almost mint condition! just had the platen recovered, so this thing is good to go for another 50 years...assuming i can get the silent return spring to work right, that is!
if you have big fingers like mine, you might also like the keytops on the Anteres Parva; it’s easily my favorite ultra-portable specifically because it accommodates my fingertips better than most
I'm working on a QWERTZ twin of this machine. Albeit, not nearly as nice. It's been vexing. Fixed the cool push button ribbon selector, but still have a laggy spacebar and the margin bell mechanism has popped off and I can't figure out how to reattach it without completely disassembling the machine! Tried to see how yours was fitting in the video but couldn't make it out. Now too, I've taken the carriage off (eek) and trying to figure out how to properly position the bearing races inside the carriage rails! Alas my princess is more of the FIONA quality at this point...
they are indeed jam-packed! it’s amazing that they fit sooooo much engineering & so many features into such a tight form. If the Hermes 3000 can be the ‘Cadillac Of Typewriters’ then the Princess 300 is definitely the Porsche :)
It’s a shame there is really no practical way to have Platens and feed rollers re-done over here in Germany. Quite a few pre-war machines I’d like to have that done on.
My princess arrived from Spain looking gorgeous but has many issues. Shift lock is frozen, carriage won’t advance past 60 even though right margin is set at 80, sticking keys, type slugs only partially hitting the paper. It’s been a complete nightmare so far. Three of the keys on the left won’t even move if the basket cover is on. I’m now looking into finding a local repair shop. I wouldn’t advise anyone to buy a typewriter from overseas😳
hey, I just found that I have a princess 300 and want to restore it. I dont know how to use a type writer and wanted to ask what ribbon to use and where to get it as well as how to put the ribbon on???
Hi there, thanks for the video. I compared 19 typewriters in my video regarding the noise they make and unfortunately found the Princess 200 and 300 very loud. Since you said, you have a new(?) or at least recovered platen on yours, I'd be interested what you think, how loud this Princess 300 was with that new platen.
I would provide a link to my video, but I don't know how, sorry. Maybe you can find it anyway, it is called 19 different typewriters - sound comparison
The difference is like night and day - it's a totally changed machine. I've had about a dozen of my machines redone so far, and I strongly recommend it. JJ Short & Associates in Macedon, NY has done an excellent job on all of the platens I've sent them, and their prices are quite reasonable. Another easy thing to do (with any machine) is to use a good thick felt pad; stealth-typing has never been easier! The one in this video came from mytypewriter.com for less than $30. You can also fold up a top-sheet from a bed - the multiple layers of fabric form a nice baffle(though not at good as felt).
TypewriterJustice I'm quite glad to hear this. Because it means there actually is an effective way to tune the level of noise that gets produced. That's great news! We have a few places here in Germany as well to get platens replaced. I am currently doing research on this topic. Prices are around 70 Euro (75 USD) from what I heard so far. I do use felt under the machines as well. I have 4cm thick rubber pad with a 3cm thick felt on top. Both came from eBay. This does help some, but it mainly avoids low frequency noise to get transported by "body movement" of the table it sits on. The higer frequency "ping pang" from the metal hitten a (hard) platen by soundwaves that travel through the air, not through "things". Sorry, I could explain it in detail in my own laguage, but have a hard time telling it in English. Sound travels either by air or by "making things vibrate" (including the floor, walls, furniture, windows, etc.). The higher the frequency of the sound, the more it will travel through air and not through "things".
Nice vid, thx! Would it be possible to have a video to show how to ship the princess 300 please? Would need it quite rapidly if you don't mind my rather "rude" request 😏
not a stupid question at all! they can be cranky sometimes. it’s held on by rubber bushings which are usually hardened, plus a small metal lip at the rear. brace your fingers on the frame up near the spacebar, then pry the front edge down to pop it off - it can take a fair amount of force, but you shouldn’t need any tools
@@TypewriterJusticeMany thanks for the super fast response. I did as you suggested and it worked a treat. I also have an Impex Marla which is very similar to this and to the Maritsa and I'd guess they were all made in the same factory. (Although the Impex Marla is made in Bulgaria but the Princess 300 claims to have been made in West Germany). I particularly like the way that an exclamation mark is prioritised over a 1 numeral on this machine - obviously designed for angry typers! I'm tempted to sell it as they seem to attract high prices in the UK (probably the name badge) but I may hold onto it just for the neat ribbon switch with the colour indicator. Talk about over-engineered! Thanks again. Regards. Paul
enjoyed your video and as a result my 8 year old received one for Xmas; however theres no manual and we need to change the ribbon (which we have) - any help you could give would be much appreciated. Ive searcyed online and cannot find instructions anywhere.
