I have two Koloros. I also bought a Jazz Holiday Pen. It's a beautiful pen. I found the section/grip to be too large for my skinny fingers, the pen too long, even unposted - my hand tired quickly. Much as I hated to do it, it had to be "re-homed". The Jazz in also just a little heavier. Love the Koloros. I would not have expected what seemed to be a small increase in girth or length to have made such a difference in my writing experience. Just a caution for those with skinny fingers. And old, but healthy, hands.
By unscrewing the end cap, you are allowing the free flow of ink (long writing sessions). By screwing down the end cap, the tip of he rod seals off the main ink reservoir from the secondary reservoir, which is great for shorter writing sessions or note taking. Also by shutting of the valve (screwing in the end cap), will prevent ink burp from atmospheric pressure. Great pens. I own 3 OMAR's and I recently purchased a Jazz with an extra fine flex nib.
I love my Opus 88s. I got onto the brand when artist Liz Steel got a Fantasia to review and I realized they would be perfect for travel/flying and not have to carry extra ink. I ordered one immediately and it arrived 2 days before I set off on a sketching trip to Spain-I was so happy. My love of travel, sketching, and fountain pens converges in a Japanese eyedropper or vacuum filler pen. I like my clear Demo a lot, too, and it looks gorgeous full of turquoise ink. Thanks for showing the Jazz. I wonder if I need that also. On another topic, since you mentioned the Atmospheric Cloudy Day, I could use a rundown on other inks to watercolor over besides the De Atramentis Document line or the SketchINKs. There are more obscure brands like Lennon Tool Bar that I never heard of since I’m not too far into inks (yet). That would make a very informative video for us fountain pen watercolorists.
There aren't many good permanent inks outside of De Atramentis, but I come upon one, like the Lennon Tool Bar, Atmospheric Cloudy Day, from time to time. I'll put a video that covers those on my list:)
Thank you SO MUCH for making this video!!! I heard about Opus 88 pens....and started "researching!!!* I am *thankful* that I found your video!!! I just subbed! Cheers!!!
Thank you for this video! I have been waffling on buying an Opus 88 Koloro, but it is only currenlty available in Broad. I am so thrilled to hear that Franklin Christoph #5 Nib Units fit! I am going to follow you lead and get a FC S.I.G. Medium #5 Nib Unit and buy the Koloro finally! Yours writes beautifully!
Thank you for this review!!! It was helpful seeing the smaller Opus 88 pens next to the larger ones. I didn't know that they were going to be stopping production on the smaller ones. I had been trying to make up my mind which way to go, but just got the Fantasia and Koloro before they sell out. Will likely get one of the larger ones down the road. I'm excited to try them! It's cool that you can use the Franklin Christoph nibs. Thanks again!
The Koloro (with the Ebonite accents) is still readily available, the Picnic can still be found online. The Flow and the Flora would be alternatives. For the larger pens the Jazz, Halo, and Bela are very comfortable pens. The Demonstrator design is a bit blocky for my taste. I keep coming back to re-watch or refer newbies to this video.
you're living my dream, i just discovered stubs and there's not a lot of sub 1mm ones, besides FC, and here you are with opus pens with my favorite nibs, since i didn't wanna shell out 200 bucks per FC pen and just wanted to buy the nibs separate
Great video 😊. I enjoy the video and the other video that you made -- Penlux Rainforrest. You love the Jazz unfortunately not available where i live. The model that is available is Omar in Latte and the Opus 88 Demo. Online purchase, unable to write and feel test it at the store. In your opinion which one your prefer. Omar or the squarish Demo. For your referrence I have an Estie Raven button filler. Love the size and the balance. Thanks for your input and opinion.
@@fjschnitzer1 I slightly prefer the Omar, but the nibs are the same (both Jowo nibs-which is the same brand as what is on the Estie), so it really comes down to your personal preference. Nibs are also very easy to swap out if you are unhappy with the nib you get.
@@MysteryArts Tq for your reply. Omar is cheaper at US$25 compared to the Demo. That's a bit of a chunks of change over here. Thanks for your input. I will get Omar then.
