Collectors report similar ink-flow problems with Montblanc Permanent Blue, which also occur in other normally wet-writing fountain pens; this points more to an ink problem than to a defect in the fountain pen. In the specific case, however, a hairline crack in the ink reservoir was additionally found, so that the service flat rate (around 88 euros) covers cleaning, reservoir replacement and other small parts; Montblanc gives a guarantee on the repair. Hairline cracks do not arise on their own but mostly through a fall. Shipping should always be insured, since shipments have already been lost.