. Canada
4 is for piston? 145 would have a word with this booklet
The word PIX is used for a rough dating system IMO.
"Pix" was added to try to cut down on counterfeiting.
Thank you for this information.
Hello sir, i like some line variations, wet juicy writers for daily writing. What should I purchase, mb 149 m or mb 149 calligraphy? Or something else?
How to peel off the sticker which shows the nib marking on the 149
For daily writing which one should i buy, mb 149 calligraphy or mb 149
Hi. Thanks for the good review. I am using my 149 (M) with Mont Blanc Irish Green ink and its performing awesome. I recently changed my ink (of course after cleaning it well) to Mont Blanc Mystery Black then my pen started giving troubles, it skips in between often. Then I again changed back to Irish Green then again it started performing well. I am facing serious problem with Mystery Black ink. Tried 3 other diffrent pens (Twisbi Go (F) Sheaffer Award (M), Parker urban (M)) every where I had the issue of skips in between & writes dry and having to prime the nib often. Also I tried inking it to Gama Supreme (Eye dropper M) pen (usually writes wet) but it is also showing similar problems. Can u pls guide what is going wrong here.
That's just what dry ink does. You have to find out what ink works with which pens, that's part of fountain pen life.
David my 80s MB 149 (F) tends to skip a bit and is not like a M which I like more too. I’ve had it service at MB once or twice but it’s still happening. I only use MB ink but don’t wash and clean it out much. Any suggestions? Would switching to a (M) be smoother etc.?
A medium might be a bit smoother...or you could have a talented nibsmith tweak the nib to your liking.
Hi !
When I write with my 149, my middle finger (the one supporting the pen) is in contact with the matte ring at the top of the section. The ring tends to leave a smear (that has the same color as the used ink) on my finger. Does the same happen to you or is this an indicator of a problem with the pen that I need to get checked ?
From time to time I have had this happen for me as well. Not only on my 149, but on a couple of my Visconti pens also. I have found that sometimes it's due to excess ink in the cap. If ink splatters around inside the cap while it is on, then that is the point where it tends to settle. So, my feeling is it doesn't sound like you have a mechanical issue with the pen.
I bought the Jinhao 159 which is close to the Montblanc Meisterstück 149 Fountain Pen and far way cheaper.
writes well too if the paper and ink quality is nice. very smooth at this price range. and made up of metal too.
@@TheAmitkumar2010 there isn't much of a difference. If you need to you can get a Pen Goulet nib for 15 bucks and the Jinhao is a great pen. I have had both and I prefer the Jinhao
Sounds like hk’s naming system
3.31 there is one broad band and two thin ones
Hey, nice review. Batter than pelikan m1000?
Tough call. If I am forced to reach for only one, it would be the 149. The M1000 is excellent, though.
just get both. this will solve the problem :)
Hi David, do you necessarily need MB ink for the MB 149?
Any well-behaved, well-tested fountain pen ink should be just fine.
Thank you David for the reply. Would Parker Quink black and Pilot Iroshizuku Ama-Iro work with the MB149?
I remember those days I used my 149 in my Aussie Uni n everybody was jawdropping weirdo looking iching loooook at my Meisterstuck 149
For those who are not rich buy a jinhao 159
Figboot, I’m in the search for one of these pens. I love your review and having been eyeing this one ever since I bought my LAMY 2K. Where would you suggest I locate on that isn’t it’s standard pricing? I see you mentioned a expo of some sort, but since I’m new to the fountain pen world I need some guidance please! Thank you.
I purchased this specific pen at an estate auction. For non-standard pricing, you're going to need to deal with an individual seller, rather than a company, so that can get a bit tricky...especially if it is someone you don't have a purchase history with. I would suggest looking at the classifieds on The Fountain Pen network, or even the Pen Swap subreddit on Reddit. And proceed with caution...
We may have some new insight into PIX once the Cruise has seen its twilight...
The ink bottle was modeled after a ladies shoe.
Also, the 3 rings in the middle signify the 3 founders of the Montblanc Simplo Filler Pen Co.
In case you did not know :-)
I think Pix means art... but I could totally got that wrong
Great review. For regular writing, do you prefer the 149 or 146?
Dorf I find myself gravitating toward larger pens these days...so I prefer the 149. But the 146 is still great.
Why would you buy this pen for regular writing? You can get couple dozens of pens for under $50 that will be more useful as a daily regular writer. I like my 149, but it’s a signature pen.
Would you care to share your bidding source?
I'm sorry...are you referring to the auction house which ran the sale, or something else? It was a small auction house near Charlotte, NC. This was a one-time estate sale for them. They do not specialize in pen sales.
Why. Does. It. Look. Slightly. Used. !!! ???
Thank you for the review David! The Montblanc 149 is a true icon. If you want to see the entire Meisterstuck collection, checkout our overview of the collection: th-cam.com/video/Kz4SFnPqBMw/w-d-xo.html
Even this expensive pen couldn't make the writing better.
Precious resin AKA expensive plastic
@3:10 I'm sorry usable?
When I'm paying that much for a pen, I don't want anything to be just "usable"! And for that reason, I'm out.
I think your expectations for a clip…or how to describe the functionality of it…might be out of whack.
Jeez man improve your hand writing!! It is barely legible!