My goodness, Chris, I am not interested in restoring pens, disassembling pens - AND YET, I am always so fascinated and glued to your videos!!! Learning here, and I now know so much more about feeds!
The second time viewing one of yours vid about a model that I'm interesting to purchase, was the second discovery. Videos that in their disassembling are really clear and didactical, going to the core of it. Congrats.
As I too own this exact Wing Sung 699 (0.5mm nib), naturally I took a great interest in this video; hanging onto every word you said. I have to say I rated this pen very high and still do, perhaps because I fill it with Diamine Oxblood (who knows). At 5:32 you mentioned a little plug in the channel of the feed and toying with removing it. I build plastic models as another of my other hobbies and I reckon the plug is actually the injection point of the mould for the feed, much like the sprue of a model kit. I noticed that the PENBBS has this point on the feed that is out of the way and not impede ink flow. We modellers will typically file and sand it away to get a smooth finish. If I might be bold enough to suggest that you do likewise AND using a scriber, clear the feed channel; hopefully improve the ink flow - just my humble input. You also mentioned the shut off valve and I concur that there is a bit of trade-off between this valve and ink flow, albeit a fine balance. You mentioned in your conclusion the current challenging times, I live in Australia and just very grateful that I still have a job working from home. Your video enables us to take some time out from what is happening around us, for this we all thank you mate.
Thank you, Chris. It's always a pleasure watching your videos. I've also often looked at feeds and questioned their complexity but then I remember that their purpose is to provide a controlled leak and then I just nod my head up and down and smile :). Stay safe and thank you for sharing.
What I found with the original feed is, as you mentioned, the shutoff valve being an issue since the ink doesn't continue to flow (I'll just move it back and forth a couple times when it dries up and it'll be good for another few pages of notes, but I don't want to leave it open for fear of forgetting to close it when I put it in my pocket), but also, sometimes it just gets dust in the feed. I found running aluminium foil through the feed helped tremendously. I also found a few drops of water in my noodler's ink helped it to fill better by allowing it to flow past the piston a bit. Great video, thanks for the follow up! Also, BEWARE OF CRACKS ON THE BACK OF THE BARREL WHEN YOU GET IT! My wife got me this pen as a valentine's day gift, and I didn't think much of the crack, but it spread quickly. I've stopped it with superglue, but it doesn't look nearly as nice anymore.
I have been considering this model. Thanks for the revisit. I had the same problem with my Pelikan M800. I had Private Reserve Chocolat in it and it dried out in a couple of seconds. I am going to put in Iroshizuku asa-gao in to see if the change in ink will ultimately make this pen work well.
Hi Chris...updates on my wingsung 699's. The one I mentioned having a leak issue I discovered is due to a couple of very fine cracks in the section - so much for that one. But since that time I have received the blue version of the 699. Very nice looking but I found that they used a jinhao nib in the pen rather than the normal wingsung nib. Possibly they come out of the same factory as they look very much the same except for the engraving. Anyway with this new 699 I have noticed that if I keep the pen laying on my desk that when ever I pick it you and uncap it writes without any starvation issues. But if I leave the pen in my shirt pocket for say an hour or so then when I go to use the pen the section has ran out of ink and it takes some time to get the ink flowing again. Once it starts flowing I don't have any issues until it is left in my pocket nib up for a period of time. Any thoughts on what might be the issue? Thanks for you ongoing pen reviews and insightful thoughts on various pens...
I keep the blind cap unscrewed all the time. Section should not "run out of ink" sitting upright for a few hours. I just wrote with my 699 with has been sitting upright for over 2 weeks. A slight hard start but quickly started writing well. Do you keep your blind cap open? Try a different ink. Can't explain Jinhao nib. Did you have a choice of nibs when you bought pen? What size was nib you ordered?
@@chrisrap52 Believe I inked it with Monteverde horizon blue, I have had good flow with Monteverde inks, have one of their other colors in another 699. As to the nib I was surprised to find it came with a Jinhao nib. The other two 699's have the typical wingsung nib. It is a #6 size but the initial fit to the feed was off some. I am tempted to pull the nib and feed from one of the other 699s and swap them out to see what happens. Thanks for the reply.
