1956 Olympia SG1 office desktop typewriter
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- Опубликовано: 5 окт 2016
- This one just had a bath and a tune-up, now it types like a dream! So many more features than on a portable and with such light action at the keys that I just might switch over to using desktops...maybe.
The SG 1 had a lovely feature of springs underneath the key tops which gave the machine it's very even impression regardless of the typist, not sure when this feature was discontinued, it may have been with the SG 3...from a mechanic's point of view it was an excellent machine that terrified opposition salesmen.
Olympia definitely outdid themselves with the SG line - quite a magnificent feat of design & workmanship. Speaking of those sprung keytops, did Olympia ever provide a dedicated tool for their removal & installation? Having pulled the keytops from quite a few SM 3’s and 4’s, i ended up modifying a flat spanner for the task; it allows one to push up on the base of the keytop, compressing the spring & freeing up the key to move & pivot off the end of the arm. My friend Meagan from Unplug Typewriter Co. made hers from a dinner fork, hilarious but effective!
@@TypewriterJustice I don't know of any special tool to remove the keytop springs, I never worked for Olympia, there may well have been
I used to work at this old golf course and was there when they closed down for good. In the little office building was one of these and a WheelWriter 3. Boss let me take them and anything else I wanted. Got a big case full of ibm ribbons and stuff
The SG1 has the compete plastic paper guide thing which I've read is rare. It broke on most (this one in the vid doesn't have it)
I have an old SG1 myself, and it's fantastic.
You forgot to mention that it has segment shift, which means that your shift key stroke doesn't lift the heavy carriage. It lowers the segment with the type levers, which is perfectly weighed in springs, so shifting is effortless and fast.
And you can type on the half step. Your carriage moves two half steps when writing. If you missed a letter in a word, you can erase the whole word. Then go to the space after the last letter of the word before, where you would press space. There, you depress the space bar and without releasing type the first letter of the correct word. Then release space. You now have half a letter of space instead of a whole letter. Then proceed to depress space, type, release space and so on. You should end up with half a letter of space at the end of a correct word that you just squeezed into a spot that is one letter too short. Pretty neat.
The functions this machine has along with the speed and build quality make it the clear winner for sitting at a typewriter for long periods. If there is a comparable machine in the same price range that doesn't take years to come across, I would like to know before I buy this one.
@campbellpaul in Germany, they're not so rare and expensive. You'd have to deal with shipping cost and the QWERTZ layout.
Thanks for showing how to remove carriage. Exactly what I was looking for. Just got a 1960 SG-1 with Greek letter keys instead of fractions stuff.
I literally just received one exactly like this today! It's fantastic - Pica No. 12, 10 pitch. Gorgeous!
Rodney, pica is 10 pit h, elite is 12, common description for fonts for every make
The Paper Injector....and the Bam!!!!! Epic! Love It!
I have owned 4 SG's. 2 SG1's and 2 SG3's. And ironically, 3 out of 4 of those still had their paper support (which is uncommon for these). Even the one that spend 7 years under an awning in someone's backyard, that I brought back to life. They are great machines. A bit like Honda cars. My favourite machines are the Underwood 5, Royal 10, and the Olympia SGs (no particular model)
I love these in spite of mine's flaws. Your enthusiasm is catching!
Fantastic machine. Love mine! Desktop models are quickly becoming my favorites
I have 5 SG-1s - each with a different typeface. I too believe that these are the best office typewriters ever made. A friend told me that if you leave 6 of these late 50s model, German-made SG-1s together in the dark for at least 6 months, they will take over the world! I believe it! The only POSSIBLE contender for BEST, IMHO, is the Hermes Ambassador. Both are huge but both have features no other manuals typewriters have. I have 4 Ambassadors and 2 of the actually have an option for switching from the cloth, red/black ribbon to the single use, carbon tape! This option makes your typed letters look like they are actually printed or from the old IBM Selectric machines. Amazing engineering and Germanic precision in both machines make them THE BEST office machines ever designed and produced.
Olympia did offer a version with a narrower carriage, that made it flush with the body.
However it didn't have the paper "injector". It's also really rare to find one, since it offered less usability.
On the other hand, finding one with a HUGE carriage is easy. Longest I've seen was 110 cm / 43.3 inch.
Sort of wish I'd bought it, if nothing else as a curiosity piece, but it was just too massive.
