Opus 88 Fountain Pens take their unique filling system and design from Japanese eyedroppers. We often get questions about the use of these pens, and we are always here to answer them! This week, we’ve compiled a short video showing How To Use an Opus 88 Fountain Pen. Since it’s only a minute long, it is not all-comprehensive. Below the video we’ve included a more detailed Q&A section.

How To Use an Opus 88 Fountain Pen

Q: Are Opus 88 Fountain Pens Piston Fillers?
A: Although they may look like piston fillers, they are not. Opus 88 Fountain Pens fill using an eyedropper. The knob at the end is in fact a shut-off valve that controls the air flow in the pen. For more detailed instructions of the filling process, see our How To Fill an Opus 88 Fountain Pen Guide.

Q: How do I use the “Shut-Off Valve”?
A: The knob at the end of the barrel is a shut-off valve that is used to control air flow. While the valve is closed (screwed shut), the air flow is shut off, which means ink will not flow easily. There will still be ink in the feed, so you will be able to write, but eventually the feed will run dry and your pen will stop writing. While the valve is open (unscrewed), air is allowed to flow, which means ink will flow freely. With the valve open, ink will to travel from the barrel to the feed and from the feed to the nib.

Q: What is this rod in the middle of the barrel?
A: That rod is connected to the shut-off valve, and is used to “prime” the feed. When there is a clog, or dried ink, in the feed, opening the shut-off valve may not be enough to allow ink to flow. After opening the shut-off valve, you can extend the rod. Pushing the rod back in creates pressure that will force ink from the barrel out of the feed. Do note, that this can get messy.

Q: My pen starts writing fine, but develops hard starts and skipping after a while.
A: For long sessions of writing, make sure that the shut-off valve is open. This will allow ink to flow from the barrel to the feed.

Q: Can I fly with an Opus 88 Fountain Pen?
A: Yes! Make sure that the shut-off valve is closed, and place the pen in a plastic bag if you are concerned. With the valve closed, there is no air flow, which will keep ink from leaking during the flight.

Q: What size nib is on my Opus 88 Fountain Pen?
A: All Opus 88 Fountain Pens (with the exception of the Opus 88 Demonstrator) come with a #5 size nib. The Opus 88 Demonstrator comes with a #6 size nib.

Q: Can I swap nibs on an Opus 88 Fountain Pen?
A: Yes! You can swap any #5 nib onto any of the Opus 88 Fountain Pens, except for the Opus 88 Demonstrator. You can swap any #6 nib onto the Opus 88 Demonstrator. We offer other replacement fountain pen nibs or you can use one that you may already have.

Q: What is this rubber ring (O-Ring) behind the nib unit?
A: Opus 88 Fountain Pens come with two o-rings. One o-ring is around the grip section where the barrel screws onto the grip. This provides an air-tight seal and prevent ink from leaking out. There is also an o-ring inside the grip section behind the nib unit. This further seals the pen, and prevents leaking from the nib unit. DO NOT LOSE this o-ring while cleaning the pen, or swapping nibs on the pen as this WILL affect the performance. Contact us if you have any questions concerning the o-ring.

Q: I’ve heard that Eyedropper pens are prone to leaking. Will my Opus 88 Fountain Pen leak?
A: Although some Eyedropper pens can leak, Opus 88 Fountain Pens are built to be air-tight. Thanks to the shut-off valve and the double o-ring system, you should not have any concerns with leaking.

Conclusion about How to Use an Opus 88

We hope this brief video as well as our Q&A have helped you better understand how to use the Opus 88 fountain pens. They are one of the best eye dropper pens on the market and we have received great praise from our customers about the pens. If you have not tried an eye dropper pen or have wanted to be sure you check out the Opus 88, we are confident you will not be disappointed.

As always fell free to leave us any comments or questions you have about the Opus 88 below.