what model machine did y'all get? if it is one i have, i'll make a video for it. Most typewriters thread & move the ribbon in a similar fashion - a little cussing, a little ink smeared around, and a dash of logical observation will get you a long ways. The ink comes off your fingers easiest with rubbing alcohol :)
thanks for your reply ( its a beautiful Princess 300) - we asked our grandfather who's old enough to remember how to drive these beauties. Thanks again!
@@TypewriterJustice I have a Princess 300 and need help figuring out how to fix the case/backboard and how it attaches to the machine. I replaced the platen, and it sounds much quieter. I love the typeface. Gorgeous. But it’s skipping like crazy, and I think it may be because the rubber feet on the board crumbled, and the guy who replaced the platen threw away the screws and feet. I’d love your tips on resolving this issue so I can use it as a daily typer.
Absolutely gorgeous machine. I've got a mint early 60s Olympia Splendid 33 for my big fingers the keys are perfect
if you have big fingers like mine, you might also like the keytops on the Anteres Parva; it’s easily my favorite ultra-portable specifically because it accommodates my fingertips better than most
As a proud parent of a Splendid 33 and Antares Julietta, I second both comments. They really are welcoming and kind to big hands/fingers!
what a beauty Princess!
Your channel is cool, and helpful
OMG....gorgeous!!!!
Ah dang. Guess I'll have to start translating the german one. Thanks anyway! Love your vids.
I need this ASAP
I'm working on a QWERTZ twin of this machine. Albeit, not nearly as nice. It's been vexing. Fixed the cool push button ribbon selector, but still have a laggy spacebar and the margin bell mechanism has popped off and I can't figure out how to reattach it without completely disassembling the machine! Tried to see how yours was fitting in the video but couldn't make it out. Now too, I've taken the carriage off (eek) and trying to figure out how to properly position the bearing races inside the carriage rails! Alas my princess is more of the FIONA quality at this point...
Very snazzy little thing, but as complicated as the doomsday bomb to work on.
they are indeed jam-packed! it’s amazing that they fit sooooo much engineering & so many features into such a tight form. If the Hermes 3000 can be the ‘Cadillac Of Typewriters’ then the Princess 300 is definitely the Porsche :)
It has a "@"-key! Cool!
It’s a shame there is really no practical way to have Platens and feed rollers re-done over here in Germany. Quite a few pre-war machines I’d like to have that done on.
Is there touch control here? I notice I have to use a lot of power to strike the keys on mine.
Do you sell these typewriters? Is there a website if you do? I'm curious.
My princess arrived from Spain looking gorgeous but has many issues. Shift lock is frozen, carriage won’t advance past 60 even though right margin is set at 80, sticking keys, type slugs only partially hitting the paper. It’s been a complete nightmare so far. Three of the keys on the left won’t even move if the basket cover is on. I’m now looking into finding a local repair shop. I wouldn’t advise anyone to buy a typewriter from overseas😳
hey, I just found that I have a princess 300 and want to restore it. I dont know how to use a type writer and wanted to ask what ribbon to use and where to get it as well as how to put the ribbon on???
I have one. Replacing the ribbon should be pretty self explanatory. It uses DIN Gr. 1 ribbons (the most common type).
Grail!!
Hi there, thanks for the video.
I compared 19 typewriters in my video regarding the noise they make and unfortunately found the Princess 200 and 300 very loud. Since you said, you have a new(?) or at least recovered platen on yours, I'd be interested what you think, how loud this Princess 300 was with that new platen.