I agree MV inks have great flow. I've seen Jinhao nibs used for Medium nibs in some pens. I've have not tried to swap a Jinhao for a Wing Sung, not the same size, WS slightly shorter.
@@chrisrap52 Thanks you were right on target, I swapped out the Jinhao for a Wingsung nib problem solved. I have contacted the seller and they are supposed to send me a Wingsung replacement nib. Again thanks for the on point diagnosis. Best Regards Richard
I have one of these and it is filled with a Monteverdi brown of sorts. It dries up. But open the valve and in a jiffy it is back writing ‘like a champ’. Love it.
Mine came with a garbage nib. One time was longer than the other. After trying to get a nib that worked in it I found the section cracked. Into the garbage it went. I’ve had this problem with the 698 also about the section cracking.
Nice revisit, I love the 699, it's one of my favourites. Inked up with Diamine Majestic Blue, flows nice and wet. No drying out issues. And you can take one of the seals at the end of the rod out, you won't have to worry about the blind cap ever more, I didn't try it but allegedly it's easy to do.
I remembered your video from last August, Chris. I have three colors of the 699 and generally leave them with the shut off valve open. Granted, I've never left mine unused for 8 months, but possibly two or three. But I've not had any significant drying out. Glad to see you upgraded your rating on the 699; I find them to to be very pleasing to write with.
I wrote with it many times since review, it sat for about a month before this latest review. The initial ink was not a good match for the pen. Now it is a consistent pleasant writer.
Interesting, thanks as I am thinking of getting this pen. I have an Opus 88 Koloro which I consistently leave for weeks at a time with the shutoff valve fully closed. I have never had an issue with ink drying up. So thos is not an issue with all shutoff valve pens.
Hi Chris! You have carried out a very interesting and useful technical analysis, evident result of your remarkable experience and passion. Based on your similar observations and for what you had done, I intervened on the feed channel of the Wing Sung 698 nib M obtaining a marked improvement in the writing performance. Thanks for what you shared!
I have two of these (and one on the way.) Both have tiny cracks near the screw valve at the top, which bug me even though they don't leak, and is why Iv'e ordered another. But I love these pens. They write nicely regularly and in reverse, which is especially nice for drawing. I had occasional problems with ink flow that are always cured by gently pulling up the end cap, so the valve thing at the end of the rod comes up from the top of the feed for a moment. Then it's fine again. For whatever reason, this only seems to happen when the pen is first filled (and I fill it completely by using the "inverted syringe" method."
Also never shut off the valve. I store mine nib up, shut off valve open, with no problem. If I went on a plane I'd shut it down, but otherwise don't bother.
So far, enjoying this fountain pen journey along with your videos, Chris. It’s curious because I was wondering about this fountain pen 😅. Thank you for the video and I hope that you and your love ones stay safe and healthy 🖖.
I had the same thing happen a few days ago and had a heck of a time getting it to write again. I figured it was the shut off valve being closed for several months. Probably should use it much more often.
Thank you, Chris! I liked my first usage of the same Wing Sung 699 model. I was just beginning to log my ink, so I am not certain, but I think I used Iroshiizuku Yama-guri (a dark brown), which worked well. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the discussion and liked the illustration of the cap cleaning and other issues I might face some day. Interestingly, I purchased a Pilot Custom 823, but I still have not inked it up!
Chris hi i have watched both of your videos on the Wing Sung 699. Thank you enjoyable to watch with very good info. I have a question please... i noticed the 699 is available in the vac fill and also the piston fill. If you could only buy one which one would you choose?? Ease of use and overall reliability and convenience?? Curious for my own use, i plan to purchase asap. I would respect your input. Thank you!! Njoy, Stay Healthy Stay Safe!! Thanks Phil
chrisrap52 thanks for your quick response. I did see his vid after yours. Thanks for that info. I'm off to look at the 699. Enjoy your weekend! Stay Healthy & Safe!! Thank you!! Phil
A very interesting look and a revisit of a pen that I have been looking at for some time. The look and comparison of the feeds were interesting. I wonder if you can use a thin blade and open that channel completely. Nice looking ink too. My current favourite brown is a bonus with a Goulet order I got Monteverde Brown Sugar it shades well. :)
I hope you get to review the Platinum Curidas (am interested in seeing you disassemble the pen down to its nib and feed unit). I have been having very mixed experiences with that pen. When it writes, it is great. Then it just stops. I first thought it was my ink ( I accidentally poured some kaweco blue into Lamy blue), but then I found that this pen seems to choke up on any ink.
