Need help finding the right converter for my fountain pen.
Now That you guys have me hooked on fountain pens i need help finding a converter that will fit my brand new fountain pen.
I have the Retro 1951 Tornado Fountain pen and need a converter for it.
It did NOT come with a converter, which i thought was more a function of the fact that it was $32 than the fact that it is really hard to find a converter that will fit this pen. I did a google search but i just find people and places selling this pen than any real help.
I really need a converter for it because that is the only reason I got it was to use the fun colored Levenger inks. Yes this IS my first fountain pen (other than the Varsity disposbiles that i learned about from you guys). I could also use any other tips you have on the care and keeping a brand new fountain pen.
Thanks again.
k.
Google is your friend
Ask Retro 51 directly: Linkey-Pooh
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"I think the surest sign that there is intelligent life out there in the universe is that none of it has tried to contact us." (Calvin and Hobbes/Bill Waterson)
I thought I mentioned I tried google
I already called the maker... 3 times they don't make one, they don't know who does and they don't know how to go about getting a converter that works
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Levenger stole ALL of my money, but they left me all these nice, shiny organizational tools.
International end on the cartridges?
It's hard to tell from the photo on Retro's site, but it looks like the cartridges have an "international" end on them, which means that you may be able to pick up a box of Levenger carts for trying them out. Then get yourself a blunt-tipped syringe and refill the carts to your heart's content.
I also see on Paradise Pens that they say that Waterman carts fit the Tornado, so it's very possible that a Waterman converter will fit as well. The only problem I can imagine is that the barrel isn't long enough to accommodate it properly (as is the problem with one of my pens.) If you're dealing with an International end, though, a number of converters should fit.
Good luck!
Boy that seems like a lot of
Boy that seems like a lot of trouble. :( sadly I don't think I want any pen enough to start messing with syringes. Maybe I over shot it and should never have walked down this path.
I am thinking that maybe a return of the pen and to good old roller ball might be the way to go.
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Levenger stole ALL of my money, but they left me all these nice, shiny organizational tools.
Consider the possibility...
that there may not be a suitable converter.
One can refill cartridges.
Or one can move on to a true, refillable pen.
Just a suggestion.
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"I think the surest sign that there is intelligent life out there in the universe is that none of it has tried to contact us." (Calvin and Hobbes/Bill Waterson)
That would make me cranky.
That would make me cranky. I only got this pen because I was told that any fountain pen takes converters that will allow for the use of inks.
I don't mind returning it but I don't know if they would allow it. I mentioned to the sales person wanting something that would do that and they said that one would. Well that's what I get for believing them.
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Levenger stole ALL of my money, but they left me all these nice, shiny organizational tools.
Fountain Pen Network
As knowledgable as everyone here on diy is, you may still want to try your quesiton on:
FPN
If they don't have an answer, one doesn't exist.
LisaPT
I will try them as soon as I
I will try them as soon as I get home.
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Levenger stole ALL of my money, but they left me all these nice, shiny organizational tools.
Try Swisher Pens
Give Swisher Pens a call or look them up on the net. They have been very helpful in the past.
ok i feel really stupid....
I really am not this stupid but i cant figure out how to post there, i mean i have an account and everything. :o i also hate how you can only see one post at a time there.
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Levenger stole ALL of my money, but they left me all these nice, shiny organizational tools.
New Post button on FPN
To post on FPN, you have to be in a forum, then there should be a "New Post" button on the upper-right corner of the page.
As for the viewing only one post at a time - there is an option to change that to act more like you'd expect a forum to. It's not in the settings "My Controls" like you'd expect. Go to a message, click on "Options". Under "Display Modes" there is "Outline" - what you're looking at now, "Standard" - which looks like a regular forum, and "Linear+" - but I'm not sure what that does.
-Kenny
thanks guys, the pen needs to go back.
i spent all day working on this, and in the end it looks like this is harder to do than it should be so i am going to go ahead tommorrow and exchange the pen for something that does have an easy to get converter. this sucks because it will be more expensive but that is life. :( woe is me i have to buy a nice pen :) i say just count my blessings.
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Levenger stole ALL of my money, but they left me all these nice, shiny organizational tools.
Good luck!
I hope you find a pen you really like. (May I suggest a Lamy Safari?)
