German Mid-Century Semi-Flex Pens: The Best Option For Artists

[@davelindomusic2207]

Just picked up a Pelikan 400nn with an ef nib based on this video and I’m in love with it. Thanks

[@mkompan]

You’re welcome! That’s a great pen, one of my vintage favorites.

[@tommasosantojanni]

Beautiful incipit music 🙏🏻

[@khk5723]

As always, well made and reliable German quality: built to last. I love Pelikan pens, I own both the m800 and the m1000, fabulous writers. Hopefully one day I will get a vintage one to try out. Nice video!

[@mkompan]

Thanks! The manufacturing standards on these vintage student and mid-range pens is remarkably high, and their state of preservation is terrific. Well worth the price.

[@JoeJoe-pf3ej]

Thank you for the information, I’ve been looking for a good vintage pen. Love your channel and your artwork

[@mkompan]

Thank you! It’s nice to know my efforts are appreciated.

[@gabemadorma2933]

Hit the nail on the head, I’d love to get my hands on a semi flex pelican. For my money I choose to use small Moore lever fill pens, which have some brilliant flex nibs for as low as 30$ on eBay if you’re lucky. The issue is of course the ink capacity.

[@mkompan]

Thanks Gabe. I’ll have to look into those Moore lever fillers.

[@ichirofakename]

More good info, thanks. I will glance around at 140's.

[@mkompan]

Good choice! They're everywhere, work brilliantly, and can be acquired for a very good price.

[@nicolasjoly1755]

I have also checked "Geha" german pens which are less known than Pelikan and very similar but may be as flexy and cheaper

[@mkompan]

I have my eye on a few Gehas on Ebay. Their school pens have a great reputation and I'm looking forward to trying them.

[@pilatusk2]

Thank you for good information

[@mkompan]

My pleasure.

[@thuntz29]

I still need to get a Pelikan 400NN in my collection :) they are just lovely pens…

[@mkompan]

It's a lovely pen with just the right amount of fanciness. Any fancier and I would be afraid to use it. :)

[@jy2592]

I personally find some later MB models like 22 also a pleasure to draw with, not as flexible as a Pelikan 140 or MB 344 but the feedback and springiness is wonderful. In case you want to venture out to vintage Japanese pens, vintage pilot #10 (before 1993, mostly only has jis badge with out the "10" number engraved on them) and vintage #5 (mostly pilot 67) are also wonderful.

[@mkompan]

Thank you for the recommendations. Japanese vintage is unexplored territory for me, and I’m excited to look into it.

[@szaggasd]

I know I speak against my best interset, but people need to check out Geha pens, In my humble opinon, they are better than anything in each category from student\schulfuller pens to mid range. I can't speak top of the line from th50's cause I don't have extensive experience, but lower tiers, MB is beaten every way by Geha. Best flex too,and almost all of their nibs are flexy

[@mkompan]

Geha pens have been on my radar for some time, but I haven’t bought any yet. It’s actually in our interest to make sure they’re better known. It might make them more expensive, but will create more financial incentive to have them restored, making more of them available.

[@szaggasd]

@@mkompan Wonderful pens, superb gold nibs, still cheap, get one before they are gone

[@szaggasd]

I have another secret, a pen you don't have to baby around with a killer feature I never met before, from 1946 AURORA 88, modern sized piston filler pen around MB146 size, vintage flex with a semi hooded nib that keep you at bay before you could overextend the tinges, very sturdy construction, very repairable and maintainable, no stepdown on the body and the metal cap posts perfectly to make it even longer if you need. But the best thing about it is by turning a little ebonite part in the feed, you can regulate the ink flow to your heart's content. There are many for sale, very affordable and won't ever be a collector's desired item sinnce the friction fit cap scratches up both the section (for sealing when capped) and the celluloid body and with the faded ebonite the metal cap and celluoid body makes it look like it was assembled from three different pen's parts. Take a look and have fun, Thanks again for your insightful videos @@mkompan

[@mkompan]

@@szaggasd thank you for the hint! I just purchased a Geha, based on your prompt, and will look into the Aurora 88.

[@emu314159]

Don't sleep on the Ibis, 1949-54. Nice flex nib (perhaps it would be semi-flex.)

[@mkompan]

The Ibis is on my radar! I recently bought a vintage Kaweco sport v16. A very nice piston filler with a semi-flex gold nib.

[@atelierthhun1165]

Interesting models to look out for. However as I suspect using document ink in these vintage models would not be wise, or risking losing them en plein air, I hope to avoid more rash expenditure, even though I am tempted. ( Alas, I rarely encounter new kit I don't like.) I'll stick with your economical flex recommendations for now unless, of course, I am ambushed by a bargain....

[@mkompan]

I think a high quality document ink will be fine in these pens, so long as they get flushed once in a while. These pens are right at the edge of where I would not risk taking them out, but everyone's comfort zone is different, and those cheaper option work also work quite well. And it's best to avoid being rash with vintage pens. The prices fluctuate wildly, and if you sit back and watch the auctions, you'll eventually run into a ridiculous bargain.