I do not plan to purchase a Curidas. I tried to like the Vanishing Point & couldn't. I will write with one once social gatherings start up. A general rule, flush every new pen before use with soapy water. What you experience could be caused by machining oil in pen.
@@chrisrap52 I wasn't too keen on a Pilot (other than the custom 823, whose clone you are reviewing). The Curidas for me is like the Sphynx. Most of them will be revolted to see a cat with no hair, but the ones that have them as pets will love them.
Very few of my Chinese pens have an ink flow issue, as you see in my videos. Your experience is not typical. I use a feeler gauge, start thin & work up. See - th-cam.com/video/8SujWdoxV-4/w-d-xo.html
Hi Chris! I am a big fan! I'm maybe almost 3 months into the FP world, I have fallen deeply in love! I have a TWSBI Vac700r, originally with a M nib, gradually I've been polishing and sanding it down smaller and smaller into the shape I'm looking for, like a fine stub. BUT I was wondering if you'd do mini/short video on a Bock Titanium nib (Medium, if you got it!) inside the 700r. I'm uber curious of the titanium feedback and nib in general... not so interested in how it flexes much, I do LOTS of writing, some days I just write all day! If you don't want to do a video, what do you think of the idea of titanium as a writing nib? What does the feedback feel like to you? Again, I'm a big fan! I love seeing you express your passion for the art! lots of love -mike
I do not have a medium Bock titan nib. Here I show the fine one writing - th-cam.com/video/Mu-3pgKNAro/w-d-xo.html I also have a EF & a #5 broad. These are soft wet nibs. The broad is very wet. th-cam.com/video/siJJgbfahNs/w-d-xo.html. I would steer you to a F vs M for mare dramatic line variation.
@@chrisrap52 I feel like I just interacted with a major celebrity! Haha, thank you Chris, your videos are SO informational and very well made, cheers from beautiful Olympic Peninsula!
Chelpark Matte Vintage FP No - 6 Eyedropper (Students Fountain Pen)80s-90s Black look at what I just found, only 2 left on ebay. Have you heard this story?
I think you're right, the small ink chamber probably dries out when the pen is stored over a period of time. In my opinion, as long as you don't spend most of your time inside an aiplane, the shut-off valve is nothing but a cool sales pitch. I have a few of the recent vacuum-fillers from China, and the first thing I do is removing the seal that shuts off the insupply. To secure an even ink distribution through the entire barrel, I also grind off some material from the barrel-side of the section. This has been very successful, large ink capasity, no drying up, hard starts. If I decide to become an airline pilot, I will have to buy some new, unaltered, pens, but I like living on the egde, so this works fine with me.
Chris a question - I have the same pen and have recently noticed that overnight or within two days of simply laying on my desk the pen appears to burp out some ink from the nib and the end of the section and the pen cap have droplets of ink. I clean it off and clean out the cap and within two days it is there again. I keep the end cap closed to seal the barrel and ink supply from the section. Any thoughts on the possible issue? I will also note this did not happen until fairly recently and the pen is almost empty on ink. Thanks Richard
Need to store pen nib up. Also when ink is low there is more air in the barrel which can push out ink when it warms & expands. I have not had any burping with my pen.
Thanks for talking about the feed. I've always felt it was an important but mostly ignored part of the fountain pen. I do wonder how and what the design of the fins actually do since there's such a huge difference between modern feeds and the much simpler design of vintage feeds. Seems like the vintage feeds can supply a greater amount of ink to those highly desirable flex nibs.
Great revisit, thanks. I've had similar issues with flow issues/drying out on a 3013 so it is interesting that this model potentially has similar problems. One thing I've never found out is how far I need to back off the rear end cap to release the flow. It has exhibited similar problems in that pen whether just released half a turn, all the way off its threads or seemingly anywhere in between. I'm presuming it only needs to be lifted a few millimetres though.
