Interesting video. I have enjoyed my Montblanc 149 since I bought it in 1984. I am a professional writer - a photojournalist by trade and by nature, and I chose the 149 after decades of writing with fountain pens. I grew up with Parker and Waterman pens, chose a Lamy 2000 to write my Masters thesis in 1967, and discovered the Montblanc 149 “Diplomat” in the early 1980s. I spent a few years debating whether the pen was worth the hefty price... it was a big purchase for me at that stage in life, but I have never regretted my decision. There are a few points that one must be aware of to derive the most satisfaction from the 149. The pen is intended to be used with the cap posted - it has ideal balance in that configuration. The pen should be used with Montblanc ink - many other inks have chemicals that will damage the piston and other components. In general, you should use German inks in German pens - Lamy inks work well in the MB. When filling the pen, you have to expel five drops of ink to equalize the pressure in the barrel - if you do not do this, the pen will leak and the nib will be too “wet”. Not a great idea to fly with this pen in your pocket - just too large an ink reservoir to risk the changes in pressure during the flight - leakage would be expected, and it is too expensive a pen to subject to the security searches - too great a risk of loss or damage. When cleaning, flush the 149 with room temperature water - repeat until the water expelled is clear. DO NOT attempt to service or dismantle the 149 yourself. Unless you are an expert and have the proper tools, you will likely damage the pen, and reduce its value. It is not a good idea to let others “try out” your 149. The pen responds to a very gentle hand pressure - this is the key to hours of effortless writing. People who have never used a fine writing instrument will attack the paper as if they are using a disposable ballpoint - you can almost hear a fountain pen cringe when a Bic user assaults the paper... it takes quite some time for the fountain pen nib to adapt to your writing style - but only a few words in the hands of an uninitiated novice could cause significant damage. I don’t let anyone use my 149 - but I often give friends and family members a Lamy Safari so they can learn how to write with a fountain pen. If the grip on the Lamy Safari is uncomfortable for your friends, give them a Twsbi 580 - it is a very cool and relatively inexpensive entry to the world of fountain pens. All in all, my 149 has been in a regular rotation of “every day carry” pens for 36 years, and my children are well aware of how much the pen means to me - so I expect it will be a treasured heirloom long after I have written my final words of wisdom...
@@jimmyjones5310 over the years, I have had the pen serviced two or three times - decades apart. I only use Montblanc ink, the pen is never “dry”, and I have never had a problem. Greasing the piston has not been required - probably because of the quality of the ink.
Using only Montblanc ink in their pens is just marketing talk so you buy more of their stuff. I use inks from other manufacturers in my Monty all the time and it has never caused any problems.
Thank you, man. Just got myself one today, after two years using Lamy Safari EF, F fountain pens. My 149 is M nib so, I'm still adapting and adjusting. I consider myself a newbie actually, so your comment really helped me now! Thanks for all those tips!
Not considering the price, the MB's are excellent pens, well engineered and very well constructed. I own several different MB's, a Homo Sapiens, and many other cheaper pens as well as vintage pens. When I pull out the 149, I just marvel at the way it is constructed and the nib performance. Just love using it. Regarding the "precious resin" there is an excellent article on a blog called penecononomics that goes in depth on this topic, really interesting read..... In the end it looks like that the issue is really about people trying to put down the brand....
I am satisfied with my 149 despite any shortcomings it may have. Mine was $NZ1490. I had to travel to the Montblanc boutique in Queen Street Auckland to buy it.
I've been enjoying your videos. This is my favorite pen, not because of the hype but somewhat in spite of it. Like you, I prefer the easy grip of a thick pen, and to me the 149 has just the right amount of flex, and a great smoothness. (I should say that I use my FPs for cartooning.) Unfortunately it is a pain to clean -- all that twisting back-and-forth of that slippery cone to flush it. The other downside of course is the price, which is out of control -- I paid about $280 for mine, back in the day, and it was worth every cent of that. Pens should be both useful and fun, more like fine tools than jewelry. Thanks for the great videos.
