2022 MaJohn P136 Piston Filler Unboxing and Review
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- čas přidán 22. 07. 2024
- Is the new MaJohn/Moonman P136 a knock-off of the Montblanc 146? It is certainly very similar. But there are some differences. I unbox it, talk about the parts and features of the pen, provide some size comparisons and measurements, and then do a writing sample. After the writing sample, I talk about what I like and what I don't like about the pen. Please feel free to use the chapters provided below to skip to various parts of the review.
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Chapters:
00:00 Start
00:17 Introduction
01:56 Unboxing
05:02 Parts and Features
11:14 Disassembly
17:55 Size Comparisons
19:11 Measurements
19:26 Writing Sample
22:50 Nib Swap
24:46 Likes and Dislikes
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CAUTION: The following video has an unusually high VHQ (video humor quotient). Viewers are advised to refrain from consuming carbonated beverages while watching. Any liquid spewing out of your nose is YOUR responsibility. - Jak na to + styl
being a fountain pen user for over sixty years i have finally found an honest,down to earth youtube channel that tells it like it is. please keep up the great work. tyrell santee
Thank you so much, grammyhall53!
Welcome. Great combo of information and sarcasm. This guy used to be a teacher. His students were in the presence of a legend. They just didn’t know it yet.
X159 will be my pick. Love the simplicity of a cartridge converter and the bigger size for my hand. Great review Mr. DR
I just received my MaJohn P136 Red with XF nib in the mail today. I ordered a wrench with it, but it seems to be to thick for this pen, However, I was able to grab one of the notches on the piston ring fitting ring and loosing it enough to pull out the piston assembly. However, when I tried to use the wrench to remove the nib, I cracked the barrel and a piece of the barrel flew away, I was able to recover the very small piece and super glued it back onto the barrel. I ordered a larger 1.1 nib to replace the XF nib, still waiting for it to arrive on the slow boat. Going to fill the pen with Diamine Oxblood ink. I just wanted to thank you for the excellent videos you produce, they have helped me out a lot!
Thank you so much, Chris! Sorry to hear about the break!
My Majohn P136’s finally arrived after the cancellation of my initial order and I absolutely love them. I also bought the separate medium, 1.1 stub, Jowo and Bock nib units. The EF nib I had was awful (an absolute nail) and the F was pretty scratchy but the medium and 1.1 stub were super smooth. The tool also works on my Montblanc 146 so I can finally remove the nib unit to give it a proper clean. The Kaigelou Flame Eastern Calligraphy nib works like a dream with the burgundy model and is definitely preferable to the EF nib. FYI the tool also unscrews the Visconti Homo Sapiens nib unit. Happy pen days.
Great 411 about the wrench and the HS!
I've been waiting for your review before hitting the buy button. I'm glad you did this so soon. I'm not a big poster type person anyway so I'm not too concerned with that. Thanks again for your reviews, they help me a bunch on deciding on if I want one or not.
Glad I could help!
Thanks for the review Doug! A pleasure to watch as usual - keep up the great work!
Thanks, will do!
I know that this review is a year old, so here are some updates.
First, the pen does post now, but since there are many in the supply pipeline, it’s a crap shoot if your pen will be new or old. I ordered 2 last month from amazon- one posts and one doesn’t.
The pen is now available in EF, F, M, and 1.1 stub. Replacement nib units (with housing) are about 6 usd each.
Finally the review is here. Thanks for the video!!!
No problem!
As usual on spot Prof. Doug. Thank you!
Very welcome
Great job Prof. Doug. Great review. Thanks
Very welcome
How refreshing to see a pen reviewer with good handwriting
Thank you Tim. That is much appreciated!
My late mother had the best handwriting ever. She used to use a Parker 51 for the longest time. I learned to write on natural slate with chalk, then with natural stone kinda pen, lol, then with pencil on paper, again fountain pen on paper and finally ballpoint pen on paper. My mother could write perfect cursive.
This comment is severely under rated😂😂😂
Hi Doug, this pen is actually available with EF, F, M and 1.1 stub on Taobao, but the M and 1.1 are just not in stock yet. However they are available as separate nib units and I don’t see why they won’t be available in the pen soon. Also the piston mechanism was just designed and took a purported good 1 year+ to refine.