Well done again Chris. I have several of these pens including a fine and medium 14k nib both of which are really great writers, as well as a few of the new piston version of the 699. However, I've had two pens have cracking issues (a clear one cracked at the section and a grey one crack at both the section and the barrel) that developed after several weeks of just sitting in my pen cup with infrequent use, rendering them useless as ink leaks when gripping the sections to write. Obviously you've not had that experience or you would have mentioned it, but I wonder if you've heard of this problem with the plastic from anyone else or if this may just be an anomaly (and bad luck). Still, I really do love the model and one is always in my bag as a daily writer.
These are pens made with injection molded plastic. That process can induce stress in the parts which could cause cracking. Slight changes can produce a stable part or one that cracks. Others had cracking issues.
Thank you, Chris. I wonder did you modify the feed and removed the blank within the ink channel, I've never seen that on a feed before. Stay safe my Friend.
Helpful review as always :) Thanks Chris! I wonder, if you had to decide between the WingSung 699 and the Kaigelu 356, which would you pick for more pleasurable writing experience? I know they're quite different pens but I've told myself I'm only allowed one this month haha.
I'm pretty sure that notch on the feed is for the nib to sit in. And the fins shouldn't touch the ink channel, they're for air to go in the pen. If air couldn't get in, the ink couldn't get out.
1. You really don't need to close the valve unless you're traveling. 2. I watched this for a specific reason--I just ordered a 699--and you really should redub it. The constant misnaming was very confusing and sloppy.
I gave the 699 a go, twice. Both the clear and amber models that I purchased developed cracks in the barrel with fairly regular gentle use. Obviously this happens with other brands too (TWSBI, some pilots) but doesn't seem to be quite such an issue....for this reason alone I cannot recommend the 699.
@@chrisrap52 I probably have just been unlucky, but I think it is a problem with this model, as it is with the pilot 823. I haven't had any problems with the 3013, which seems to be sturdier.
These are pens made with injection molded plastic. That process can induce stress in the parts which could cause cracking. Slight changes can produce a stable part or one that cracks.
Since few days I write with a 699 and despite the fact that to me is the best 'fake "F"' that I have ever used, is annoying their too much wet writing (with my usual ink : PARKER Quink 'Blue Black')
hey Chris, on wednesday I was watching Vanness on IG. She has a product which encourages dry inks to flow better, here is the link vanness1938.com/collections/all-accessories/products/vanness-white-lightning-ink-additive. Of course mileage may differ.
When you leavfe a pen inked up for more than two months, it's a user problem every last time. (It's a very silly thing to do, and against the advice of every pen company and pen expert out there. For good reason. It's just ridiculous, lazy, and irresponsible. As for the feeds, they're both cheap, junky feeds that use cheap, junky, plastic, not resin, PLASTIC, and they're put on cheap junky Chinese pens bought by people who just love giving money to a regime than is one of the most evil on the planet. All to save a few bucks on cheap, piece of crap fountain pens that they know nothing about.
My goodness, Chris, I am not interested in restoring pens, disassembling pens - AND YET, I am always so fascinated and glued to your videos!!! Learning here, and I now know so much more about feeds!
The second time viewing one of yours vid about a model that I'm interesting to purchase, was the second discovery. Videos that in their disassembling are really clear and didactical, going to the core of it.
Congrats.
Thanks, Glad you found it useful. I use my 2 regularly & enjoy writing with them. I prefer the piston model.
As I too own this exact Wing Sung 699 (0.5mm nib), naturally I took a great interest in this video; hanging onto every word you said. I have to say I rated this pen very high and still do, perhaps because I fill it with Diamine Oxblood (who knows). At 5:32 you mentioned a little plug in the channel of the feed and toying with removing it. I build plastic models as another of my other hobbies and I reckon the plug is actually the injection point of the mould for the feed, much like the sprue of a model kit. I noticed that the PENBBS has this point on the feed that is out of the way and not impede ink flow. We modellers will typically file and sand it away to get a smooth finish. If I might be bold enough to suggest that you do likewise AND using a scriber, clear the feed channel; hopefully improve the ink flow - just my humble input. You also mentioned the shut off valve and I concur that there is a bit of trade-off between this valve and ink flow, albeit a fine balance. You mentioned in your conclusion the current challenging times, I live in Australia and just very grateful that I still have a job working from home. Your video enables us to take some time out from what is happening around us, for this we all thank you mate.
