shipments start on january 22th 2026 ****

Pilot Capless Matte Black (FC-18SR-BM-M) JDM Pilot Vanishing Point Capless Matte Black 18K Gold Nib FC-18SR-BM JDM (Japanese domestic market)

✒️ Technical Specifications: Pilot Capless Matte Black (FC-18SR-BM-M)

1. Product Identification

• Model Name: Pilot Capless (known as Vanishing Point in the US)3
• Reference: FC-18SR-BM-M
• Finish: Matte Black4
• Nib Size: M (Medium)5
• Manufacturer: Pilot (Japan)6

2. Main Features

• Retractable Mechanism: High-precision “click” system (ballpoint type). An internal shutter seals the nib when retracted to prevent ink from drying out or leaking.7
• Stealth Design: Completely black, non-glossy aesthetic.8 The body has a soft-touch matte black finish and the trim (clip and rings) is smoky black/matte.9
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• Clip Position: The clip is located at the end of the nib (lower part), designed to keep the nib facing up in your pocket (preventing leaks) and to serve as a guide for your fingers when writing.

3. Technical Specifications

Feature

Detail

Body Material

Brass (metal) with matte black epoxy coating

Nib Material

18K solid gold, black plated (ruthenium/ion)

Filling System

Proprietary Pilot cartridge/converter

Compatible Converter

Pilot CON-40 (usually included)

Length (Retracted)

5.5 inches

Length (Extended)

~5.3 inches

Maximum Diameter

0.5 inches

Total Weight

~30 g (solid and balanced feel)

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4. Writing Experience (M Nib)

• Stroke: Pilot's Japanese Medium (M) point is usually slightly finer than a European M (equivalent to a Western F/M), but very smooth.
• Flow: Wet and consistent. The 18K gold nib offers slight elasticity (“bouncy”), although it is small and designed to be firm and practical.
• Feel in hand: The matte finish offers superior grip (less slippery) than the glossy lacquered versions.

5. Usual Box Contents

• Fountain pen.
• Converter (usually the CON-40 model for bottled ink).
• 1 Pilot ink cartridge (black or blue).
• Metal cap: Important: This is a small hollow metal piece. It must be placed on the cartridge if you use cartridges instead of a converter so that the “click” mechanism applies pressure correctly.
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💡 Interesting facts / Things to keep in mind

• Care of the finish: The matte black finish is beautiful, but it can be susceptible to scratching if carried in the same pocket as keys or coins. With intensive use over the years, it can acquire a shiny patina (“brassing”) on the edges.
• The Clip: Some users find the clip in the grip area annoying. If you have a standard tripod grip, the clip sits between your thumb and index finger and doesn't get in the way; if you have an unconventional grip, it could interfere.
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