1.1?? Ooooooooo
I received my p136 in fine yesterday. I also received the 1.1 & m nibs from aliexpress. I was waiting for the tool to swap the nibs.
After watching this review, I have now swapped them without the tool.
How is the 1.1? The cost is reasonable for it but I know I like the Kaigelu Doug used for about the same money.
@@mlsmal The 1.1 is sold as an additional nib. It writes a bit wide for a 1.1.
As usual, I thoroughly enjoyed the your pen review. Looking forward to tomorrow’s Pen Resurrection. 👍👍👍(wow, 3 thumbs up - my highest rating) 😎
Awesome!
The first batch of the wrench sold out very quickly, which I think even Majohn didn't expect that. I have to wait for more than two months for the wrench on stock again. I think they have increased the order quantiry for the wrench and you will get your soon. By the way, since you don't have the wrench, you do not have a change to take off the nib unit yet. Majohn has made a significant improvement with this P136 model. It offers four nib colars as optin, that each fits their own new design No. 6 nib, with standard No. 6 nib, with Bock No. 6 nib and feed, and with No. 6 JoWo nib and feed. It is a huge advantage for oversea users who might have old nibs that with a damage body.
Thank you Doug another great review
Very welcome
Gracias a su video y sus excelentes explicaciones no he dudado ni un momento en pedir una pluma estilográfica MOON MAN P136.
Muchas gracias amigo , siga así con sus explicaciones.
¡Muchas gracias!
After watching your review(and others) I bought one from Aliexpress. The one that I received was exactly what you said in the review The M nib it comes with was very smooth and wet. The piston works great. Only the cap did not post securely but, as I pushed the cap with a little force it slides in and posts. Still it is not perfect but certainly very usable. The posted length was 16.2cm. I don't know the posted length of MB146.
Thanks for sharing
If this pen posted I would have seriously considered getting it. It seems like a lazy oversight.
I recently got the old Jinhao X159, wish I got the updated version that requires less turns to open and comes in burgundy.
Keep the funny clips coming 😂
Now that they’ve come out with more nib options, I’d love to see some 2-tone options and gold colored trim.
I'm loving the #8 nib on the x159. I have to admit this is very tempting.
Thank you for the thorough review of the P136. I would like to mention that on mine, I indeed can post the cap; however, it requires pushing a bit to secure the cap. Once on, the cap stays posted firmly. My uneducated guess is that the slight imperfection in fit & finish between the body and the piston knob block the threads in the cap from fitting smoothly and evenly around the surface of the body. I believe I am pushing the first couple threads over that step between body and knob, which then secures the cap. However, I am aware that the friction of this action will eventually create some wear and tear on the edge of the body over which the cap/threads fit. I use this as a daily writer, though, and do not mind if it accrues some wear and tear.
I can twist the cap on to those first few threads as well but it never stays put for long and you are damaging the plastic threads.
I love how the pen is recurrently referred to as "mad John" in the automatic subtitles :-D Very informative and entertaining review as usual, professor!
Thanks! 😃
Thanks for the hints on nib-swapping. I've stumbled recently, trying to do so.
After your demonstration, I tried again. Jinhao and Kaigelu nibs seemed to friction-fit with too much friction, and took some unjamming. I found that I had one Jinao nib with the dimple on its base, that seems to work. A tentative "Whew!" The ribs of the feed bend easily, though!
I'd tried a (M) Moon Man nib that had a feed and housing, but it was too long. I guess there are more MaJohn formats than one. I wonder how many.
This pen and your commenters have whetted my appetite, and led me to order the Asvine P20 (M), too. Thanks, viewers who mention stuff!
And thank you again, Doug, for your wonderful content. It leaves me contented. 😊
I got a P20 too!
@@InkquiringMinds I got my P20 in today and based on initial inspection I am IMPRESSED, I haven't inked it yet but the piston mech is SOLID and loupe inspection of the nib looks promising. very much looking forward to your review on it.