Hadn't considered the block to be a gate. Flow OK with the KWZ ink. I'm retired so staying home is easy.
Thank you, Chris. It's always a pleasure watching your videos. I've also often looked at feeds and questioned their complexity but then I remember that their purpose is to provide a controlled leak and then I just nod my head up and down and smile :). Stay safe and thank you for sharing.
I was curious bout you saying a "controlled leak". Found this article: www.richardspens.com/ref/feeds/evolution.htm
What I found with the original feed is, as you mentioned, the shutoff valve being an issue since the ink doesn't continue to flow (I'll just move it back and forth a couple times when it dries up and it'll be good for another few pages of notes, but I don't want to leave it open for fear of forgetting to close it when I put it in my pocket), but also, sometimes it just gets dust in the feed. I found running aluminium foil through the feed helped tremendously. I also found a few drops of water in my noodler's ink helped it to fill better by allowing it to flow past the piston a bit.
Great video, thanks for the follow up!
Also, BEWARE OF CRACKS ON THE BACK OF THE BARREL WHEN YOU GET IT! My wife got me this pen as a valentine's day gift, and I didn't think much of the crack, but it spread quickly. I've stopped it with superglue, but it doesn't look nearly as nice anymore.
Thanks for the heads up.
I have been considering this model. Thanks for the revisit. I had the same problem with my Pelikan M800. I had Private Reserve Chocolat in it and it dried out in a couple of seconds. I am going to put in Iroshizuku asa-gao in to see if the change in ink will ultimately make this pen work well.
Hi Chris...updates on my wingsung 699's. The one I mentioned having a leak issue I discovered is due to a couple of very fine cracks in the section - so much for that one. But since that time I have received the blue version of the 699. Very nice looking but I found that they used a jinhao nib in the pen rather than the normal wingsung nib. Possibly they come out of the same factory as they look very much the same except for the engraving. Anyway with this new 699 I have noticed that if I keep the pen laying on my desk that when ever I pick it you and uncap it writes without any starvation issues. But if I leave the pen in my shirt pocket for say an hour or so then when I go to use the pen the section has ran out of ink and it takes some time to get the ink flowing again. Once it starts flowing I don't have any issues until it is left in my pocket nib up for a period of time. Any thoughts on what might be the issue?
Thanks for you ongoing pen reviews and insightful thoughts on various pens...
I keep the blind cap unscrewed all the time. Section should not "run out of ink" sitting upright for a few hours. I just wrote with my 699 with has been sitting upright for over 2 weeks. A slight hard start but quickly started writing well. Do you keep your blind cap open? Try a different ink. Can't explain Jinhao nib. Did you have a choice of nibs when you bought pen? What size was nib you ordered?
@@chrisrap52
Believe I inked it with Monteverde horizon blue, I have had good flow with Monteverde inks, have one of their other colors in another 699. As to the nib I was surprised to find it came with a Jinhao nib. The other two 699's have the typical wingsung nib. It is a #6 size but the initial fit to the feed was off some. I am tempted to pull the nib and feed from one of the other 699s and swap them out to see what happens. Thanks for the reply.
I agree MV inks have great flow.
I've seen Jinhao nibs used for Medium nibs in some pens. I've have not tried to swap a Jinhao for a Wing Sung, not the same size, WS slightly shorter.
@@chrisrap52
Thanks you were right on target, I swapped out the Jinhao for a Wingsung nib problem solved. I have contacted the seller and they are supposed to send me a Wingsung replacement nib. Again thanks for the on point diagnosis.
Best Regards
Richard
An excellent update to your original review. And have ordered one. Take care and be safe and well. :-)
I have one of these and it is filled with a Monteverdi brown of sorts. It dries up. But open the valve and in a jiffy it is back writing ‘like a champ’. Love it.
Mine came with a garbage nib. One time was longer than the other. After trying to get a nib that worked in it I found the section cracked. Into the garbage it went. I’ve had this problem with the 698 also about the section cracking.
Check with seller, some sellers are reasonable and would work with you. Just saying.
Thanks Chris, nice episode as always. I am getting spoiled with going thru your past episodes and hoping you will do another Penbbs review/episode.
I have one in the works. Maybe in a few days. Thanks for watching. Glad you enjoy them.
