Typewriters?

K

KoNickon

Nick Merritt
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Considering that many of us appear to love older technology (e.g. bicycles, fountain pens, mechanical watches), are any of you users/collectors of manual typewriters? There are many similarities with all-mechanical cameras, and so I have to think it's a natural fit.

For my part, I've discovered the goodness and precision of the Olympia machines (made in Germany), though there are a lot of nice machines out there. Some of the best were made right here in Hartford -- Underwoods and Royals.

What do you have, and what do you like about them? What's on the wish list?
 
Hi,

I don't collect but still have a use for a typewriter, in my case a Hermes who designed the original portable and have a camera connection in that they were made in Switzerland by Paillard...

BTW, the grandchildren are fascinated by it and spend hours turning out rows of soldiers with guns and so on. Something you can't do with a computer, like underlining in red, f'instance.

Regards, David
 
What do I like about typewriters? Portability, hence why I don't collect larger models. And they have to be functional; my collection I intend on using, not merely looking at.

Which models am I still looking for? A Groma Kalibri would be nice, as seen in the film "The Lives of Others." Many European portables are hard to find in the states.

As for the thought that typewriter users are mere "hipsters," I'm an old codger nearly 58 years old, hardly a hipster. There's an ongoing typewriter rennaisance.

~Joe
 
Great pictures of your typewriters! I have a Galaxie that's exactly like yours, but I will be passing it on, I think -- it skips spaces too frequently. Sometimes mechanical quirks are charming, but this is annoying. Too bad, since it's a really nice machine in all other respects.

I'm hoping to get a Hermes Rocket like yours -- a guy has one locally.

I have an Olympia SM3, which is lovely (like a Barnack Leica) and I just got (for free) an Olympia SG3 -- a decidedly not portable (38 lb.) desktop. Think Mamiya RB67. A terrific machine.

I agree with your comments about this not being a hipster thing. I am a little younger than you, and find these wonderful to use -- very much like the enjoyment of using an older mechanical camera. And people get a kick out of a typewritten note.
 
Hi,

There's nothing nicer than the Hermes portables, although they seem to change names when they go out of the country. I've two of them, one with the usual British keyboard and the other with the Continental one with accents etc. Plus the old electric and, as I said, they are made by a camera maker.

Regards, David
 
KoNickon said:
Great pictures of your typewriters! I have a Galaxie that's exactly like yours, but I will be passing it on, I think -- it skips spaces too frequently. Sometimes mechanical quirks are charming, but this is annoying. Too bad, since it's a really nice machine in all other respects.

I'm hoping to get a Hermes Rocket like yours -- a guy has one locally.

I have an Olympia SM3, which is lovely (like a Barnack Leica) and I just got (for free) an Olympia SG3 -- a decidedly not portable (38 lb.) desktop. Think Mamiya RB67. A terrific machine.

I agree with your comments about this not being a hipster thing. I am a little younger than you, and find these wonderful to use -- very much like the enjoyment of using an older mechanical camera. And people get a kick out of a typewritten note.
Click to expand...

The skipping problem can usually be fixed by applying some naphtha (Zippo lighter fluid) to the shaft of the escapement gear - a toothed wheel that controls movement of the carriage - then followed up with sewing machine oil. On many of the Smith-Coronas the escapement is easily found underneath.

Regarding the Hermes Rocket, it's a great typing machine, the only fault I can find is the short carriage return lever. Other portables like the Olivetti Lettera 22 have a folding lever that's a bit longer.

~Joe
 
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