So many innuendoes could be made about the references to that pen. I almost bought the mont blanc but ended up buying a Visconti Homo Sapiens Bronze Age Maxi (they seriously couldn't make that name shorter?) I just couldn't buy into the hype for one I guess. The reason mainly, in Australia they were both around the $1500 mark, one is made from plastic and has a gold nib, the other is made from platinum lined pyroclastic basalt with a palladium nib...... It was an easy choice, but one day I would like to get the Mozart or Chopin meisterschtuck....maybe. Great Video, and shined one big flaw in that shiny resin pen that I bet no one else really considers.
Use a 5ml medical/chemical plastic vial (goulet use them to put sample inks)to fill it with ink. My KoP nib should be a weeee bit bigger than 149 and those vials works like a charm so i use them as an external ink reservoir haha.
Excellent video.. thanks.. I have a 146 that got a 14K gold nib with a bit of flex/bounce. Whereas my Boheme with a 18K gold nib is almost like a nail.. So my assumption that the bounciness of a nib with more gold will be more went for a toss..Both the pens write wonderfully well .. with just enough feedback reminding us that we are writing with fountain pens.
+Sreekanth Thumrugoti typically gold will be softer than steel but once you get into gold it will depend on the construction of the nib itself for sure. I am using a MB 147 right now (same physical shape as a 146) and I love it👍🏻
Wow, that Montblanc sure is a big one. Great review, I won't have to wring my little hands over not having that kind of pen dough. But I do love a Pilot Metropolitans, like Goldie Locks said "it's just right".
Thanks for the video! Personally I could never understand Montblancs or people wanting one- for me a good fountain pen is a friend that can go anywhere and write anywhere, I'd take Platinums and Kawecos instead any day of the week.
+thebookhling you're welcome! The Platinum 3776 is my fave pen still. I can see the appeal, it's like anything I suppose, people want the name brand stuff. I wouldn't justify the price for myself but I do like it
There's also the question of the pen size for the Homo Sapiens (maybe George meant this!?) being oversize/maxi or midi. Also, these have different fill mechanisms. Like size differences for this 149 and the 146 for the MB.
Thank you for the informative video review on the Teavena tea and the 149. I recently procured a1985-era 149 in a trade, so this review was timely. I am learning about various teas, so thanks for the tip. One suggestion on your presentation of the tea is to slow down and show an image of the tea brand. - in the proper container - so I can write it down. You were showing us an orange container of a different brand of tea, which threw me off. I had to stop your video and go to Amazon and start searching. But I do enjoy your videos and always learn something.
Over about 40 years, I have bought six MB pens, including four 149 Meisterstücks. All the big boys leaked. My favourite, with a broad 18k nib, just leaked on my bed... I hadn't used this one for several months, took it out of a drawer and removed it from its MB black plastic case, leaving the case on my bed. Mistake! Now there's a nasty roundish stain about 2" in diameter, which has soaked through several layers almost down to the mattress. I've discussed historical leakage problems with the retail shop and directly with MB who denied that their pens leak. I've taken great care in filling per instructions, but still the pens leak. And many years ago I learned not to carry them in my pocket on flights! Two of my Meisterstücks I had engraved with my name and examined by MB, but still they leak. I won't be buying more. Yes, I do love the heft of these pens, but must add that my more humble Parker 51s have never leaked. Warm regards to all: happy writing! ~~~
You've had bad luck lol I've bought my first one new in 1950, and buy one every year or so to collect special editions if there are any. None have leaked, non have been worked on. My first one still is a workhorse when signing contracts, looks rough but all original.
Thanks for the video Kerry interesting tea sounds awesome I doubt ill ever be able to afford a MB and being honest they are not really my thing I think id much rather have a Pelikan 1000 or maybe an 800
+matthew Beddow I'd like to add a Pelikan 800 or 1000 to my collection as well, but I am glad I got a chance to try the MB149, of I ever came across a crazy good deal I'd definitely buy it though because regular price is beyond my means!
It's that price tag and inability to clean easily that I still have no desire to own a MB. Plus I have small Hobbit hands haha. I do like bigger pens despite the fact I have small hands. I think at that price point, I could have 2 pens that I realllly want vs a 149. BUT I still love the MB inks :D Thanks for the video.
