Fountain pen filling systems

An overview of the most common filling mechanisms for fountain oens, both new and vintage.

[@chi-towncalifornia5916]

While I love a well-integrated piston filling system like the Lamy 2000’s, I cannot dispute the practicality and reliability of the tried and true cartridge converter system. As I primarily buy Japanese fountain pens, cartridge filling systems are largely the only game in town. A couple exceptions would include my Pilot Custom Heritage 92, and a Sailor Realo, but Japanese piston fillers are few and far in between.

[@wittwittwer1043]

Edison Pens offers (or used to offer) a bulb filler. The bulb filler is essentially an eye dropper that is built into the pen. I have most of the filling types, but I prefer the cartridge/converter (CC) style because they are so easy to clean. Also, with CC fillers, I don't dip the nib; I fill the CC outside the pen with a syringe, then re-insert the CC into the pen & continue to write.

[@paulll47]

A lot of people kinda turn their nose up at cartridge/converter pens but frankly? It's the best system out there, easy to clean, maintenance borderline absent (might have to grease the piston of the converter if you bother but I've never seen anybody do that) and convenience of use while traveling, the only thing better I can think of are Japanese eyedroppers but those are expensive and often unwieldly (the only compact option I know is the Opus 88 mini).

[@twms7654]

Yh, the cartridge convertor is the easiest and most versatile filling system. However, I think people turn their nose up when it comes to higher price points, expecting a more advanced filling system.

[@bowtiern8292]

I just hate the proprietary converters that don’t allow international

[@twms7654]

I don't mind if they offer greater capacity, though it does annoy me when they're not included with a pen purchase above the price of £20ish.

[@angelus_solus]

I can't stand them because they dry out faster than an internal piston. I didn't use my Safari for a few weeks and an almost full converter of ink was just gone. Whereas my Diamond 580 ALR has never suffered that problem.

[@inclinedplane0192]

It is annoying when that happens! Usually I can just half-fill the converter with water, and the dried ink inside the converter will reconstitute and write quite well. Hope that tip helps someone.

[@davidnygard1817]

I have several Parker 61's which are capillary fillers. If you never change the ink, the capillary fill is super easy and clean. They are a bear to clean if you must change inks. The Parker 61 was an upgrade from their 51 so the nibs are super writers.

[@twms7654]

I will definitely have to check one out, thanks!

[@ForTheLoveOfPens]

Nice video! I did a similar overview not too long ago. One of my favorites is the Bulk Filler. It’s a bit complicated to use, but essentially works like a draw filler with a rod that detaches from the seal. What you’re left with is something similar to a Japanese eyedropper (aka Opus 88) but with a seal locked into the back of the pen.

[@twms7654]

That's very cool! What pen was it on? And have you a link to your video?

[@ForTheLoveOfPens]

@@twms7654 It’s on the Conid Bulkfiller (which I think has been discontinued) and the PenBBS 355. Maybe a few others as well. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmPWk5KbYtFnbKMsi=nAfv569njtQL10xv

[@graceMASTER777]

Thanks for such a relaxing review that was informative. I surely got to see a lot that I wasn't aware of untill now.

[@twms7654]

I am most pleased you gleaned something from it!:)

[@bowtiern8292]

I’m new to fountain pens but I’ve seen a snorkel as well. I’m guessing they don’t have them anymore

[@twms7654]

No, the snorkel was phased out yonks ago, but they carried on with the 'touchdown' filling system for a while. However, I just restored a snorkel today, and I can see why they phased it out as it is unnecessarily complicated. Though, don't let that dissuade you from getting one as they are great pens once up and running!