With regards to Bock nibs, it isn't older models - rather different models. The Bela and Flow use Bock #6 nibs, and are actually newer releases than the original Demo, Koloro, and Fantasia. I have an Omar and Jazz with Jowo, as well as a Bela with a Bock, and really enjoy using all of them. Opus 88 are a great value and all of the nibs I have used have been tuned perfectly, regardless of brand.
Nice collection. I think you'll like the Bela. It's rounded and large like the Omar, and has an awesome 2.3mm stub. Looking at your collection though, I don't know if you'll like the aesthetics, which I personally think is fantastic, especially the red.
@@MysteryArts Endless Pens has had the Bela on the HopOn sale a few times, but it's always sold out by the time I get there. You can also check out PenChalet and use the 10% discount code, if you find the price appealing.
OMG. That Architect nib 😍 I just bought the Fantasia in a Stub nib. I would love some info on a possible flex nib replacement I might find for it if you have any info at hand.
You can look at fpnibs.com. They have a few in house flex nib options that will fit the Fantasia (which I'm pretty sure accommodates a size 5 Jowo). They are in Spain, so shipping can be high, but the nib prices are reasonable. If you go that route, I recommend the semi-flex option--it is actually very flexible and it much easier to use than the full-flex option. Flexible nib factory also makes some housings for the regular drawing flex nibs, but I don't think they have any that will work for a size 5 housing.
Nice video, as a pen export. Do you think the jazz or the koro would be a good marathon writer? I have a nice 145 i think Montblanc fountain pen but need more ink capacity. Its as thin as the Montblanc roller ball pens, so i dont know if these will be too thick? I like these because the ink cap, can see the ink level and can change the nib. Would you recommend this as a 20 plus (front and back) daily pen to write with? Thnaks.
I think the Koloro might be a little more comfortable for long writing because it is not too thick. It has a size 5 nib, but also very swappable like the size 6.
I find that I gravitate to the picnics more than the others-it’s a good size (not too big and not too small) and, for some reason, I prefer the size 5 nib with the opus 88s. However, it also depends on the nib I’m looking for at the moment.
I got a Jazz in white/ivory. DO NOT get the non-demonstrater models. It's very disappointing. Ink got trapped in the thread between the ink window and the barrel, which are actually 2 pieces, after the first time I inked it. They are probably glued together but the glue did not fill the whole thread so some ink got in there. Pen wash, ultrasonic cleaner, soap water. Nothing worked. I'd say it's a design flaw, if not a defect that is not considered as a defect by the seller. They just said I used an ink that is too saturated or whatnot. If it is meant to be eye-drppered AND cleaned with pen wash+ultrasonic cleaner AND is stained. Something is wrong with it. btw, I used Robert Oster clear water rain which is just slightly sheeny 🙄.
All of these opus 88 original nibs were Jowo brand, which is a perfectly good nib brand. I just like to play around with different nibs because the screw out nib unit and eye dropper style allows for a lot of customization. For example, a lot of the flexible nib factory nib units will only work on non-converter pens like these, so it is a good way to explore.
Is there a reason you like Opus 88 pens with Franklin Christoph nibs on them better than Franklin Christoph pens with Franklin Christoph nibs on them? Thanks for the video!
Oh, I like Franklin Christoph pens just as much! What’s nice about the Opus 88 pens is the dropper fill system with the shut off valve. I find that with the valve open, ink flows much better to the nib than it does in cartridge converter pens. You can eye dropper Franklin Christoph pens too, but no shutoff valve. Most of these nibs are Franklin Christoph because they have a bunch of custom nibs that can be purchased separately from their pens and are great nibs. FC sold their last batch of size 5 Masuyama nibs individually (which is how I ended up with mine), but you normally can only get the custom ground nibs, other than SIG nibs, with a pen purchase.
That has not been my experience with the Jazz at all-it feels pretty solid and I’ve been using it for a while with no issues. If you somehow got a dud, you might want to return it.
Thank you for the review. Question- did you switch just the nib or the whole nib unit for the FC music nib? And if so will that unit fit any opus 88 with a #6 nib?
