While a typewriter can never be truly perfect, one can expect a typewriter to function perfectly. Watching this video I have come to realize that I am fairly anal retentive when it comes to my typewriters. I can tolerate hard platens (within reason), minor on feet or type misalignments, and that's just about it. I have felt an overwhelming need to fix any other issues that I have encountered when it comes to the typewriters that I use, though I should note that I do have a couple of machines that I'm not really using because they currently require more attention from me. With that said, I applaud your high level of typewriter tolerance and wish you much happy typewriting in 2024.
This is a comprehensive take on the subject but I can think of a few more deal breakers (for me at least) 1 - a overly stiff touch that fatigues the hands, 2 - a high pitched thwack that can lead to headaches (Olympia SM3’s sometimes have this), 3 - missing the x-factor that just inspires writing. 4 - a machine that shakes and rattles as you use it. 5 - keytops that hurt the fingertips As for livable issues, I’d add a faulty bell to that list. Also paint/finish wear.
I am fortunate to have a number of typewriters so if one develops issues it won't stop my ability to write. That said, I recently picked up a new old machine specifically because I have all my others in good working order and I have no machines that need tinkering. While I love having a dependable typewriter for actual writing I also love typewriters as projects or works in progress. They are such beautifully engineered mechanical devices and my appreciation grows the more I dig into one. Not to mention that I get a thrill every time I puzzle out a solution to an issue. I'd hate to rely on a finicky machine, though, if it was my only one.
I recently acquired a Lettera 22 - totally clean with good rubber and super quiet... The rub? I have to use the knob to advance the paper. I've been surprised that this doesn't interfere with my writing and quickly became muscle memory.
This is an excellent subject to discuss. For example, a couple years ago I picked up a wonderful looking Olympia SM7 that worked perfectly, except that the TAB feature was not functioning. When I first purchased it, I wondered how important this would be, but it turned out to be a trivial problem as it is the machine I use the most. Thanks for this video Joe.
Just bought a beautiful Olivetti Lettera 22. I have multiple, but this one is in great shape and types well. But... Its carriage return arm was snapped. I've tried to repair it, but there is a considerable amount of stress on that metal lever when used. Like your Studio 44, I'll just live with it 🙂
"It all depends on what you're ready to put up with." I have a Royal Model H typewriter from 1934 that "almost works." Most of the keybars get just up to the page, but may not actually touch it. Either way, none of them will then fall back into the basket on their own. Also, the carriage is really reluctant to move. The mainspring and draw line seem to still be in good shape. The machine really seems to just need a really thorough cleaning. Not something I'm ready to do yet. I also have a Royal KMM from 1946 that "mostly works." It's missing six screws, two from the front of the case, one of which acts as the pivot for the ribbon select block to prevent accidentally switching to stencil mode, and then the four screws that hold the cover on so I have to work with the cover off as if it were a Royal Model 10 with an open basket and bare ribbon spools. Also, the glass-topped keys are very dark, almost unreadable in most cases. This isn't a problem because I actually bought the machine to brush up on my touch typing skills that I originally learned on a manual typewriter. Your Olivetti missing a CR lever is a bridge too far for me. Actually a lot of what you say you'll put up with is a bit too much for me. Grunge typewriter fonts are a real thing.
Interesting video Joe. Most of my favorite machines are near flawless in operation, and I’m lucky to have them. But when it comes to things like slightly imperfect type and such, while it does annoy the OCD part of my brain, it also comes with the territory of typewriters. If I want to type something up and have it appear like it came off a laser printer, I just sit down at my Wheelwriter. For everything else, I’ll happily use the manuals with their minor imperfections.
Here's a fun one, Although I love my 1964 SCM Galaxie Deluxe, and it has the 1 and ! Key and slug. But, lol a manual made ! Looks way better than the! Located on the 1 key. Ive cleaned it, but no matter the cleaning or light touch, it just looks awful. Not a deal breaker, I've got a machine that you have to Make an exclamation mark, so thats why its not a deal breaker for me and I still love it. In fact I'm going to see iv the type slug on my dead 120 SCM will fit and work for the Galaxie Deluxe. I think the slug the Deluxe has was cast wonky lol. Thanks Joe, and I found the video that reads Parts machines, about your Olivetti, I still think a topic on how you feel about Collecting the Dead. Happy Easter my friend.
My SCM Electra 120 works beautifully and I love it. But it's not perfect; the platen is hard as a rock so I use an extra sheet of paper, and the motor rumbles a bit probably because of the belt. I can live with that. The rest is pretty perfect.
my Selectric's carriage return doesn't work consistantly. I mostly use it for writing checks and envelopes so it doesn't really affect my life much. I'll eventually fix it but it's been like this for a few years now.
I got really lucky and mine is nearly perfect, only the occasional skipping when i type a little too fast, the odd stuck slug, otherwise it's a work horse.
What an outstanding video! So well done and covers many, many issues. Thankyou so much for all your time and efforts that go into your videos.
While a typewriter can never be truly perfect, one can expect a typewriter to function perfectly. Watching this video I have come to realize that I am fairly anal retentive when it comes to my typewriters. I can tolerate hard platens (within reason), minor on feet or type misalignments, and that's just about it. I have felt an overwhelming need to fix any other issues that I have encountered when it comes to the typewriters that I use, though I should note that I do have a couple of machines that I'm not really using because they currently require more attention from me. With that said, I applaud your high level of typewriter tolerance and wish you much happy typewriting in 2024.