The new ones. In 82 I bought a w123 with all the bells and whistles it could have. I still drive it daily at almost over a million miles with original trans and motor. After 14 years of owning it I realized it was gonna become a good old friend for life and didn't trade it in. More so true now looking at what mercedes is today, no longer over built, no longer truly engineered to the tiniest bolt. Next month I'm giving it a ground up restoration but keeping the motor and trans, a facelift you could say.
The real Montblanc classic and arguably the most iconic pen ever in my opinion is the 146; as much as I like the looks of the 149 it is just "too much". The 146 is reasonably sized while still being a full size pen and a lot more comfortable to hold and to use, especially the vintage ones.
My EF (that was never an EF) has gotta go in for some nib work., It’s writing like rubbish at the moment. Am tempted to just pay their horrendous fee and get a new and broader nib put on it. Like go medium or even broad for some fun. I’ve had this as a non-EF (😂) for years so I’m ready for a change now. Great video, nice tea! 😀👍🏻
Thanks for the video. BTW during your description of the barrel you said it's plastic?! Come on!! It's a made with precious resin not plastic dear. I hope you will fix it with some notes. :) Thanks again for your effort and I like the tea. :D
S&Tguy Even with the tool, its not an easy task. For starters, when you put it back together, you will need the special glue (a sort of sealant) to put it all together again. I have pulled a couple of 146 apart ( they are identical to the 149 in construction, but the parts are not interchangeable) and in the end it was a waste of time, as the pens did not need anything done to them. One great thing about Montblancs is that the company will repair a pen for a fixed fee (I think around 75 usd) even if it means replacing everything except the nib.
For those, like me, who will never afford an MB, I thoroughly recommend the Jinhao 159. It's a straight up copy of the MB 149's dimensions. Feels truly wonderful in the hand. However, keep in mind the nib performance of the Jinhao maybe a little patchy, and it's a straight up cartridge or converter pen. Despite those riders, I love the Jinhao. Would still love a real MB 149 though...
that is one obscenely large pen, a nice pen but no plastic pen is worth $1000. if it was made of some precious metal (and not "precious resin"), I could imagine entertaining the thought of paying that kinda money but straight up plastic for $1000, no thank you.
+wagsbass It is certainly very expensive! Most people I know will wait until it's on sale for around $700 or less, but I would suggest trying it before buying for sure!! If you think this is big, just wait until my review comes up of the Delta Dolce Vita oversize😝 It's even bigger.
It depends on the size of your hands as well. I have large hands. So the MontBlanc M149 and Pelikan M1000 are very comfortable for me. But The Montblack M146 and Pelikan M800 are just about as small as I'm willing to go.
I disagree, a pen's price reflects whatever one is willing to pay and I think the price is appropriate. Besides, the 149 routinely sells new at secondary vendors for $700US.
Interesting video.
I have enjoyed my Montblanc 149 since I bought it in 1984.
I am a professional writer - a photojournalist by trade and by nature, and I chose the 149 after decades of writing with fountain pens. I grew up with Parker and Waterman pens, chose a Lamy 2000 to write my Masters thesis in 1967, and discovered the Montblanc 149 “Diplomat” in the early 1980s.
I spent a few years debating whether the pen was worth the hefty price... it was a big purchase for me at that stage in life, but I have never regretted my decision.
There are a few points that one must be aware of to derive the most satisfaction from the 149.
The pen is intended to be used with the cap posted - it has ideal balance in that configuration.
The pen should be used with Montblanc ink - many other inks have chemicals that will damage the piston and other components. In general, you should use German inks in German pens - Lamy inks work well in the MB.
When filling the pen, you have to expel five drops of ink to equalize the pressure in the barrel - if you do not do this, the pen will leak and the nib will be too “wet”.
Not a great idea to fly with this pen in your pocket - just too large an ink reservoir to risk the changes in pressure during the flight - leakage would be expected, and it is too expensive a pen to subject to the security searches - too great a risk of loss or damage.
When cleaning, flush the 149 with room temperature water - repeat until the water expelled is clear.