@@Draxl2309 Wonderful! Can’t wait for mine!
Excellent video! Thanks!
Thanks so much!
I was hugely interested in this pen. The fact that it does not post is a big no-go for me. Thanks for the review though Doug!
My pleasure!
Enjoyed the video, specially the Nib swap. Hope they listen to you on making a Piston filled M800. I'm only missing the Green in my collection and I would be all over it like ink ... on ... fingers.😁😉
I was just informed by a couple of viewed that Asvine has made an M800/Momento Zero style piston filler called the P20. I just snagged one on AliExpress.
I like that Majohn is selling a variety of nib units with this pen. Huge value prop (
We'll, I broke down and bought another Chinese pen. I haven't been terribly impressed with the four Pen BBS pens I own, or the three Jinhaos, or the one vintage Hero (though it's the best of the bunch). Maybe this Majohn will show me the error of my way. So why this one? Swappable nibs, removable brass piston housing, and an available 1.1mm stub. So I bought the pen, tool, stub nib unit, and the set of JOWO-sized nib collars. We'll see how I like everything when it shows up next year.
Also, that kind of wrench is called a pin spanner, because it has two pins that span around both sides of the object to be turned. Wrench is just a generic name for anything that forcefully turns something else.
"Pinspanner" I like it!
Hey Doug they have medium and 1.1 stub nib units I got both with my order and the tool, but the montblanc tool will also fit these and vise versa! There are differences in the nib units and the tool vs montblanc, its the design of notches they fit but ever so slight different shape!
Also the thread pitch they will interchange but seem again ever so slight different pitch! But WOW WHAT A PEN THESE ARE!!! The size of the moon man cap is slightly longer than the Montblanc all other measures are almost identical or are so measuring with my calipers.
Thanks for your videos really like and enjoy them!! THANK YOU
This is excellent information, Glenn. Thank you! I dont' have an MG146 to measure, so knowing they are that close in dimension confirms my supposition.
I am glad I waited for reviews on that one. I doubted it’s size and expected 146 from other MB clones on Ali. I’ll stick to X159 for now…. X159 piston filler would be something else indeed :)
I have the X159 in black but wished I'd waited for the burgundy version. Suppose I'll just have to order the burgundy and give away the black one. I've never had a lot of luck with Moonman pens but I find the P136 attractive. I don't usually post my pens so that's not a problem. It's just the nib that I find disappointing. I might give this one a miss. Thanks for the in depth review.
I don't think I've liked a single Moonman nib. I've always swapped them out.
Hi Doug, great review as always! I have a fake MB146 that I bought from AliExpress to compare it with my gen one, and it seems that the P136 is the same pen with only a few small changes. I don't have the P136, but it seems that: 1) both do not post (the MB146 posts beautifully); 2) the feed is the same in both (similar to the MB feed) and different from the previous feeds Moonman used in their pens; 3) the piston is brass and looks identical (I'm not sure); 4) the nib is also different from Moonman's previous offering; 5) ink windows are identical. As I mentioned in a comment on Doodlebud's channel, this is perhaps the legit alternative to the counterfeit MB146 available on Chinese websites :)
I'm impressed by MaJohn's piston but not by the obvious posting flaw.
Daniel, I've got 2 of those fakes and they have different cap liners. One posts the other doesn't. Look at the 'P' in Pic on the band. It is the same 'P' as on the P136 band. I also have a fake 147 cartridge filler sold as a "MB 14 9" with a monotone nib which I like more and it is a great writer. Who knows, but I do believe Moonman is making these fakes.
Danilo - sorry about your name. Damn autocorrect.
I’ve just bought a Resin Piston Wing Sung 629. The Majohn is good but you have a look at the Wing. I compared it to the MB 146 and apart from the snow cap and the section which has a brass ring at the nib end.it writes very well too.
czcams.com/video/XyOnhT-v5kM/video.html
Lovely review for the pen, but the Jinhao x156 is still more alluring. Not posting properly is something I can't live with. But that's just me.
I agree.
@@InkquiringMinds It's a shame, because it something that could be easily fixed if they had bothered to get hold of one, or even look how others solved the same issue. I mean, they even got the section threading down to one turn, but then put in an own goal with the posting.