This is a comprehensive take on the subject but I can think of a few more deal breakers (for me at least) 1 - a overly stiff touch that fatigues the hands, 2 - a high pitched thwack that can lead to headaches (Olympia SM3’s sometimes have this), 3 - missing the x-factor that just inspires writing. 4 - a machine that shakes and rattles as you use it. 5 - keytops that hurt the fingertips
As for livable issues, I’d add a faulty bell to that list. Also paint/finish wear.
Happy new year Joe and thanks for all your wonderful videos!
Thank you!
I am fortunate to have a number of typewriters so if one develops issues it won't stop my ability to write. That said, I recently picked up a new old machine specifically because I have all my others in good working order and I have no machines that need tinkering. While I love having a dependable typewriter for actual writing I also love typewriters as projects or works in progress. They are such beautifully engineered mechanical devices and my appreciation grows the more I dig into one. Not to mention that I get a thrill every time I puzzle out a solution to an issue. I'd hate to rely on a finicky machine, though, if it was my only one.
I recently acquired a Lettera 22 - totally clean with good rubber and super quiet... The rub? I have to use the knob to advance the paper. I've been surprised that this doesn't interfere with my writing and quickly became muscle memory.
This is an excellent subject to discuss. For example, a couple years ago I picked up a wonderful looking Olympia SM7 that worked perfectly, except that the TAB feature was not functioning. When I first purchased it, I wondered how important this would be, but it turned out to be a trivial problem as it is the machine I use the most. Thanks for this video Joe.
Just bought a beautiful Olivetti Lettera 22. I have multiple, but this one is in great shape and types well. But... Its carriage return arm was snapped. I've tried to repair it, but there is a considerable amount of stress on that metal lever when used. Like your Studio 44, I'll just live with it 🙂
Sometimes that’s all you can do; at least it keeps the machine in use.
It has to be perfectly imperfect! :D
"It all depends on what you're ready to put up with."
I have a Royal Model H typewriter from 1934 that "almost works." Most of the keybars get just up to the page, but may not actually touch it. Either way, none of them will then fall back into the basket on their own. Also, the carriage is really reluctant to move. The mainspring and draw line seem to still be in good shape. The machine really seems to just need a really thorough cleaning. Not something I'm ready to do yet.
I also have a Royal KMM from 1946 that "mostly works." It's missing six screws, two from the front of the case, one of which acts as the pivot for the ribbon select block to prevent accidentally switching to stencil mode, and then the four screws that hold the cover on so I have to work with the cover off as if it were a Royal Model 10 with an open basket and bare ribbon spools.
Also, the glass-topped keys are very dark, almost unreadable in most cases. This isn't a problem because I actually bought the machine to brush up on my touch typing skills that I originally learned on a manual typewriter.
Your Olivetti missing a CR lever is a bridge too far for me.
Actually a lot of what you say you'll put up with is a bit too much for me.
Grunge typewriter fonts are a real thing.
Great information for the new year.
Interesting video Joe. Most of my favorite machines are near flawless in operation, and I’m lucky to have them. But when it comes to things like slightly imperfect type and such, while it does annoy the OCD part of my brain, it also comes with the territory of typewriters. If I want to type something up and have it appear like it came off a laser printer, I just sit down at my Wheelwriter. For everything else, I’ll happily use the manuals with their minor imperfections.
Here's a fun one,
Although I love my 1964 SCM Galaxie Deluxe, and it has the 1 and ! Key and slug. But, lol a manual made ! Looks way better than the! Located on the 1 key.
Ive cleaned it, but no matter the cleaning or light touch, it just looks awful. Not a deal breaker, I've got a machine that you have to Make an exclamation mark, so thats why its not a deal breaker for me and I still love it.
In fact I'm going to see iv the type slug on my dead 120 SCM will fit and work for the Galaxie Deluxe. I think the slug the Deluxe has was cast wonky lol.
Thanks Joe, and I found the video that reads Parts machines, about your Olivetti, I still think a topic on how you feel about Collecting the Dead.
Happy Easter my friend.
Well Joe, a very interesting topic for to discuss on for hours.. Maybe on the typewriterclub :-) Have a good new year.
My SCM Electra 120 works beautifully and I love it. But it's not perfect; the platen is hard as a rock so I use an extra sheet of paper, and the motor rumbles a bit probably because of the belt. I can live with that. The rest is pretty perfect.
my Selectric's carriage return doesn't work consistantly. I mostly use it for writing checks and envelopes so it doesn't really affect my life much. I'll eventually fix it but it's been like this for a few years now.
Have no fear of perfection, you'll never reach it.” - Salvador Dali.
I got really lucky and mine is nearly perfect, only the occasional skipping when i type a little too fast, the odd stuck slug, otherwise it's a work horse.
Skipping…can’t stand skipping for some reason. Piling doesn’t bother me as much, not sure why. Other issues I can live with like the bell.
Thanks!
Thank you!
Like hnd washing dishes, they are never clean but just less dirty