r/typewriters Jan 24 '21

The typewriter Wiki is now live!

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1.0k Upvotes

r/typewriters Jan 22 '24

Typewriter Fact Psssst…

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87 Upvotes

Check out the new & improved r/typewriter_swap subreddit where we allow sales posts!


r/typewriters 13h ago

Inspiration Post An awesome portable

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52 Upvotes

Last Friday I picked this 1952 Royal Quiet De Luxe up for $25. Spent a few months searching through local ads, haggling on prices for machines that were not working but marked up like they were rebuilt. Saw this labeled as a 1950’s typewriter with minor issues for $35 and a video attached of a keys not striking. They would stop the last 1/4 of the way. Offered $25 and picked it up. Got it home to see what’s what and turns out it was the color switch on the right selected to the white and a few others that were or weren’t engaged properly. Only issue is the ribbon stops after typing a bit but it looks to be needing an adjustment on the gear underneath. More TLC this weekend and ribbon orders to hopefully get this singing.


r/typewriters 14h ago

Inspiration Post Im new but obssessed

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37 Upvotes

I recently was given an old typwriter and spent want seemed ages to get it up and running ruining many a toothbrush and several scratches later it is finally up and running. Based on the model number I believe it is a 1935/37 royal model O.

I cant stop typing on it. The feeling is so addictive and entrancing. Maybe its cursed.


r/typewriters 16h ago

Inspiration Post New 1958 Olimpia SM 3

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34 Upvotes

I just picked up a beautiful burgundy 1957 Olympia SM 3 with an elite typeface. I couldn't be happier.


r/typewriters 11h ago

Repair Question main spring of the draw band is unwound, any tips to fix it?

12 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I’m currently working on an Olympia SM9 typewriter. The mainspring is unwound, and I’d prefer not to take it to a repair shop. Do you have any tips on fixing this, or do I need to replace the main wheel of the drawband? Thank you!


r/typewriters 16h ago

Inspiration Post New 1964 Olimpia SM 9

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27 Upvotes

I also picked up a near mint 1964 Olympia SM 9. This one has a standard Pica typeface. The type action is so light, I actually thought something was wrong with it at first. It was a nice birthday present to myself.


r/typewriters 20h ago

Inspiration Post I got her!

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50 Upvotes

It took a few days but I really got her for 20€ including another Triumph typewriter. To me she seems like she’s in a very good condition, just a bit dusty and I need to obviously change the ribbon. She’s typing very smoothly and everything is working fine. She just needs a bit love and care. A bit of cleaning and maybe 1-2 drops oil and then I think she’s perfect for me. So yes, I’m gonna keep her and resell the others I have (Pls don’t ask, here in Germany they all wanna get rid of typewriters even tho they’re in a good condition). So thank you all for your advice!! I’m VERY happy I bought her for this price.


r/typewriters 2h ago

Typewriter Fact Leterra 22

2 Upvotes

Fun fact, green Leterra 22's make my credit card.tremble in fear. Thanks for listening.


r/typewriters 15m ago

General Question This typewriter comes from the game Control. Are there any real world similarities?

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Upvotes

Is this similar to a real typewriter?


r/typewriters 35m ago

Inspiration Post Well… this rare electromechanical work has found a new home!

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Upvotes

Well everyone, I recently sold my 1950 Royal RP. Happily, after the sale, the buyer and I became friends from our interests in retro computing and mechanical marvels like this. They fixed it up and cleaned it, it looks so good! I couldn’t be happier the thing will give enjoyment to another dork like me!

Pro Shipping Tip: strap machines to a piece of plywood some bit larger than the machine and secure it with some paracord. Filling a same area’d, double walled box with foam or similar, (and not using FedEx, those MONSTERS) my new bud received it in perfect shape. All the way across the country, too! USPS as the shipper might’ve helped, with some hand drawn fragilé marks on the faces, lol.


r/typewriters 16h ago

Repair Question Smith Premier No 4 ribbon search

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16 Upvotes

Howdy, my wife recently scored this fully functioning typewriter. She's in the process of cleaning it (no worries, no chemical cleaners or solvents of any type) but it is clear that the ribbon is beyond saving, it is in fact ahem more like a net than a ribbon. I have found a gentleman in North Carolina that has a ribbon for it but due to us being in Europe the shipping cost are quite prohibitive so I would like that to be my last resort. Would any of you know where in Europe a 38mm (1 1/2 inch) ribbon could be bought? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Also, I think based on the serial number that it's probably from 1899, is there a way to confirm that?


r/typewriters 1h ago

Repair Question Keys not hitting ribbon

Upvotes

The keys don’t seem to be hitting the ribbon when I type. They just kinda stop halfway. And when I press the keys, the spacebar moves. When I hold the spacebar down and press a keys, it does hit the ribbon. What could be the issue?