@@BigHenFor Just like Rosanna Rosanna Danna used to say "It's always something!"
Interesting, thank you!
My pleasure!
Okay, a full 2 seconds there before I got, "Man with hand in pocket..."
LOL!
Hello. It was as usual an informative pen. I do have a (sorry) slightly off topic question. Can you use a Dip Pen cleaner on a Fountain Pen?
I wouldn’t!
Yo tengo la x159 en color Burgundi, azul y negro. Siendo una excelente pluma, tengo que admitir que es un poco gruesa para escrituras de largos períodos de tiempo. Noto que esta es algo más delgada y creo que voy a optar por comprar una de ellas en ese color que Usted muestra en esta revisión, que me parece supremamente elegante.
Pero después de terminar de ver el video, encuentro muy validas sus observaciones y esperaré un tiempo. Ojalá y los señores productores encuentren interesantes sus recomendaciones y las apliquen.
Cordial saludo
¡Muchas gracias!
Awesome. Thank you so much Doug. I will buy 2. I have no. 6 Jinhao medium nibs. Do you think that they will fit on the P136?
No. The x159 has a #8 size nib and feed.
They’re Jinhao’s no. 6 for the X750, not no. 8 for the x159.
Buenas noches, Doug. Gracias por tu reseña. Compré una p136 y estoy francamente satisfecho. La construcción es decente, y tiene un tamaño suficiente, la m146 no la uso posteada, por tanto no lo echo de menos, pero si, eso quizás sea un defecto de construcción. La ventana es correcta, el pistón también. Como bien dices me gustaría aumentar el flujo para que sea más húmeda. Crees que será suficiente con la uña o necesitaremos alguna herramienta? Gracias y un afectuoso saludo.
---
Good evening, Doug. Thanks for your review. I bought a p136 and I'm frankly satisfied. The construction is decent, and has a sufficient size, the m146 does not use it posted, so I do not miss it, but yes, that may be a construction defect. The window is correct, the piston too. As you say I would like to increase the flow to make it wetter. Do you think it will be enough with the nail or will we need some tool? Thank you and a warm greeting
Either pressing (carefully) down on the nib or using a brass shim will increase the flow for the nib.
This is a very tempting combination.
Much better than the original nib!
Good, Doug. Another thorough review. I'm going to pass on it for the reasons you mention - nib and not posting. If Majohn is making the effort to imitate a famous pen model then try to get the details right. I'm not sure if they are content to just make imitations or if they have the innovative ability to do variations like wingsung or penbbs. But then the A1 is their masterpiece of imitation, IMO.
Good call!
"The cap tapers down to the barrel which bulges slightly in the middle, like Confucius I think..."😂
Thanks for the review, Doug. I have not inked my P136, yet, but I expect it to perform as you have demonstrated.
My big question is whether it performs better, the same or worse than the Wing Sung 629. I have high expectations for the P136.
Do you have a preference?
I like the WS 629 better. It posts nicely.
@@InkquiringMinds Thanks for your thoughts and opinion. I really like the WS 629. I thought this would be the same but lightning didn't strike twice. But, I am going to give it a chance and see. Maybe it may be a better example. There is no consistency, is there?
@@paulmchugh1430 wouldn’t life be boring!
@@InkquiringMinds It is all about the hunt, at times.
I bought a green one with the wrench it still hasnt said its been shipped yet Ill have to keep waiting it said by the 15th of this month it should be here for review but who knows with the way things are going it doesnt look like thats gonna happen ... I am excited to see if I can use my flex nibs in it :) Take Care Talk Soon
Well, Montblanc is a Sheaffer body with a Pelikan type piston, so... Copy of design is common in the pen world. From the beginning.
I have yet to get a Majohn. This does tempt me, however. Thanks for sharing your views on it!
Great point!
@@InkquiringMinds Even my 1912 Mabie Todd looks like a Waterman's 12. Different feed design is really it. (Mabie Todd used an overfeed as well.)