I would provide a link to my video, but I don't know how, sorry. Maybe you can find it anyway, it is called 19 different typewriters - sound comparison
The difference is like night and day - it's a totally changed machine. I've had about a dozen of my machines redone so far, and I strongly recommend it. JJ Short & Associates in Macedon, NY has done an excellent job on all of the platens I've sent them, and their prices are quite reasonable. Another easy thing to do (with any machine) is to use a good thick felt pad; stealth-typing has never been easier! The one in this video came from mytypewriter.com for less than $30. You can also fold up a top-sheet from a bed - the multiple layers of fabric form a nice baffle(though not at good as felt).
TypewriterJustice
I'm quite glad to hear this. Because it means there actually is an effective way to tune the level of noise that gets produced. That's great news!
We have a few places here in Germany as well to get platens replaced. I am currently doing research on this topic. Prices are around 70 Euro (75 USD) from what I heard so far.
I do use felt under the machines as well.
I have 4cm thick rubber pad with a 3cm thick felt on top. Both came from eBay.
This does help some, but it mainly avoids low frequency noise to get transported by "body movement" of the table it sits on. The higer frequency "ping pang" from the metal hitten a (hard) platen by soundwaves that travel through the air, not through "things". Sorry, I could explain it in detail in my own laguage, but have a hard time telling it in English. Sound travels either by air or by "making things vibrate" (including the floor, walls, furniture, windows, etc.).
The higher the frequency of the sound, the more it will travel through air and not through "things".
How much it costs now?(in US $)
Nice vid, thx! Would it be possible to have a video to show how to ship the princess 300 please? Would need it quite rapidly if you don't mind my rather "rude" request 😏
I have a question, do you happen to know which ink ribbon size the Argyle P-201 uses?
+Kane Smith not familiar with that machine, but it's probably 1/2" standard ribbon (the most common for typewriters)
TypewriterJustice Thanks for the info.
Hey there! Do you happen to have a pdf English manual for the princess 300?
I wish! if I ever find one I'll scan it and post a link, but they're pretty rare - I wouldn't hold my breath
Stupid question I know but I can't figure out to remove my Princess 300 from the base plate. Do you have any suggestions?
not a stupid question at all! they can be cranky sometimes. it’s held on by rubber bushings which are usually hardened, plus a small metal lip at the rear. brace your fingers on the frame up near the spacebar, then pry the front edge down to pop it off - it can take a fair amount of force, but you shouldn’t need any tools
@@TypewriterJusticeMany thanks for the super fast response. I did as you suggested and it worked a treat. I also have an Impex Marla which is very similar to this and to the Maritsa and I'd guess they were all made in the same factory. (Although the Impex Marla is made in Bulgaria but the Princess 300 claims to have been made in West Germany). I particularly like the way that an exclamation mark is prioritised over a 1 numeral on this machine - obviously designed for angry typers! I'm tempted to sell it as they seem to attract high prices in the UK (probably the name badge) but I may hold onto it just for the neat ribbon switch with the colour indicator. Talk about over-engineered! Thanks again. Regards. Paul
enjoyed your video and as a result my 8 year old received one for Xmas; however theres no manual and we need to change the ribbon (which we have) - any help you could give would be much appreciated. Ive searcyed online and cannot find instructions anywhere.
what model machine did y'all get? if it is one i have, i'll make a video for it. Most typewriters thread & move the ribbon in a similar fashion - a little cussing, a little ink smeared around, and a dash of logical observation will get you a long ways. The ink comes off your fingers easiest with rubbing alcohol :)
thanks for your reply ( its a beautiful Princess 300) - we asked our grandfather who's old enough to remember how to drive these beauties. Thanks again!
@@TypewriterJustice I have a Princess 300 and need help figuring out how to fix the case/backboard and how it attaches to the machine. I replaced the platen, and it sounds much quieter. I love the typeface. Gorgeous. But it’s skipping like crazy, and I think it may be because the rubber feet on the board crumbled, and the guy who replaced the platen threw away the screws and feet. I’d love your tips on resolving this issue so I can use it as a daily typer.
Do you have a way to get the paper rest magnet or does anyone know where I can get one or have one they are willing to sell?! Thank you!
if you search for ‘toy ball magnets’ on amazon you will find lots of them :)
@@TypewriterJustice Fantastic!!! About 3mm? Thank you so much!
how much?!
Which side of Germany is this typewriter from?
west