Important info: - stencil mode isn’t on - carriage lock isn’t on


r/typewriters 16h ago

General Question Anything similar to this typewriter in real life? (Alan Wake 2)

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12 Upvotes

In Alan Wake 2 there are several examples of word processors.

I know he uses the Olivetti Lettera 22 (some claim 32) but what about this one?

Is there anything similar in real life?


r/typewriters 13h ago

Repair Question Smith Corona 4 Series Clipper

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7 Upvotes

Threaded the ribbon today. I’ve cleaned the segment three times. Only 4 keys continue to give me trouble. The 8, U, J and N. All adjacent to each other.

Does anyone know if these machines have the washers that help elevate the carriage above the ribbon cover? (As seen in the Olympia SMs?). My carriage return lever is very tight to the top of the ribbon cover and I can see where some paint has worn away. Maybe there is another fix?

And finally does anyone know the size of the tiny screw that helps keep the platen knob on? This machine is missing that little screw and the knob likes to fall off. (I have the repair bible but didn’t see anything that looked like what I’m missing.)


r/typewriters 19h ago

General Question Smith corona Corsair deluxe

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11 Upvotes

Just got this one a few days ago ago haven’t looked into it yet, anything I need to know about it and is it a good find


r/typewriters 20h ago

General Question Scored an Olympia SGE-35 for only $80CAD!! Only… what kind of ribbon system is THAT??

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11 Upvotes

r/typewriters 17h ago

Repair Question Typewriter repair

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6 Upvotes

I was wondering if anyone knew of a person that does professional typewriter repair in the Colorado Springs area or just Colorado period. No matter what I’ve done ink somehow always ends up smudging underneath the line I’m typing and it’s driving me crazy. At this point I’m willing to just pay someone to fix it (that is if I could find someone lol). I know typewriter repair is sort of a lost art but I know there’s some people out there that still do it. Any help is great. Thanks!


r/typewriters 19h ago

Repair Question Olympia SG1 not advancing with letter keys.

6 Upvotes

I just got my first ever typewriter (eBay) and it is not advancing with letter keys. The space bar and tab work fine, but it does not advance when I type a letter. Can anyone tell from this video what the problem is? In the video, I first try letters, and then show the space and tab. If this video does not show it, could someone tell me what angle or part would be more helpful? Thank you!


r/typewriters 19h ago

Inspiration Post I love my Erika Model M

5 Upvotes

In my personal opinion the erika model M is the best typewriter ever made. The ergonomic of this think is just phenomenal. The easy to use TAB fonction. I think that if you ever have a chance to buy this think or any similar model snap it. And thank me later.


r/typewriters 1d ago

General Question Thrift store find

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90 Upvotes

20 bucks at the thrift store. Super excited about it, it’s my first one. Think I just need to replace the ribbon? Any cleaning tips/ common maintenance suggestions would be appreciated!


r/typewriters 18h ago

Repair Question Asking for tips about cleaning a typewriter.

3 Upvotes

Hello!

Quebecer here from Montréal. I want to clean my typewriter (a Smith & Corona) from dust and jamming keys, but I don't know which product to use. I got a compressed air can, but what can I use to unclog jammed keys? I can type, with it, but some keys don't go down.

I know that WD-40 is a no go.

Any tips, anyone?


r/typewriters 1d ago

General Question How do you display your typewriters?

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149 Upvotes

I designed and built a display, but I am not sure if this is the best option. I still have it in the garage waiting for me to decide if it deserves bringing it to home. Glass sliding door are still pending by the way


r/typewriters 1d ago

General Question What do I Have here.

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39 Upvotes

Moved into a house recently that came with all the previous tenants belongings. Found this old Royal typewriter in the basement. Appears to be functional. Any insights on the value, time period etc?

Thanks


r/typewriters 1d ago

General Question Erika 11

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61 Upvotes

Found this one at a flea market for 50 bucks. So very happy with it. It’s beautiful. But I can’t seem to figure out how to get off of the bottom of its case.

I included a picture from either side, the back and one more on the inside.

There don’t seem to be any release levers. All I see is that it’s attached to the case by a little black piece I can’t even reach (see last picture).

Any tips?


r/typewriters 1d ago

Inspiration Post Always lock your doors

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58 Upvotes

I only went to grab a beer while writing and my 3 year old snuck in... Just a reminder to always lock your doors! Haha!


r/typewriters 1d ago

Inspiration Post Not gonna lie

17 Upvotes

Judge me all you like, but I really would like, and kind of hoped for one of my typewriters to magically turn me into an amazing writer; to cure me of writers block (yes I know it's fake) and imbue me with inspired prose from the Muse.

Let the flames commence.

Best jibes win elevety five imaginary typewriter dollars* (non-transferable and valued at roughly.00075 galactic credits)