Äh? Which Montblanc is an imitation of which Shaeffer fountain pen. Show me a link please. And which filling mechanism did Montblanc copy from Pelikan? Again, I would appreciate an example....
I'm wondering if one of the chinese pen companies will ever emulate the Waterman Carene. I think that would be interesting to see.
Doug, someone did put a piston in moonman m800 body - Asvine! Model P20! And it comes with a medium nib!
AWESOME! Thank you! I just snagged one!
@@InkquiringMinds Me too! A day ago I got an email from Leonardo that they updated their MGZ with an ink window and Asvine beat them to it! Though ink windows on both pens look different.
Ordered one as well. The colors looks so good, I may order a second.
@@MrBestBeatlesFan1 Yes. I saw the MZG with an ink window, BUT that is the Grande! I wanted just the Momento Zero with an ink window and here it is!
Happy Thanksgiving
Thanks Edward!
How does P136 compare to steel nib Wing Sung 629? They seem to be almost the same thing - piston filler MB146 copies.
I like the WS639 better. It posts very nicely.
3:02 the Google Translate mobile app can do "live translation" of stuff like this using your phone camera
Hi Doug. Today the Majohn P136 arrived in the Netherlands. And guess what? It posts well!
Wonderful!
@@InkquiringMinds I think Xi Jinping saw your review and ordered Majohn (Moonman) to fix it. Don't underestimate your influence Doug!
@@saarlooswolfhonden LOL
Mr. R. Did you determine that the Kaigelu nib was NOT too long for the cap?
It doesn't fit in the nib collar of the P136. The P136 nib has a notch that fits into a bump on the feed, so the Kaigelu nib won't even go in.
Thank you. No Kaigelu nib for me!@@InkquiringMinds
Hello! Can you tell the p136 pen cap closed, how long time it can be keep in wet for nib ?
Never had a problem yet.
@@InkquiringMinds thank you !
I actually went looking for the video this am. Not YTs fault - it seems it was only up for 24 seconds - I assume the notifications take longer :P That is fandom I assume?
Hi Doug, why are you using gloves during nib hot swap? Should've been proud with inky fingers! Haha! Nice video as always!
When you're doing this a LOT during the day, hands get pretty tired of being scrubbed clean. I wouldn't make a great doctor!
1 2 4 8 who do we apprechiate. MooooooJohn! Go Mahjong!!
Is Mary's Stationery Store in China? Just wondering as living in Greece, anything arriving out of the EU is taxed.
Yes. On Aliexpress.
i have been collecting fountain pens for close to 60 years ,i would have to set down and count them all but it would be over 200.how many do you have and how long have you been collecting them. tyrell santee
I currently have about 170 fountain pens. I’ve been writing with fountain pens since I was 14, but only collecting since I’ve been producing CZcams videos, so about 3 years.
Hello. Could you leave, here in the comments, the link to the store where you bought that fountain pen...please!! I can't find it... Thank you.
www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004692894320.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.0.0.7bad18020RFfPB
@@InkquiringMinds Thank you very much....keep up the awesome work!!!
My Majohn manual has English on the other side.
Yes it does. The diagrams are really easy to follow though.
@@InkquiringMinds I ordered some extra nibs & some spare nib assemblies to put in some calligraphy nibs. Expect it to be a great nib holder.
@@chrisrap52 I ordered a #15 Calligraphy with my Amber which has yet to arrive.
What is the ink you use in your introduction. I love it but need some help in finding it.
It is J Herbin Kyanite du Nepal.
@@InkquiringMinds thanks just joined
@@smp24298 Welcome aboard!
Mad John!
I was quite interested in this pen until the flaw of not posting was exposed, quite the disappointment, I hope it is something they can remedy with a small update and a v2 release, as its a deal breaker for me. I am, however, still interested in the nib units for this particular pen, as I am quite the fan of very fine writing nibs. Does anyone happen to know what the difference is between the 2 distinctions of nibs Majohn has created for the P136? They have I believe 8 different nibs for this pen Standard No. 6 in EF, F, M, and 1.1 Stub and 4 nibs called "35" in EF and F in silver and 2 tone, all are stainless steel. I'm curious what the difference between the standard number 6 and the Number 6-35, if anyone knows!