Hello, I have an Olympia SG1 (SG means Schreibmaschine groß = typewriter big) from 1958. In my opinion, this type is one of the best typewriter, who was ever build. Greetings from Gernany!
I don't know of any Typewriter mechanic who would disagree with your comment
Wow! Serious bells and whistles!
I found one of these at a thrift store once. Unfortunately it had rust ALL over, including the typeface, so I had to pass it up. Such is life. Beautiful typewriter though.
I've just rescued one of these, but it actually as an a3 carriage on it!
‘grats! they’re fantastic machines :)
I agree that these SG1 machines are among the best engineered typewriters ever made. They would probably sell for about $2,000 today if they were still in production. I have a 1959 SG1 that is in very good shape and only has an issue with the ribbon reversing mechanism. I suppose it just needs adjustment or some cleaning.
Be sure to use the correct ribbon spool Olympia were designed a group 1 din 2103 1/2 inch. The so called "universal" is the brainchild of an injection mpulder who didn't understand typewriters
@@billogle4776 Actually, the issue seems to be with the right side takeup spool drive not engaging down in the typewriter. The left side spool works well, so I just rewind all of the ribbon to the right side when the left spool is full. I don't type a lot and it is OK for occasional use. Some day I want to take the case off and give it a bath and maybe find why the right side is not working.
The SG3 is newer and more technologically refined, but the SG1 is more beautiful and more iconic. When people think of Olympia, they think of the SG1, SM2, SM3, and the SM4.
Your voice reminds me of Bill Hader from SNL.
My SG-1 is the light of my life. I wouldn't mind an SG-3 as a backup, but it looks a little like a toilet.
Hey, cool machine
my is a Olympia SGE D52 typewhriter
I've never typed on one, but if they made a silent version of the SG1, that would be my choice just watching videos on them. I do like the affordability of the SG1, as well.
fresh rubber on the platen will work wonders - there’s no such thing as a truly silent typewriter, but an SG1 with a new platen comes pretty darned close
It’s okay, I’ve found the serial number now. Just putting it on EBay 😀
I have one of these bad boys with a carriage that matches the width. Was in perfect nick when i got it to :))
Colum Nolan - lucky dog :)
@@TypewriterJustice Thanks man. Tiz a beaut!
ive always wanted my own tank for christmas I guess an SG1 will work too same thing basically just one shoots and one types
I want this typewriter
Similar option to detach carriage is also in robotron and optima typewriters. These were made in GDR
Robotron and Optima are the same machine from the same factory in the GDR, not sure of this comment but I believe they came from the old Mercedes factory
@@billogle4776 Yes they are from the same factory, but they have some differences in mechanisms. Optimas have detachable carriage which have two "buttons" on back side, while robotrons have (i think) the same locking mechanism, but instead of buttons there are two spring-operated latches on front side just under the main cover. To me the robotron version is easier to use. Sometimes it is hard to connect carriage to optima.
Edit:
Optimas were made in Erfurt, and robotrons in Dresden. Before 1978 these two were separate factories later they were in one kombinat. So those machines weren't made in the same factory but they were very similar to each other.
I haven’t been able to get the ribbon to thread from on spool to the other on my SG1. Any suggestions on what to look for/adjust to fix this issue? This is my first typewriter and it’s just been sitting idle because I can’t seem to figure it out myself. Thanks in advance!
I have one of these and am looking for a dust cover that will fit. Any suggestions?
It is not the narrowest carriage.
I have one SG1 with a carriage that is exactly the same width as the body itself. These are quite rare. Mine does even have the paper injector, which is almost always missing on the small carriage. It took me a long time to find one - in Germany, where SG1 typewriters are really common.
I will upload my SG1 to the typewriter database (typewriterdatabase.com) soon as this was planned a long time anyway.
ohhh, i I almost wish you hadn't told me that, because now I ABSOLUTELY MUST FIND ONE!! Yarghh!! At least now it's confirmed that they're out there :)
Why in the world would anyone want a DESKTOP typewriter with a narrow carriage? Its not like its gonna save you much space. On a portable yes, but on a office machine It doesn't make any sense. I'm always on the look for the wide carriage models even for my portables.