DO NOT attempt to service or dismantle the 149 yourself. Unless you are an expert and have the proper tools, you will likely damage the pen, and reduce its value.
It is not a good idea to let others “try out” your 149. The pen responds to a very gentle hand pressure - this is the key to hours of effortless writing. People who have never used a fine writing instrument will attack the paper as if they are using a disposable ballpoint - you can almost hear a fountain pen cringe when a Bic user assaults the paper... it takes quite some time for the fountain pen nib to adapt to your writing style - but only a few words in the hands of an uninitiated novice could cause significant damage.
I don’t let anyone use my 149 - but I often give friends and family members a Lamy Safari so they can learn how to write with a fountain pen.
If the grip on the Lamy Safari is uncomfortable for your friends, give them a Twsbi 580 - it is a very cool and relatively inexpensive entry to the world of fountain pens.
All in all, my 149 has been in a regular rotation of “every day carry” pens for 36 years, and my children are well aware of how much the pen means to me - so I expect it will be a treasured heirloom long after I have written my final words of wisdom...
Thanks Norm good advice. Any issues with not being able to access the piston to do maintenance (greasing the piston as she mentioned)?
@@jimmyjones5310 over the years, I have had the pen serviced two or three times - decades apart. I only use Montblanc ink, the pen is never “dry”, and I have never had a problem. Greasing the piston has not been required - probably because of the quality of the ink.
Using only Montblanc ink in their pens is just marketing talk so you buy more of their stuff. I use inks from other manufacturers in my Monty all the time and it has never caused any problems.
Thank you, man. Just got myself one today, after two years using Lamy Safari EF, F fountain pens. My 149 is M nib so, I'm still adapting and adjusting. I consider myself a newbie actually, so your comment really helped me now! Thanks for all those tips!
Hello norm,
What is the nib size
I just got a second hand one, I love it!
The MB 149 fills very well from the Visconti Traveling Ink Well. A great way to handle the end of bottles.
Not considering the price, the MB's are excellent pens, well engineered and very well constructed. I own several different MB's, a Homo Sapiens, and many other cheaper pens as well as vintage pens. When I pull out the 149, I just marvel at the way it is constructed and the nib performance. Just love using it. Regarding the "precious resin" there is an excellent article on a blog called penecononomics that goes in depth on this topic, really interesting read..... In the end it looks like that the issue is really about people trying to put down the brand....
I am satisfied with my 149 despite any shortcomings it may have. Mine was $NZ1490. I had to travel to the Montblanc boutique in Queen Street Auckland to buy it.
Nice video. Been watching your newer videos and have collected a few 146 size MBs now. Glad I didn't bother with a 149.
Keri, does the fine nib on this pen write more like a standard western medium? I heard they run large? Thanks!
I've been enjoying your videos. This is my favorite pen, not because of the hype but somewhat in spite of it. Like you, I prefer the easy grip of a thick pen, and to me the 149 has just the right amount of flex, and a great smoothness. (I should say that I use my FPs for cartooning.) Unfortunately it is a pain to clean -- all that twisting back-and-forth of that slippery cone to flush it. The other downside of course is the price, which is out of control -- I paid about $280 for mine, back in the day, and it was worth every cent of that. Pens should be both useful and fun, more like fine tools than jewelry. Thanks for the great videos.
So many innuendoes could be made about the references to that pen.
I almost bought the mont blanc but ended up buying a Visconti Homo Sapiens Bronze Age Maxi (they seriously couldn't make that name shorter?)
I just couldn't buy into the hype for one I guess.
The reason mainly, in Australia they were both around the $1500 mark, one is made from plastic and has a gold nib, the other is made from platinum lined pyroclastic basalt with a palladium nib......
It was an easy choice, but one day I would like to get the Mozart or Chopin meisterschtuck....maybe.
Great Video, and shined one big flaw in that shiny resin pen that I bet no one else really considers.
Use a 5ml medical/chemical plastic vial (goulet use them to put sample inks)to fill it with ink. My KoP nib should be a weeee bit bigger than 149 and those vials works like a charm so i use them as an external ink reservoir haha.