I switch the whole nib unit. It will work with any opus 88 that accommodates a Jowo #6 nib unit (there are a couple of opus 88 models that take Bock nib units, so as long as you don't have one of those, it will work).
@@MrCabimero no worries. There are a few other brands that take the FC nib units (which are essentially Jowo nib units)-some I’ve tried: Esterbrook Estie, Retro 51, many small handturned fountain pen makers (such as Woodshed Pen Co, Little Pen Designs, River City Pen Co, and many more), Schon DSGN, Gravitas, Ranga, and I’m sure there are more. It makes for lots of fun mix and matching possibilities for sure.
Needlepoint is much thinner than EF--it should allow you to make a hairline thin line. You can also write very small, but still have it be legible. It's good for sketching, but it's also good for those with small handwriting. This is sometimes called an "accountant's point."
@@MysteryArts thank you very much. Needlepoint nibs is what i am looking for. Do you have any recommendation of a pen or nib that i can buy with such a thin line?
@@michaelcorleone89 You can get any pen with an upgrade to a needlepoint custom grind at Franklin Christoph, which is my go-to for my needlepoint nibs. You can also try Platinum's 3776 model with an UEF (ultra extra fine)--you can usually find them on Amazon for a good price, but they are available at most pen shops. Most nibgrinders will custom grind one for you as well.
@@MysteryArts with FC I don’t know if the shipment in Europe makes it worth. I’d like to try but i don’t see any needlepoint nib available on Franklin Christoph website
@@michaelcorleone89 it’s only an option in the drop down nib selection when you buy a pen at FC. Sometimes they don’t offer them for pens with size 5 nibs, but I’ve always seen it offered for pens with a size 6 nib.
@@MysteryArts any chance you could check the section compatibility for me? It would be so helpful (I have a pen to repair/replace after my toddler broke it). Thanks
The screw in part of the nib unit will look a little different. I’ve found a website that did a good comparison with pictures here: newtonpens.wordpress.com/nibs/. You can also google your pen model to try to find out which one is on your pen, but looking at the nib unit to confirm is always a good idea. I think that Jowo nibs are becoming more common than bock now.
The feeds are also shaped a little different in the Bock nibs versus the Jowo. You can look at the plastic feed and it will be different in the two brands.
I have two Koloros. I also bought a Jazz Holiday Pen. It's a beautiful pen. I found the section/grip to be too large for my skinny fingers, the pen too long, even unposted - my hand tired quickly. Much as I hated to do it, it had to be "re-homed". The Jazz in also just a little heavier. Love the Koloros. I would not have expected what seemed to be a small increase in girth or length to have made such a difference in my writing experience. Just a caution for those with skinny fingers. And old, but healthy, hands.
By unscrewing the end cap, you are allowing the free flow of ink (long writing sessions). By screwing down the end cap, the tip of he rod seals off the main ink reservoir from the secondary reservoir, which is great for shorter writing sessions or note taking. Also by shutting of the valve (screwing in the end cap), will prevent ink burp from atmospheric pressure. Great pens. I own 3 OMAR's and I recently purchased a Jazz with an extra fine flex nib.
Thanks. This was a great overview of the Opus 88 line and the varied nibs was a wonderful bonus.
I love my Opus 88s. I got onto the brand when artist Liz Steel got a Fantasia to review and I realized they would be perfect for travel/flying and not have to carry extra ink. I ordered one immediately and it arrived 2 days before I set off on a sketching trip to Spain-I was so happy. My love of travel, sketching, and fountain pens converges in a Japanese eyedropper or vacuum filler pen. I like my clear Demo a lot, too, and it looks gorgeous full of turquoise ink. Thanks for showing the Jazz. I wonder if I need that also. On another topic, since you mentioned the Atmospheric Cloudy Day, I could use a rundown on other inks to watercolor over besides the De Atramentis Document line or the SketchINKs. There are more obscure brands like Lennon Tool Bar that I never heard of since I’m not too far into inks (yet). That would make a very informative video for us fountain pen watercolorists.