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Steff
[ blog | photos ]
i will look it up and
i will look it up and definitely consider it... now this one has a converter right? :)
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Levenger stole ALL of my money, but they left me all these nice, shiny organizational tools.
Yep.
There's a converter for it, and it's a really reliable pen. I love Lamys, and own a couple of them.
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Steff
[ blog | photos ]
Lamy's are great
The first non-disposable fountain pen I purchased was a Lamy Vista - pretty much a clear version of the Safari. They are one of Lamy's least expensive pens. The only downside is you have to buy the converter, which will set you back $5 or so.
Lamy also has a line of pens called the "Al-Star" which is slightly more expensive with an aluminum body instead of plastic.
I also just picked up a Lamy Accent this past weekend. I got the black pen with the aluminum grip. The nib is steel and it's black.
Both Lamy pens I have write very smoothly.
-Kenny
Try ebay?
I got a couple of really nice fountain pens on ebay just recently. I got a Sensa Meridian for $28 that I really really like. The plasmium grip (basically just gel filled) is extremely comfortable and it came with a converter. Of course there is shipping when you buy on ebay.
I also got a really beautiful Cross ATX (nice sleek, thinner shape) in a beautiful oceano blue color. This one is nice too. It was more expensive and did not come with a converter. (I should have asked before I bought).
I am on business in DC this week and made a side trip to the Levenger store in Tyson's Corner and got myself a bottle of Skies of Blue ink. Unfortunately I left the converter at home or I would doing exactly what you want to do.
Now that I have 2 good fountain pens, I was fretting over what to sotre/carry/keep them in so as to prevent scratching etc. I began trolling on ebay for a pen case. Now there's some money! Or it can be. I found a nylon make up brush roll up doo-hicky for $1.29 and am keeping them there until I find something better and less expensive than what I saw on ebay.
Good luck! I am in the same boat with wanting to use my converter and cool Levenger ink.
Steph
Pen cases
The cases are more expensive than the pens, practically. Well, more expensive than most of my pens, anyway. I may just get a little belt pouch to hang off my bag or something.
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Steff
[ blog | photos ]
yeah i have noticed that too
right now i dont have a pen case. it does suck.
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Levenger stole ALL of my money, but they left me all these nice, shiny organizational tools.
Retro Definitely no converter
I have one of these Tornado pens myself and I can further confirm that they don't take converters. It's rather misleading since they take international size cartridges but won't take any international size converters, and I've tried even smaller size converters, one that Montgrappa made, for example - and no dice. The pen writes nicely, so I tolerate this. I finally found an ad/description which makes note of the pen not taking converters at the Fountain Pen Hospital site.
I would second the suggestion of a Lamy Safari. Another option is look at the Pilot fountain pens you can find at jpens.com or jetpens.com, they're well made and great if, like me, you like fine nibs. Converters come with some, others sold separately - Pilot has proprietary converters.
yep the pen goes back.
thanks for solid confirmation.
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Levenger stole ALL of my money, but they left me all these nice, shiny organizational tools.
Glad you're not giving up on them
I'm sorry that your first experience had to be so rough. My first FP was a very inexpensive Shaeffer school pen, and a box of Skrip cartridges. it still writes like a champ after being neglected in a drawer for years and years. The advice on FPN about cleaning good me rehooked, and since then I've picked up other cheapo and disposables, and even managed to snag a Levenger True Writer when it was on a deep, deep discount ($10) Each has its own character, and I've found that even the worst of the bunch is far nicer to write with than a ballpoint!
Converters and refillables are nice for exactly the reason you cited -- being able to play with all the lovely inks out there, though you can't beat a cart for convenience, which is why some folks endorse refilling them as well. Once you get your fingertips covered in ink from refilling your converter, you'll see what I mean. ;-) Be careful, though, inks and pens can be very addictive, and you may find yourself spending all your hard-saved money from your DIY work on new writing toys...
i got a new pen.
i cant figure out how to use it but i like it and feel much better about it. its all about learning right.
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Levenger stole ALL of my money, but they left me all these nice, shiny organizational tools.
Congradulations
So what did you get? Details please: make, color, nib type, the type of box it came in, etc?
And take your time with it. The fountian pen experince is ment to be saviored. It is perfectly ok to spend a day or two just looking at it, but if you need help you know where we are...
LisaPT
Yes! what did you get?
I am also curious about what you chose. Where did you get it? Is it to be recommended?
Steph