Nice revisit, I love the 699, it's one of my favourites. Inked up with Diamine Majestic Blue, flows nice and wet. No drying out issues.
And you can take one of the seals at the end of the rod out, you won't have to worry about the blind cap ever more, I didn't try it but allegedly it's easy to do.
I remembered your video from last August, Chris. I have three colors of the 699 and generally leave them with the shut off valve open. Granted, I've never left mine unused for 8 months, but possibly two or three. But I've not had any significant drying out. Glad to see you upgraded your rating on the 699; I find them to to be very pleasing to write with.
I wrote with it many times since review, it sat for about a month before this latest review. The initial ink was not a good match for the pen. Now it is a consistent pleasant writer.
Interesting, thanks as I am thinking of getting this pen. I have an Opus 88 Koloro which I consistently leave for weeks at a time with the shutoff valve fully closed. I have never had an issue with ink drying up. So thos is not an issue with all shutoff valve pens.
My OPUS 88, as I say in video, doesn't dry out.
Hi Chris! You have carried out a very interesting and useful technical analysis, evident result of your remarkable experience and passion. Based on your similar observations and for what you had done, I intervened on the feed channel of the Wing Sung 698 nib M obtaining a marked improvement in the writing performance. Thanks for what you shared!
I have two of these (and one on the way.) Both have tiny cracks near the screw valve at the top, which bug me even though they don't leak, and is why Iv'e ordered another. But I love these pens. They write nicely regularly and in reverse, which is especially nice for drawing. I had occasional problems with ink flow that are always cured by gently pulling up the end cap, so the valve thing at the end of the rod comes up from the top of the feed for a moment. Then it's fine again. For whatever reason, this only seems to happen when the pen is first filled (and I fill it completely by using the "inverted syringe" method."
Also never shut off the valve. I store mine nib up, shut off valve open, with no problem. If I went on a plane I'd shut it down, but otherwise don't bother.
I also don't close valve. When you syringe fill, feed doesn't get ink from fill. Need to wait for ink to saturate feed.
Great video. I liked the feed comparisons.
So far, enjoying this fountain pen journey along with your videos, Chris. It’s curious because I was wondering about this fountain pen 😅. Thank you for the video and I hope that you and your love ones stay safe and healthy 🖖.
I had the same thing happen a few days ago and had a heck of a time getting it to write again. I figured it was the shut off valve being closed for several months. Probably should use it much more often.
What a difference ! Thanks for a very informative video.
Thank you, Chris! I liked my first usage of the same Wing Sung 699 model. I was just beginning to log my ink, so I am not certain, but I think I used Iroshiizuku Yama-guri (a dark brown), which worked well. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the discussion and liked the illustration of the cap cleaning and other issues I might face some day. Interestingly, I purchased a Pilot Custom 823, but I still have not inked it up!
Chris hi i have watched both of your videos on the Wing Sung 699. Thank you enjoyable to watch with very good info. I have a question please... i noticed the 699 is available in the vac fill and also the piston fill. If you could only buy one which one would you choose?? Ease of use and overall reliability and convenience?? Curious for my own use, i plan to purchase asap. I would respect your input. Thank you!! Njoy, Stay Healthy Stay Safe!! Thanks Phil
I'd buy the piston version. What I Ink did a review.
chrisrap52 thanks for your quick response. I did see his vid after yours. Thanks for that info. I'm off to look at the 699. Enjoy your weekend! Stay Healthy & Safe!! Thank you!! Phil
The piston filler version of this pen may be the answer to drying out issues. Mine is at the ready whenever I pick it up.
A very interesting look and a revisit of a pen that I have been looking at for some time. The look and comparison of the feeds were interesting. I wonder if you can use a thin blade and open that channel completely. Nice looking ink too. My current favourite brown is a bonus with a Goulet order I got Monteverde Brown Sugar it shades well. :)
I hope you get to review the Platinum Curidas (am interested in seeing you disassemble the pen down to its nib and feed unit). I have been having very mixed experiences with that pen. When it writes, it is great. Then it just stops. I first thought it was my ink ( I accidentally poured some kaweco blue into Lamy blue), but then I found that this pen seems to choke up on any ink.
I do not plan to purchase a Curidas. I tried to like the Vanishing Point & couldn't. I will write with one once social gatherings start up. A general rule, flush every new pen before use with soapy water. What you experience could be caused by machining oil in pen.