Well, if you want a narrow carriage in the typical Olympia green WITHOUT the paper-injector, it shouldn't be too hard to find over here in Germany and also not too expensive to ship it to the US. (only the carriage, I mean)
Narrow WITH the paper injector will be much more difficult.
As Olumin pointed out quite right, the office machines almost always were sold with the paper injector and the wider carriage - because it just makes sense for office work.
If one bought a SG1 for a more private type of use, it seems in most cases they went for the cheapest offer - which was most likely the narrow carriage and certainly without the injector.
Feel free to let me know whether a narrow carriage without the injector would be interesting for you and I'll keep an eye open ...
BTW: I have a new platen on mine which adds even more to an already great machine.
The narrow carriage has less weight, so carriage return is a little easier. But for me it was to 99% simply the looks. Especially looking at the back is quite a difference when the carriage lines up nicely with the rest of the body.
The and last not least: why in the world would I want a wide carriage? ;-)
I never typed on anything bigger than the usual letter paper. And most likely never will.
Great video, great channel! I just got an old Olympia SG-1, but the carriage doesn't move at all. Is there perhaps a mechanism for locking the carriage for transportation or something like that? Would be great, if you could give me a hint.
i don’t have one around at the moment to check, but to the best of my knowledge there is no such critter on the SG1 so you’re most likely looking at a Lego stuck inside it, a bound escapement pawl, hung tab actuator, or a stuck backspacer. Press keys! Hit the tabulator! Backspace! Hold down the carriage release lever and try to jiggle the carriage! Dont FORCE anything, but try to jiggle everything. Lift the ass end of the machine an inch off the table and drop it a few times...gently! If you still can’t get it to come unstuck, i would recommend taking it to a shop - there is a list of them at site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-repair.html Best of luck, friend!
I just bought this model from someone on FB Marketplace and it's in pretty decent condition aside from rusting and dirty from sitting and collecting dust. What is best to clean the outside of it with? I read Mineral SPirits?
Mineral spirits(aka white spirit) should only be used on mechanical parts. To clean the wrinkle-painted body, i use Simple Green or Dawn mixed with water, scrubbing with a small brush & wiping down with a rag; after it is dry, you can give it a light coat of fine machine oil applied with a rag to restore the shine & lustre. Smooth paint finishes should be cleaned, then waxed & polished.
Does it actually perform better than the SM3 or SM9? In other words, does it have a big enough advantage over the portables to justify the premium price?
Yes! Portables can't compare with the SGs for typing action. So smooth, fast, and downright gratifying.
Hey man, I just picked up one of these today, which I'm stoked about. I'll be cleaning it up for a while to get it into top shape. Question about the paper injector--when I use it, the paper hits the paper bail rollers in front, rather than going underneath them. It crinkles the paper on top. Any suggestions on what I need to adjust? I could just lift up the paper bail, but that takes away from the fun of the injector system.
Congrats! They're super fun machines. Re your paper injector woes, first check to make sure your bail rollers are positioned above the card guides(if they're in wonky positions it won't work right) but assuming that they are, you're going to need to adjust the positioning of the card guides themselves. They need to be almost touching the paper, and a lot of the time people have bent them out of whack by pulling them away from the paper. If memory serves, they sit on a black metal framework which is attached to the carriage itself - THIS is what you'll need to form to get them positioned properly, not the plastic itself(I know this might seem like common sense, but man, people are amazing). If you have a proper typewriter forming wrench, then use that - if not, use some stout needle nose pliers; just move the carriage all the way to one side & tweak the card guide frame on the other side, then reverse & repeat. Voila! easy peasy. (fwiw, it might actually make it easier if you remove the carriage, but I don't remember and despite the SG1 having the easiest carriage on planet earth to remove & reattach it's still not something that should be done just for giggles...unless you're a weirdo like me & enjoy poking around in typewriter guts)
You're totally right. I ended up just detaching the metal arms underneath the plastic paper aligners so that the guides just rest limply against the paper, and now it works fine. I don't want to end up leaving them like that though because I think there's a chance they'll snap off if I forget and replace the carriage on top of them one day. I have to figure out out to get the I setting (out of the three options of I, II, and 0) a little closer to the platen itself. Thanks for the tip about forming. --I would love for you to do a video on how to use the plastic paper ruler thing at the top of the machine. I read you're supposed to be able to know when you're at the bottom of the page, but haven't seen how. I also have the problem on my other machines--I have a Smith Corona Enterprise that has some system at the left where you can know if you're an inch or two away from the bottom, but never figured it out.
