Reddit mentions of Pilot Fontain Pen Custom 74, SF-Nib, Black Body (FKK-1000R-B-SF)

Both the Platinum 3776 (black and gold version) and the Pilot 74 can be purchased on Amazon for about $80. Both are available with soft nibs (I prefer the soft fine) which will give you a small amount of line variation, and both are usually either available with Amazon prime 2-day shipping or free standard shipping. The 3776 has the cool slip and seal technology to keep the nib from drying out even when it sits unused for long periods of time and the Pilot 74 has the ability to use the spiffy (and huge capacity) CON-70 converter.

• Platinum 3776: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007FLDVJO/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1REP38ZGWQOMU
  
  
• Pilot 74: https://www.amazon.com/Pilot-Fontain-Custom-SF-Nib-FKK-1000R-B-SF/dp/B001AX5SRG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1492363950&sr=8-2&keywords=pilot+74
  
  With that being said, the Sailor 1911s (A.K.A. Sailor Profit Standard) is only a little bit more expensive, and has an unbelievably smooth nib. It may not have the same ability to provide line variation, but it more than makes up for that in its ability to glide across any surface.
  
  
• Sailor 1911s: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00511I7R6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  

There's a black 74 SF for $65 on Amazon Warehouse and a clear 74 F for $72

http://www.amazon.com/Pilot-Fontain-Custom-SF-Nib-FKK-1000R-B-SF/dp/B001AX5SRG/

I was just as scared as you are. I am currently a student (high school albeit), and I was extremely worried about the clip being in the way. I bit the bullet, and it is easily one of the nicest—if not the nicest nib I own. The clip has not yet been a problem for me, I just shift my grip around it. I highly recommend the Kasuri (carbonesque) finish as well. Not only is it gorgeous, but it also has a good texture to it so that if you get oily hands, you'll still be able to grip the pen without slipping. Also, the new Matte Blue version from Goulet Pens looks fantastic (although I am not sure about the texture and grip). The fine nib is perfect for schoolwork writing (slim enough for math and very smooth). I also like a fine nib, and it's one of my favorites. It is roughly the size of a Lamy EF. However, do not fall into the trick and think that the VP M = Lamy F. It does not—it is nearly a true western nib, so I don't recommend it. I don't have much experience with the loom, except it is a very good pen from what I have heard.

Also, if you're really scared about the clip, I recommend taking a look at a Platinum #3776 Century (Soft fine or fine, possibly a medium -- I'm getting one this evening so I'll keep you posted), or a Pilot Custom 74 or Heritage 91 (soft fine or fine.) I have a black and gold Japanese sf Import that I bought from Japan, but it seems that they have a soft fine on Amazon. Mine just arrived, and the line variation is insane. I can get anywhere from a western EF to a BB without much effort. (link here).

Hope this helps.

Yea it's about the right price. I would just get it from amazon tho.http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001AX5SRG/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1451845136&sr=8-3&refinements=p_85:2470955011&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=pilot+custom+74&dpPl=1&dpID=31zLS96VnxL&ref=plSrch&th=0

Most of the nib options and colours are fulfilled by amazon or at least shop from the USA. There's a few listings. You may want to check out the custom 92. It's about 30-40 more but the piston fill and capacity is worth it imo

Perhaps you could look into any resellers that fulfil through Amazon for a more certain return policy, and hope that the price ends up similar. Prices there often depend on nib choice.

FK-700R-B: bold, fine.
CH74: many, music.

I have no experience ordering this way though.

that's odd I can see one thats a medium nib that has amazon prime. right here https://www.amazon.com/Pilot-Fontain-Custom-SF-Nib-FKK-1000R-B-SF/dp/B001AX5SRG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1469760924&sr=8-2&keywords=pilot+custom+74

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pilot-fountain-custom-black-print-FKK1000RB-SF/dp/B001AX5SRG/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1463009185&sr=8-5&keywords=pilot+custom+74