@@chrisrap52 I wasn't too keen on a Pilot (other than the custom 823, whose clone you are reviewing). The Curidas for me is like the Sphynx. Most of them will be revolted to see a cat with no hair, but the ones that have them as pets will love them.
Wonder if the ink change will help my Conklin Duragraph. 🤨
Depends on the issue. Have you flushed nib? Flossed nib?
Thank you, Chris.
How do you increase the size of the ink channels? I've had problems with all of my Chinese pens with inkflow.
Very few of my Chinese pens have an ink flow issue, as you see in my videos. Your experience is not typical. I use a feeler gauge, start thin & work up. See - th-cam.com/video/8SujWdoxV-4/w-d-xo.html
Hi Chris! I am a big fan! I'm maybe almost 3 months into the FP world, I have fallen deeply in love! I have a TWSBI Vac700r, originally with a M nib, gradually I've been polishing and sanding it down smaller and smaller into the shape I'm looking for, like a fine stub.
BUT
I was wondering if you'd do mini/short video on a Bock Titanium nib (Medium, if you got it!) inside the 700r. I'm uber curious of the titanium feedback and nib in general... not so interested in how it flexes much, I do LOTS of writing, some days I just write all day!
If you don't want to do a video, what do you think of the idea of titanium as a writing nib? What does the feedback feel like to you?
Again, I'm a big fan! I love seeing you express your passion for the art!
lots of love
-mike
I do not have a medium Bock titan nib. Here I show the fine one writing - th-cam.com/video/Mu-3pgKNAro/w-d-xo.html
I also have a EF & a #5 broad. These are soft wet nibs. The broad is very wet. th-cam.com/video/siJJgbfahNs/w-d-xo.html. I would steer you to a F vs M for mare dramatic line variation.
@@chrisrap52 I feel like I just interacted with a major celebrity! Haha, thank you Chris, your videos are SO informational and very well made, cheers from beautiful Olympic Peninsula!
Chelpark Matte Vintage FP No - 6 Eyedropper (Students Fountain Pen)80s-90s Black look at what I just found, only 2 left on ebay. Have you heard this story?
I think you're right, the small ink chamber probably dries out when the pen is stored over a period of time. In my opinion, as long as you don't spend most of your time inside an aiplane, the shut-off valve is nothing but a cool sales pitch. I have a few of the recent vacuum-fillers from China, and the first thing I do is removing the seal that shuts off the insupply. To secure an even ink distribution through the entire barrel, I also grind off some material from the barrel-side of the section. This has been very successful, large ink capasity, no drying up, hard starts. If I decide to become an airline pilot, I will have to buy some new, unaltered, pens, but I like living on the egde, so this works fine with me.
You are correct. I am reluctant to permanently modify pens. I try to use them as designed. I will change nibs as the original can be easily put back.
Chris a question - I have the same pen and have recently noticed that overnight or within two days of simply laying on my desk the pen appears to burp out some ink from the nib and the end of the section and the pen cap have droplets of ink. I clean it off and clean out the cap and within two days it is there again. I keep the end cap closed to seal the barrel and ink supply from the section. Any thoughts on the possible issue? I will also note this did not happen until fairly recently and the pen is almost empty on ink.
Thanks Richard
Need to store pen nib up. Also when ink is low there is more air in the barrel which can push out ink when it warms & expands. I have not had any burping with my pen.
Hola. Entre está pluma y la moonman T5 cuál elegirías?
Prefiero el Moonman T5, como la construcción y el diseño mejor.
@@chrisrap52 mil gracias por la información Chrisrap52.
Thanks for talking about the feed. I've always felt it was an important but mostly ignored part of the fountain pen. I do wonder how and what the design of the fins actually do since there's such a huge difference between modern feeds and the much simpler design of vintage feeds. Seems like the vintage feeds can supply a greater amount of ink to those highly desirable flex nibs.
Great revisit, thanks. I've had similar issues with flow issues/drying out on a 3013 so it is interesting that this model potentially has similar problems. One thing I've never found out is how far I need to back off the rear end cap to release the flow. It has exhibited similar problems in that pen whether just released half a turn, all the way off its threads or seemingly anywhere in between. I'm presuming it only needs to be lifted a few millimetres though.