There aren't many good permanent inks outside of De Atramentis, but I come upon one, like the Lennon Tool Bar, Atmospheric Cloudy Day, from time to time. I'll put a video that covers those on my list:)
That Jazz is mighty fine. Too bad I have Barbie hands otherwise I might’ve gone that route.
Thank you SO MUCH for making this video!!! I heard about Opus 88 pens....and started "researching!!!* I am *thankful* that I found your video!!! I just subbed! Cheers!!!
I’m glad the video helped!
Thank you for such a thorough review!! I'd been considering an Opus 88 pen purchase & your video was extremely helpful!
Thank you for this video! I have been waffling on buying an Opus 88 Koloro, but it is only currenlty available in Broad. I am so thrilled to hear that Franklin Christoph #5 Nib Units fit! I am going to follow you lead and get a FC S.I.G. Medium #5 Nib Unit and buy the Koloro finally! Yours writes beautifully!
Great video, I need to explore those nib shops and get an architecture nib.
Thank you for this review!!! It was helpful seeing the smaller Opus 88 pens next to the larger ones. I didn't know that they were going to be stopping production on the smaller ones. I had been trying to make up my mind which way to go, but just got the Fantasia and Koloro before they sell out. Will likely get one of the larger ones down the road. I'm excited to try them! It's cool that you can use the Franklin Christoph nibs. Thanks again!
The Koloro (with the Ebonite accents) is still readily available, the Picnic can still be found online. The Flow and the Flora would be alternatives. For the larger pens the Jazz, Halo, and Bela are very comfortable pens. The Demonstrator design is a bit blocky for my taste.
I keep coming back to re-watch or refer newbies to this video.
great content here! Love the architect nib....writes beautifully!
Thanks for the detailed and comparative video. I am planning to get one Opus 88 next. 😁
They are great pens!
you're living my dream, i just discovered stubs and there's not a lot of sub 1mm ones, besides FC, and here you are with opus pens with my favorite nibs, since i didn't wanna shell out 200 bucks per FC pen and just wanted to buy the nibs separate
I’d love to know how the grip sections compare, which one is the widest?
Great video 😊. I enjoy the video and the other video that you made -- Penlux Rainforrest. You love the Jazz unfortunately not available where i live. The model that is available is Omar in Latte and the Opus 88 Demo. Online purchase, unable to write and feel test it at the store. In your opinion which one your prefer. Omar or the squarish Demo. For your referrence I have an Estie Raven button filler. Love the size and the balance. Thanks for your input and opinion.
@@fjschnitzer1 I slightly prefer the Omar, but the nibs are the same (both Jowo nibs-which is the same brand as what is on the Estie), so it really comes down to your personal preference. Nibs are also very easy to swap out if you are unhappy with the nib you get.
@@MysteryArts Tq for your reply. Omar is cheaper at US$25 compared to the Demo. That's a bit of a chunks of change over here. Thanks for your input. I will get Omar then.
With regards to Bock nibs, it isn't older models - rather different models. The Bela and Flow use Bock #6 nibs, and are actually newer releases than the original Demo, Koloro, and Fantasia. I have an Omar and Jazz with Jowo, as well as a Bela with a Bock, and really enjoy using all of them. Opus 88 are a great value and all of the nibs I have used have been tuned perfectly, regardless of brand.
Thanks for the info! I agree that they are great pens!
I think I'll get a Jazz eventually, but the Koloro is tempting too.
The Fantasia you have is called Terracotta (earth baked in italian), very fitting I think and sounds pretty aswell.
Nice collection. I think you'll like the Bela. It's rounded and large like the Omar, and has an awesome 2.3mm stub. Looking at your collection though, I don't know if you'll like the aesthetics, which I personally think is fantastic, especially the red.
I've eyed the Bela--I have been trying to focus on the more "subdued" Opus 88s, but if the right deal comes along, it will join my collection:)
@@MysteryArts Endless Pens has had the Bela on the HopOn sale a few times, but it's always sold out by the time I get there. You can also check out PenChalet and use the 10% discount code, if you find the price appealing.
