Air in The Converter

Whenever I refill my Waterman Hemisphere I end up with small air
bubbles in the ink converter. I wash and thoroughly dry the pen
between fills so I would expect air to be in the ink chamber. I dunk
the nib deep into the ink bottle and draw up the ink slowly by turning
the converter knob. I would expect to get an air gap at the top, but
am not sure why I am getting the small bubbles.

Not earth shattering I know, but this pen has written poorly since new
and I wondered if the air bubbles are anything to do with it.

The brand of ink used makes no difference.

AndyH wrote:
Whenever I refill my Waterman Hemisphere I end up with small air
bubbles in the ink converter...
...I dunk
the nib deep into the ink bottle and draw up the ink slowly by turning
the converter knob. I would expect to get an air gap at the top, but
am not sure why I am getting the small bubbles.

...this pen has written poorly since new
and I wondered if the air bubbles are anything to do with it.

I'm just guessing, but it sounds like air is getting in where it shouldn't.
Can you see where the bubbles are appearing from -- the top or bottom of the
converter?

Maybe the piston seal is leaking?

Maybe the converter isn't sealing well with the nipple? Any gouges or
stretching in the opening of the converter? Any cracks or chips in the
nipple?

Maybe the feed's channels have some blockage, and the extra vacuum when you
fill pulls air around the nipple or piston seal? Can you fill it quickly?
(I have a Waterman Harmonie, and found plastic shavings in the upper end of
the feed.)

Brian
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