Today I got my hands on another Accugraph and when comparing it with my previous version, I noticed several differences. Before listing the differences, we have two divisions in the series, without lead hardness indicator (first version) and with lead hardness indicator (second version). From the first version we have also two versions, one with black cap and one with a darker chrome cap. The image below have all of them:
The comparison will be between the 1st version with chrome cap and the 2nd version.
The 1st version has a rougher grip than the 2nd version. The grip from the first generation even feels like a limestone from its roughness, while the knurling of the 2nd version feels smooth and soft.
The color of the 2nd generation is more pale compared to the first version.
The stripes in the 1st generation are darker than the 2nd version.
Second version has lead hardness indicator.
The first version is heavier than the second. The weight is much greater in the tip of the pencil, when you write you feel the center of gravity much closer to the tip.
Taking all these points into account, the first version of the Accugraph is the best one for me.
I have a few questions:
What is the history of the pencil?
Why did Pentel make these changes in the second version?
Which came first, the one with the black cap or the chrome cap?
is it only the photo or are the colors (of barrel & cap) in version 1b) actually fitting together :-o ? the usual color differences always irritate a little …
Question for you – have you seen any clip length or shape differences?
In my trawling around for a good 2nd release non-lead window version, I saw what looked like a different shaped clip mount (more squared off) on one with a lead window. Also, in another comparison, it looked to me like there’s a length difference too:
Sorry, I should also point out what versions correspond here. I took a photo that @Pdunc67 had used in his Accugraph review video and removed annotations for a simpler viewing:
Wow! I never noticed this difference in the clip. I took several photos with the three versions of the PG2003 and some other versions of the Accugraph. It is difficult to say if there is a difference in the size of the clip, however, about the curvature it is true. In some, it has a slight curve, in others, it is completely straight. This is more evident in the photos of the PG1505. However, it is difficult to know if it is associated with generation or some production process, where some clips suffered more pressure and became straighter.
Thanks for taking these! Nice shots. I’ll have to look at them up close for a bit to see if I can spot some differences. So you’re seeing a common bend in some of them while others are straight? That would suggest a batch change, vs. previous owner manipulation.
But overall, if you’re not seeing any length differences, then maybe the lead-hardness window model vs. the one without side-by-side might be creating an illusion, because the stripes on the PG2003 end in a different spot.
If you could, try taking a 3/4 shot from clip tip heading back. I’m curious to see if the clip mount might have a different shape across the batches. The photo montage I provided suggested there might be a more “squared off” mount… I know, it’s a really minor thing, but aesthetically I’d find a more contoured mount (more of it flush to the body) to be better.
There is a technique you could use… if you’re into DIY. Get yourself a couple of translucent plastic milk jugs. Cut them up to create a rectangular “umbrella” of sorts. Support with brackets on two of the opposing sides. Then use a light above it. For the surface to place the photographed item, use a soft but smooth material to help avoid roll and also reflections. I used a gray velvet bag for many of my shots. You’ll get a nice ambient cast of light with very soft shadows and no harsh lighting glare.