OMG. That Architect nib 😍 I just bought the Fantasia in a Stub nib. I would love some info on a possible flex nib replacement I might find for it if you have any info at hand.
You can look at fpnibs.com. They have a few in house flex nib options that will fit the Fantasia (which I'm pretty sure accommodates a size 5 Jowo). They are in Spain, so shipping can be high, but the nib prices are reasonable. If you go that route, I recommend the semi-flex option--it is actually very flexible and it much easier to use than the full-flex option. Flexible nib factory also makes some housings for the regular drawing flex nibs, but I don't think they have any that will work for a size 5 housing.
Thank for the Review!!! Cheers from Argentina!!!
i wish they used the ebonite for the grip section. it helps to prevent slipping
The brown one reminds me of the best pen of all time, the Pilot Custom 823 :-)
Oh wow! I didn't know I needed this video
Yes but which is your favorite?? I have my eye on the Kolero since I prefer medium sized pens.
I think it’s the Jazz followed by the Koloro. The Koloro is very nice, but I give the Jazz the edge because of the size 6 nib.
@@MysteryArts Ah but the koloro is discontinued and I prefer a medium sized pen. I am really encouraged about how easy it is to swap out the nibs.
@@hannahskoonberg That is true, you may have a limited chance on the Koloro as they sell out. I don't think you will regret the Koloro.
Nice video, as a pen export. Do you think the jazz or the koro would be a good marathon writer? I have a nice 145 i think Montblanc fountain pen but need more ink capacity. Its as thin as the Montblanc roller ball pens, so i dont know if these will be too thick? I like these because the ink cap, can see the ink level and can change the nib. Would you recommend this as a 20 plus (front and back) daily pen to write with? Thnaks.
I think the Koloro might be a little more comfortable for long writing because it is not too thick. It has a size 5 nib, but also very swappable like the size 6.
I wish Opus 88 pens didn't require like 4 turns to uncap. Do the new Opera models have this same "issue"? I'm hoping they require less turns tbh
I haven’t tried the opera, so I don’t know.
Thanks for a great video that summarizes and explains the function and looks of each style.
Which Opus 88 is your favourite and why?
I find that I gravitate to the picnics more than the others-it’s a good size (not too big and not too small) and, for some reason, I prefer the size 5 nib with the opus 88s. However, it also depends on the nib I’m looking for at the moment.
I got a Jazz in white/ivory. DO NOT get the non-demonstrater models. It's very disappointing. Ink got trapped in the thread between the ink window and the barrel, which are actually 2 pieces, after the first time I inked it. They are probably glued together but the glue did not fill the whole thread so some ink got in there. Pen wash, ultrasonic cleaner, soap water. Nothing worked. I'd say it's a design flaw, if not a defect that is not considered as a defect by the seller. They just said I used an ink that is too saturated or whatnot. If it is meant to be eye-drppered AND cleaned with pen wash+ultrasonic cleaner AND is stained. Something is wrong with it.
btw, I used Robert Oster clear water rain which is just slightly sheeny 🙄.
Good to know. I don't have a Jazz and perhaps this is a reason not to get one.
Can I ask why you change the nibs? Are the opus nibs not that good?
All of these opus 88 original nibs were Jowo brand, which is a perfectly good nib brand. I just like to play around with different nibs because the screw out nib unit and eye dropper style allows for a lot of customization. For example, a lot of the flexible nib factory nib units will only work on non-converter pens like these, so it is a good way to explore.
@@MysteryArts thank you! I have been looking at an Opus 88 for a while!
Interesting, thank you!
Which of the #6 pens has the thinnest section?
I think they are all about the same.
@@MysteryArts Thanks! 😘
The problem I have with eye dropper pens....burping , how do these do?
The shut off valve all but eliminates burping. I’ve never had any issues.
I was hoping you would say that. I love the simplicity of eyedropper filling, but haaaaaaate the burping
Beena pen dont burp i used for last 5 months
They never burp because they are professional eye-dropper.
Is there a reason you like Opus 88 pens with Franklin Christoph nibs on them better than Franklin Christoph pens with Franklin Christoph nibs on them? Thanks for the video!
