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Opus 88

Bela

Typical for Opus 88
OB
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A model in Opus 88's fountain pen lineup. Specs below reflect the typical configuration across Opus 88's core range.

A solid mid-range option once someone has decided fountain pens are a habit worth investing a bit more into.

Specs

Filling systemEyedropper (with shut-off valve)
Ink capacityVaries by model
Nib optionsEF, F, M, B (steel or gold)
MaterialAcrylic with ebonite feed
Typical price$100 – $250 across the lineup
How long has your Bela been inked?
Inktend counts the days and reminds you when it's time to clean.
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About Opus 88

A Taiwanese maker best known for popularizing the eyedropper filling system at accessible prices — a shut-off valve design lets the entire barrel hold ink without the leaking risk eyedropper pens traditionally carried.

Taiwan Founded c. 2015
See all Opus 88 products →

How to fill the Opus 88 Bela

The entire barrel doubles as the ink reservoir: unscrew the section, drip ink directly into the barrel with a bottle's eyedropper or a syringe, then reassemble. This is the highest-capacity filling method available, often multiple times what a piston holds, but it also means more ink is at risk if a seal ever fails — silicone grease on the threads is essential.

Choosing a nib size

Nib size determines line width, not writing pressure — fountain pens are meant to glide, never press. Extra-fine (EF) suits small, dense handwriting and thin paper; fine (F) is the most broadly recommended default; medium (M) shows more ink character and shading; broad (B) and stub grinds favor bold, expressive strokes and calligraphy-adjacent writing. The Bela's gold nib will also flex slightly with pressure, giving line variation that a steel nib of the same size won't produce.

Keeping it clean

Because Opus 88 Bela holds a larger ink reserve, a full flush every 4–6 weeks (or whenever you switch colors) keeps the feed running cleanly. Inktend's cleaning reminder is tuned to a 21-day baseline and adjusts naturally to how often you actually refill.

Pairing inks with the Bela

High-capacity fillers like this one are the natural home for sheening and shading inks; you'll actually see the color develop across a full page instead of running out mid-paragraph.

Syrah
Diamine
Copper Burst
Private Reserve
Night Owl
Van Dieman's

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Frequently asked questions

How do I fill the Opus 88 Bela?
Unscrew the barrel and fill it directly with a bottle's dropper or a syringe. Highest capacity of any filling method, but seal it with silicone grease to avoid leaks.
What nib size should I get for the Bela?
Fine (F) is the safest default for a first pen. Go finer for small, dense handwriting; go broader if you want more ink character and shading.
How often does the Bela need cleaning?
Every 4 to 6 weeks, or whenever you switch ink colors, whichever comes first.
Is the Opus 88 Bela good for beginners?
It can work as a first pen if you're comfortable spending a bit more to start.

More from Opus 88

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Fantasia
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Flow
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Specs reflect the typical configuration across Opus 88's core lineup rather than this exact model — check current listings before buying.