This fine nib is very fine indeed at 0.3mm.
@@InkquiringMinds I'm curious what the EF actually is if the F is that slim. I actually just got my Pelikan M805 back from Mike Masuyama he ground my EF down to I'd say around a .28-.3 making it easily my favorite pen by a wide margin.
I would tentatively suggest that "standard #6" might be for western JoWo type of nibs/feeds and the 35 number six refers to Mahjohn's own 35mm nib offering. Chinese vs Western #6s basically? Your guess is as good as mine though. I know the Chinese nib units for HongDian pens that have #6 size nibs are usually listed as #32 by the sellers, so that provides some hint what is going on in the nomenclature.
Tool to unscrew the nib unit? Thanks for demoing the bypass. As for resemblances to fancy pens, all I can say is, hrmph,
hrmph, hrmph. Great fun per usual, Doug. Cheers!
FPR stubs and broads with this will be interesting
Would it post without the ring and / or what about grinding the ring down a bit?
The ring doesn't actually protrude from the body of the pen, so there's nothing to grind down.
@@InkquiringMinds Supposedly newer pens post better - not sure how they are different.
Do you think you would damage the threads by pushing too hard on the cap trying to post.
@@dak6802 It is possible. That ring definitely sits on those threads. Even with a great deal of pressure, it doesn't stay put.
@@InkquiringMinds Thanks for the input. It's 12:40AM here - are you on the west coast of Canada?
This pen arrived today (14/09/2023). I do not share your enthusiasm. The diameter of the grip is comfortable; but the pen is too light and short. I have a much bigger hand than yours and need this pen to be posted which gives it a manageable length; as you say the posting is very disappointing. I managed to get a 1.1mm nib, which writes nicely. But I will be using my TWSBI 580AL..
Great video Doug as always.I agree with you about the two minor problems of not posting securely & having 2 choices of nib on initial purchase at this price you should not be paying for a bigger size nib,I got a grey one & at the moment it as Earl Grey in it,as soon as it runs out i will swap the nib to a long knife.It looks as though Asvine as joined the piston filling group with their P20 on esybuy.Looks suspiciously like a Leonardo to me😬
Thanks for sharing! I just snagged a P20!
What colour Doug?
@@edwardwiper1323 What they called "purple red"... the deep blue.
I’m glad I read this comment, just got a purple in fine and an ocean blue in medium!
@@InkquiringMinds Exactly same colour I’ve ordered.
I’m glad that Majohn is improving it’s manufacturing capabilities. However, this pen does not interest me, especially because of the F/EF limitation. Nice video, nonetheless, Doug.
Thanks, Oscar Medina!
Now we have medium and stub nibs too
This or wing sung 629?😊
A tough choice. They are both great. My 629 is 14k which makes it worth more but my P136 has a Kaigelu long blade which I like better!
no posting again !
Did anybody else pick up on the swipe at Lamy on the box: Design. Made in China?
You're so splendid. I am going to have to upgrade my brand of coffee.
LOL! To help stay awake during my videos??
@@InkquiringMinds I feel uncomfortable watching a three-star Michelin fountain pen review on Saturday morning while drinking a cup of crappy old beans. I need to up my game.
too bad that jinhao doesn't make a piston and vacuum fill. . . . .
Do you realize that I’m not a Canadian engineer. I have to save this video if I decide to buy one of your many Chinese pens. I’ve purchased a few cause you make a good case. But I’m not a Canadian or Chinese engineer.. Please simplify.
Interesting, but I am collecting my shekels so I can buy the real Monte Blanc. My family is looking at me funny ever since I took up the fountain pen hobby as to why I haven't a Monte Blanc yet. But having said that, my real interest is in Japanese Urushi/Makie/Raden pens, which leave me spread a bit thin and in an even longer wait. Those are pricy. Yikes! Anyway, I am torn. Enjoy your MaJohn. At least it won't break the bank or leave you pen-less -or is that penniless? Haha.
Robyn Hilton
If you like it you should want to keep the ring on it, o o oh...
LOL!
I still really like you reviews, except this review. Too complex.