Oh, I like Franklin Christoph pens just as much! What’s nice about the Opus 88 pens is the dropper fill system with the shut off valve. I find that with the valve open, ink flows much better to the nib than it does in cartridge converter pens. You can eye dropper Franklin Christoph pens too, but no shutoff valve. Most of these nibs are Franklin Christoph because they have a bunch of custom nibs that can be purchased separately from their pens and are great nibs. FC sold their last batch of size 5 Masuyama nibs individually (which is how I ended up with mine), but you normally can only get the custom ground nibs, other than SIG nibs, with a pen purchase.
i bought the opus 88 jazz and the plastic threads feel like they will break. Really cheap feeling pen
That has not been my experience with the Jazz at all-it feels pretty solid and I’ve been using it for a while with no issues. If you somehow got a dud, you might want to return it.
Thank you for the review. Question- did you switch just the nib or the whole nib unit for the FC music nib? And if so will that unit fit any opus 88 with a #6 nib?
I switch the whole nib unit. It will work with any opus 88 that accommodates a Jowo #6 nib unit (there are a couple of opus 88 models that take Bock nib units, so as long as you don't have one of those, it will work).
@@MysteryArts Thanks again. Sorry to be a pest- will these units fit in any other brands you are aware of? This opens a world of opportunities if so.
@@MrCabimero no worries. There are a few other brands that take the FC nib units (which are essentially Jowo nib units)-some I’ve tried: Esterbrook Estie, Retro 51, many small handturned fountain pen makers (such as Woodshed Pen Co, Little Pen Designs, River City Pen Co, and many more), Schon DSGN, Gravitas, Ranga, and I’m sure there are more. It makes for lots of fun mix and matching possibilities for sure.
@@MysteryArts Thanks again! Happy holidays!!!!!
@@MrCabimero same to you!
YoWo YoWo, a pirate's life for me!
is there any difference between needlepoint nibs and extra fine nibs? they are two ways to call the same nib? thank you
Needlepoint is much thinner than EF--it should allow you to make a hairline thin line. You can also write very small, but still have it be legible. It's good for sketching, but it's also good for those with small handwriting. This is sometimes called an "accountant's point."
@@MysteryArts thank you very much. Needlepoint nibs is what i am looking for. Do you have any recommendation of a pen or nib that i can buy with such a thin line?
@@michaelcorleone89 You can get any pen with an upgrade to a needlepoint custom grind at Franklin Christoph, which is my go-to for my needlepoint nibs. You can also try Platinum's 3776 model with an UEF (ultra extra fine)--you can usually find them on Amazon for a good price, but they are available at most pen shops. Most nibgrinders will custom grind one for you as well.
@@MysteryArts with FC I don’t know if the shipment in Europe makes it worth. I’d like to try but i don’t see any needlepoint nib available on Franklin Christoph website
@@michaelcorleone89 it’s only an option in the drop down nib selection when you buy a pen at FC. Sometimes they don’t offer them for pens with size 5 nibs, but I’ve always seen it offered for pens with a size 6 nib.
Are the 88 demo and jazz sections interchangeable?
I haven’t tried it so I can’t tell you-they are all full of ink, otherwise I would try it. You can certainly swap nib units around though.
@@MysteryArts any chance you could check the section compatibility for me? It would be so helpful (I have a pen to repair/replace after my toddler broke it). Thanks
How do I tell if I have a yobo vs bock nib?
The screw in part of the nib unit will look a little different. I’ve found a website that did a good comparison with pictures here: newtonpens.wordpress.com/nibs/. You can also google your pen model to try to find out which one is on your pen, but looking at the nib unit to confirm is always a good idea. I think that Jowo nibs are becoming more common than bock now.
@@MysteryArts that was really helpful
The feeds are also shaped a little different in the Bock nibs versus the Jowo. You can look at the plastic feed and it will be different in the two brands.
I’m confused now… is the nib brand pronounced Jowo or Jovo
Pretty sure it's yo-vo. It's hard to say it the same way twice--lol.
I want to collect all the Fantasia's, they look awesome !
I want many models from this brand 😄