I wanna ask about Olympia Traveller de Luxe lel
How is it or is it worth buying?
I came here exactly because of what you said--every typewriter forum debate on the best typewriter mentions the Olympia SG1. I'm keeping my eye out for one and want to know what you think about this one after some time has gone by. Is it just too big? Are the typing rows too steep for comfort? Any other disadvantages?
well, it's not that the machine is too big, it's that my writing desk is too small :) The typing rows are delightful, and really the overall design is just about perfect. If you come across one, don't pass it up!
I have my grandfathers type writer, almost the same like yours, however, instead of Tab in the middle, mines have - 1 10 100 100 1000 etc.... however its picked up some dust and its pretty rusted. there is still one ink band on the left side..however I was wondering if there is anyway to fix it up and have it working again... would appreciate any feedback... :)
Soraya de la Fuente - your grandfathers machine has a ‘decimal tabulator’ which is ideal for accounting or any work with columns...and you should DEFINITELY get it up and running again! a good place to start is site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/indexmobile.html where you can find manuals, cleaning tips, and even an extensive list of repair shops. Spend some time there, and you won’t regret it!
What ribbon does it use?
It Is An Amazing Typewriter l Have,But I'm Not So Sure Where It Is
I recently got a SG1 which was in a little rusty and in some rough shape. Cleaned it up and got the parts to work again with some TLC but just wondering if you had any tips on maintaining the SG1?
Ferheen Qureshi - mostly, just keep it clean. the service manual is available online(I think from TWDB) and it's worth tracking down if you plan on working on them regularly...otherwise I would just find a typewriter shop and get it professionally seviced(if it still needs work) then keep it covered when not in use, and USE IT OFTEN! "The best lubrication is regular use"
I own a SG3 and it is true, the SG3 is very ugly. But it types like a dream though!
Any idea where the serial number is located?
How can I get in touch with you to ask questions about my Olympia?
easiest way is email typewriterjustice@gmail.com
how much are these? bought mine for about $5
Hi Hallo sir I am live in india I have start the typewriting institutions so I need a lot of typewriting machine please help me how to buy and where to buy and heavy duty machine please help me
where do you get your ribbons from?
I buy them in bulk (on big reels, like old movie film) from Fine Line Ribbon Co. in Ennis, Texas, then I roll them on to the small spools for each machine as needed
TypewriterJustice would those ribbons work on a 1950s portable remmington quietriter? i don't know the exact year for it
ANY 1/2inch ribbon will work with a Quiet-riter(and all of its design variants) AS LONG AS you have the original/existing cores of the spools, and the ribbon covers which slot down onto the center posts(though you can do without the covers if you're crafty - it ain't easy though) The core is a ring-looking affair that fits down over the post where the ribbon goes; it has a small spike you can poke through the end of the ribbon so it stays put. There will be a slot on the core that will line up with a slot on the post which will allow the ribbon reverse 'sensor' to poke out to the side a little bit up against the inside of the ribbon; whenever the ribbon is done on that side, the 'sensor' will trip the reverse mechanism & start winding ribbon in the opposite direction, but it HAS to be free to move in that little slot so LINE THE CORE UP PROPERLY!!! It should be snug, but not tight. Once you have the end of the ribbon on the core, and the core on the post, you're finally ready to start winding the ribbon into the machine. OH, DID I FORGET TO MENTION THAT ON A QUIET-RITER YOU HAVE TO WIND THE RIBBON INTO THE MACHINE BY HAND?!? HOW CARELESS OF ME, MUWAHAHAHA. But whatever, it's really not that hard, an you only have to do it like every five years, so carry on. Just be sure to mask off your machine so the ribbon doesn't drag on it as you're winding the ribbon into it, which will make one helluva mess out of the paint, especially with crinkle-finish models. I suppose I ought to make a video about this...
TypewriterJustice ohmygoodness, i was not expecting that answer. i've been getting involved with typewriters for the past two months and so i've been looking around for others. thank you for that detailed message, i'm still working on figuring the quietriter out
Ok. So there's a th key. But I don't see an rd key. That would probably drive me insane.
I can't even out type this machine... I've tried
they’re pretty impressive