If I'm at my desk, I usually have a Lamy or Sheaffer NoNonsense in my hand -- but pretty much everywhere else, it's the Prera.

Ultimately, nice pens are a work of art (aesthetics) and a tool (writing performance), so I'll treat reviews as such. From my experience with Kung Te Cheng and Whaleman's Sepia, I'd imaine flow might be an issue in any pen that isn't already very wet. The available nib options- like the Metropolitan – include fine and medium with a 1MM stub only available on the blue and black models. One major bad point for Pilot steel nibs is that the pens do not seal inks properly and dryout happens. It’s a subtle and smooth transition from section to body on the Prera, making it one of the most comfortable pens for me to use for prolonged periods of time.An eyedropper is a fountain pen that does not have a filling mechanism of its own, rather it uses an eyedropper (or pipette, etc. It’s not much of a secret that I think fountain pen design has a long way to go, I think often they’re quite fussy looking, I prefer simple design. The center cap band is a simple silver ring with the Prera logo band silk screened onto the cap itself. So yes, the Platinum Preppy, as well as the Preppy Crystal and Prefounte, is a great choice for an eyedropper conversion.

The larger collector in the Prera resembles that of the Pilot Varsity disposable, the Pilot Petit-1 and the Platinum Preppy. I know that TWSBI has been catching some serious flak here recently, and Pilot's pens are always dependable. Also, when you put the cap on the pen, there’s some cushioning in the lid that makes it SO satisfying to close. This is the blue version and it also comes in a few different colors, orange, yellow, red, black and green.It’s a mysterious alchemy that the pen just possesses and it just “ticks all the boxes” from size, slip cap, portability, aesthetics and great writing experience. I know some people will still think of this as in the cheap end of fountain pens, but it’s pretty luxury for me!

I am talking about only the nib and writing experience; the steel nib pens do not preserve inks very well and dryout will occur = ink will evaporate. There is also a very small notch on the end of the section in front of the screw threads, which can be used to align the nib and feed with the section. And since the weight is further back it centers less on the nib reducing pressure on the nib and decreasing any potential toothiness especially if you use Finer nib options.The cap has a semi-translucent white liner and white printed design with the Prera logo above the cap band. At about 20 quid from Japan, the Prera is inexpensive, and I think a cut above some of the other budget pens that you’re already familiar with.

In fact, aside from the diminutive size, the Prera’s only usability issue is the step down from barrel to section, which is a little sharp and can irritate. As you can see from the 1st picture in this post, it lends itself well to detail, and I actually think this would make a good drawing pen. The other is a m nib that has Cross archival black ink (although I don't find it very "archival," it is a deep black). The pen is a demonstrator style (another first), providing visibility to the inner workings of the pen. I do have to say that in terms of feel in my hand, I think I have a slight preference for the Pilot Metropolitan Pop, both because it is slightly longer and because the aluminum body is slightly weightier.The light blue is nice as well, but since I went to NC State University, I could not get 'Carolina Blue' pen.