Excellent video.. thanks.. I have a 146 that got a 14K gold nib with a bit of flex/bounce. Whereas my Boheme with a 18K gold nib is almost like a nail.. So my assumption that the bounciness of a nib with more gold will be more went for a toss..Both the pens write wonderfully well .. with just enough feedback reminding us that we are writing with fountain pens.
+Sreekanth Thumrugoti typically gold will be softer than steel but once you get into gold it will depend on the construction of the nib itself for sure. I am using a MB 147 right now (same physical shape as a 146) and I love it👍🏻
"That's definitely a big nib, and I really really like that." That's what she said!
Wow, that Montblanc sure is a big one. Great review, I won't have to wring my little hands over not having that kind of pen dough. But I do love a Pilot Metropolitans, like Goldie Locks said "it's just right".
I own a 145. Big size difference.
First video to really show size. How big really is. Monster pen.
Are you from the MidWest?
Thanks for the video! Personally I could never understand Montblancs or people wanting one- for me a good fountain pen is a friend that can go anywhere and write anywhere, I'd take Platinums and Kawecos instead any day of the week.
+thebookhling you're welcome! The Platinum 3776 is my fave pen still. I can see the appeal, it's like anything I suppose, people want the name brand stuff. I wouldn't justify the price for myself but I do like it
Keri, would you actually buy this pen yourself? Do you recommend it if one has large hands?
Pilot Iroshizuku ink bottle works.
Wow, 212 degrees is some hot water! ;-)
One for the ages.
Have you bought the Visconti homosapians if not what size are you getting
+George Little I haven't yet, I plan on grabbing the EF nib👍🏻
There's also the question of the pen size for the Homo Sapiens (maybe George meant this!?) being oversize/maxi or midi. Also, these have different fill mechanisms. Like size differences for this 149 and the 146 for the MB.
Thank you for the informative video review on the Teavena tea and the 149. I recently procured a1985-era 149 in a trade, so this review was timely. I am learning about various teas, so thanks for the tip. One suggestion on your presentation of the tea is to slow down and show an image of the tea brand. - in the proper container - so I can write it down. You were showing us an orange container of a different brand of tea, which threw me off. I had to stop your video and go to Amazon and start searching. But I do enjoy your videos and always learn something.
Over about 40 years, I have bought six MB pens, including four 149 Meisterstücks. All the big boys leaked. My favourite, with a broad 18k nib, just leaked on my bed... I hadn't used this one for several months, took it out of a drawer and removed it from its MB black plastic case, leaving the case on my bed. Mistake! Now there's a nasty roundish stain about 2" in diameter, which has soaked through several layers almost down to the mattress.
I've discussed historical leakage problems with the retail shop and directly with MB who denied that their pens leak. I've taken great care in filling per instructions, but still the pens leak. And many years ago I learned not to carry them in my pocket on flights!
Two of my Meisterstücks I had engraved with my name and examined by MB, but still they leak. I won't be buying more. Yes, I do love the heft of these pens, but must add that my more humble Parker 51s have never leaked. Warm regards to all: happy writing! ~~~
You've had bad luck lol I've bought my first one new in 1950, and buy one every year or so to collect special editions if there are any. None have leaked, non have been worked on. My first one still is a workhorse when signing contracts, looks rough but all original.
Thanks for the video Kerry interesting tea sounds awesome I doubt ill ever be able to afford a MB and being honest they are not really my thing I think id much rather have a Pelikan 1000 or maybe an 800
The Pelikan M1000 is a great writer. The nib is springy and offers a nice line variation.
+matthew Beddow I'd like to add a Pelikan 800 or 1000 to my collection as well, but I am glad I got a chance to try the MB149, of I ever came across a crazy good deal I'd definitely buy it though because regular price is beyond my means!
+MrPleers I've been looking into the M1000, still a good ways away from pulling the trigger though. I've got other pens on my hit list first 😂
My grail pen.
It's that price tag and inability to clean easily that I still have no desire to own a MB. Plus I have small Hobbit hands haha. I do like bigger pens despite the fact I have small hands. I think at that price point, I could have 2 pens that I realllly want vs a 149. BUT I still love the MB inks :D Thanks for the video.