Yes, a few turns releases ink flow.
Well done again Chris. I have several of these pens including a fine and medium 14k nib both of which are really great writers, as well as a few of the new piston version of the 699. However, I've had two pens have cracking issues (a clear one cracked at the section and a grey one crack at both the section and the barrel) that developed after several weeks of just sitting in my pen cup with infrequent use, rendering them useless as ink leaks when gripping the sections to write. Obviously you've not had that experience or you would have mentioned it, but I wonder if you've heard of this problem with the plastic from anyone else or if this may just be an anomaly (and bad luck). Still, I really do love the model and one is always in my bag as a daily writer.
These are pens made with injection molded plastic. That process can induce stress in the parts which could cause cracking. Slight changes can produce a stable part or one that cracks. Others had cracking issues.
@@chrisrap52 Makes sense. I'm more and more a fan of the turned resins (of the PenBBS variety). Thanks for the reply.
Thank you, Chris. I wonder did you modify the feed and removed the blank within the ink channel, I've never seen that on a feed before.
Stay safe my Friend.
No, I am happy with the flow with the KWZ ink. Wanted to try that before modifying feed.
Helpful review as always :) Thanks Chris! I wonder, if you had to decide between the WingSung 699 and the Kaigelu 356, which would you pick for more pleasurable writing experience? I know they're quite different pens but I've told myself I'm only allowed one this month haha.
I'm pretty sure that notch on the feed is for the nib to sit in. And the fins shouldn't touch the ink channel, they're for air to go in the pen. If air couldn't get in, the ink couldn't get out.
you may have something, if it were blocking the channel no ink would pass on to the nib and feed. Hmmm!
@@gpamanuel9798 the notch doesn't block the flow
Maybe limits flow as channel is not consistent from end to end.
That nub on the feed is to index the nib to the notch in it.
I had bad luck with the cap threads. Otherwise great pen.
1. You really don't need to close the valve unless you're traveling.
2. I watched this for a specific reason--I just ordered a 699--and you really should redub it. The constant misnaming was very confusing and sloppy.
Pen doesn't look right to me with blind cap open. Can you clarify, what is the misnaming? What should the name be?
I gave the 699 a go, twice. Both the clear and amber models that I purchased developed cracks in the barrel with fairly regular gentle use. Obviously this happens with other brands too (TWSBI, some pilots) but doesn't seem to be quite such an issue....for this reason alone I cannot recommend the 699.
Sorry to hear you had issues. Fortunately not all 699s crack.
@@chrisrap52 I probably have just been unlucky, but I think it is a problem with this model, as it is with the pilot 823. I haven't had any problems with the 3013, which seems to be sturdier.
These are pens made with injection molded plastic. That process can induce stress in the parts which could cause cracking. Slight changes can produce a stable part or one that cracks.
@@chrisrap52 Indeed.
Since few days I write with a 699 and despite the fact that to me is the best 'fake "F"' that I have ever used, is annoying their too much wet writing (with my usual ink : PARKER Quink 'Blue Black')
Too wet is very subjective. Is your nib a F or M? Is it wetter than the M nib? th-cam.com/video/58RzJT8PDT4/w-d-xo.html
hey Chris, on wednesday I was watching Vanness on IG. She has a product which encourages dry inks to flow better, here is the link vanness1938.com/collections/all-accessories/products/vanness-white-lightning-ink-additive. Of course mileage may differ.
Interesting. I've heard drop of dish detergent will improve flow. This also has a preservative.
@@chrisrap52 ah yea, forgot about that one. Need to try. TY. Great vids!
When you leavfe a pen inked up for more than two months, it's a user problem every last time. (It's a very silly thing to do, and against the advice of every pen company and pen expert out there. For good reason. It's just ridiculous, lazy, and irresponsible.
As for the feeds, they're both cheap, junky feeds that use cheap, junky, plastic, not resin, PLASTIC, and they're put on cheap junky Chinese pens bought by people who just love giving money to a regime than is one of the most evil on the planet. All to save a few bucks on cheap, piece of crap fountain pens that they know nothing about.
Thanks for your opinions. Talk about your experience. How much do you spend on your fountain pens? Links to your reviews?