+Angel Allis Hobbit hands 😂 that's good! I think I would prefer the 146 over the 149 because it is a bit smaller. The inks are gorgeous 😍
Who is Nick? Seeing the shape and size of this pen, was this perhaps a Freudian slip?
Thank you for the review. After watching your video, I absolutely will not get the 149 🤣😂. I agree that I prefer something easier to clean.
Jee, unscrew the nib section and clean as much as you need. Then screw it back in. 10 min, its done.
I would never NEVER put J. Herbin or Noodler's in that pen.
Man, that's like owning a Mercedes Benz. They practically weld the hood shut at the factory.
The new ones. In 82 I bought a w123 with all the bells and whistles it could have. I still drive it daily at almost over a million miles with original trans and motor. After 14 years of owning it I realized it was gonna become a good old friend for life and didn't trade it in. More so true now looking at what mercedes is today, no longer over built, no longer truly engineered to the tiniest bolt. Next month I'm giving it a ground up restoration but keeping the motor and trans, a facelift you could say.
Awesome video as always ;-)
+Jordz Van 6299 Thanks!
The real Montblanc classic and arguably the most iconic pen ever in my opinion is the 146; as much as I like the looks of the 149 it is just "too much". The 146 is reasonably sized while still being a full size pen and a lot more comfortable to hold and to use, especially the vintage ones.
My EF (that was never an EF) has gotta go in for some nib work., It’s writing like rubbish at the moment. Am tempted to just pay their horrendous fee and get a new and broader nib put on it. Like go medium or even broad for some fun. I’ve had this as a non-EF (😂) for years so I’m ready for a change now. Great video, nice tea! 😀👍🏻
The Rolex of the pen world.
LoL about you inhaling your tea.
Thanks for the video. BTW during your description of the barrel you said it's plastic?! Come on!! It's a made with precious resin not plastic dear. I hope you will fix it with some notes. :) Thanks again for your effort and I like the tea. :D
Resin is plastic, its a fancier version of it, but at the end of the day it is plastic. Thanks for watching :)
What’s so precious about plastic? FMD
go Canada!!!!!
+Leonardo sh 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
Why make a pen that You can not take apart and clean. I mean this is a $1000.00 pen. Please just sell the tool with the pen for that price.
+S&Tguy I really wish they'd sell the tool too!!!
At $1K for a pen, you get quality and status - not practicality. More like luxury goods. You can't even get it into many ink bottles!
S&Tguy Even with the tool, its not an easy task. For starters, when you put it back together, you will need the special glue (a sort of sealant) to put it all together again. I have pulled a couple of 146 apart ( they are identical to the 149 in construction, but the parts are not interchangeable) and in the end it was a waste of time, as the pens did not need anything done to them. One great thing about Montblancs is that the company will repair a pen for a fixed fee (I think around 75 usd) even if it means replacing everything except the nib.
For those, like me, who will never afford an MB, I thoroughly recommend the Jinhao 159. It's a straight up copy of the MB 149's dimensions. Feels truly wonderful in the hand. However, keep in mind the nib performance of the Jinhao maybe a little patchy, and it's a straight up cartridge or converter pen. Despite those riders, I love the Jinhao. Would still love a real MB 149 though...
that is one obscenely large pen, a nice pen but no plastic pen is worth $1000. if it was made of some precious metal (and not "precious resin"), I could imagine entertaining the thought of paying that kinda money but straight up plastic for $1000, no thank you.
+wagsbass It is certainly very expensive! Most people I know will wait until it's on sale for around $700 or less, but I would suggest trying it before buying for sure!! If you think this is big, just wait until my review comes up of the Delta Dolce Vita oversize😝 It's even bigger.
It depends on the size of your hands as well. I have large hands. So the MontBlanc M149 and Pelikan M1000 are very comfortable for me. But The Montblack M146 and Pelikan M800 are just about as small as I'm willing to go.
I disagree, a pen's price reflects whatever one is willing to pay and I think the price is appropriate. Besides, the 149 routinely sells new at secondary vendors for $700US.