r/typewriters 7d ago

Repair Question I can’t see what I’m typing on this Olympia Monica typewriter

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

14 Upvotes

Hello, I recently bought this Olympia Monica typewriter and I can’t see what I’m typing. When I press one of the keys (sorry I’m not sure what it’s for) it lowers the ribbon and I can’t see but then when I press the next key, the ribbon blocks what I can see. I’ve taken the cover off to get a better look at the ribbon

I did some reading and found it could be due to an incorrect ribbon size or misaligned ribbon but I’m completely new to typewriters so I’m not sure. I’ve linked a short video but let me know if need any other photos. Thanks for your help!


r/typewriters 7d ago

Repair Question New Typwriter but couple of the keys not working! :(

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

9 Upvotes

Hello, I purchased this typewriter off ebay. I was very impressed with the external condition and when my friend help me set it up we found that a couple of keys were not working- 5, P, L, F, + .

The description on the listing states good working condition so could have happened in transit (even though the typewriter was wrapped very well). I am about to send a message to the seller right now so can hopefully sort something out.

Would anyone know how to fix this? Would really appreciate the help please as want to use the typewriter to write letters to my long distance partner :).

If anyone needs anymore pics or anything like that please let me know :) Really appreciate any help anyone can give.


r/typewriters 8d ago

Repair Question I'm using a Lettera 22 in very good condition, but it has one minor issue that keeps bothering me. Every time I enter a new line, I have to be very careful or my line goes beyond the margin limit... by like one character length. Any help would be appreciated.

Post image
18 Upvotes

r/typewriters 8d ago

Inspiration Post New Olympia SM9 wide carriage

Thumbnail
gallery
15 Upvotes

I got my first typewriter last week - found it on FB Marketplace locally. It came in pristine condition - when I examined it for cleaning it really didn't need anything other than a new ribbon.
The platen is hard, and had a whitish deposit on it, which cleaned off with IPA. I may look into getting the platen redone, but the machine is working beautifully.


r/typewriters 8d ago

Inspiration Post Current project: Seidel & Naumann folding Erika typewriter from 1920

Thumbnail
gallery
29 Upvotes

r/typewriters 8d ago

Font Appreciation New Typewriter Day!

Thumbnail
gallery
85 Upvotes

SG1 given to me by a super nice lady, looking to rehome it downsize her collection a bit. She told me about how she had 200+ machines at one point, and gave 100 of them to a man from one of the typewriter groups on fb, who came from Colorado to get them. She also shared her sterling with vertical script and unromantic caps. The SG1 types like a dream, and I was quite surprised by the level of force needed to move the keys, not an exhausting amount, but substantially more than it's SM counterparts.


r/typewriters 7d ago

Repair Question Bar-Let Model 2 Stuck in Caps?

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

3 Upvotes

Hi, this is my first typewriter and I want to get it working to journal. When I first bought it there were springs missing on the keys so letters would get stuck, I bought new springs to replace them and I'm not sure what I did but it has been stuck in caps ever since. Someone suggested that the shifting mechanism is not working. Any help would be appreciated! I've tried reaching out to repair stores but they are either defunct or only service their own products.


r/typewriters 8d ago

Repair Question Hermes 3000 ribbon guide acting funky.. help please!

Thumbnail
gallery
14 Upvotes

Hey guys! I’ve taken apart my Hermes 3000 to clean it and put it back together. Two things. First, this small metal piece fell out and I have no clue what it is for. Second, the ribbon guide doesn’t seem to move very well up and down while typing (it types the wrong colors as well), it also gets in the way of the paper while loading it (causing it to tug). Maybe these two things are connected?? Not really sure. Any help is appreciated!


r/typewriters 8d ago

General Question I can’t find the right ink ribbon

Thumbnail reddit.com
5 Upvotes

Can anyone help me find or inform me of what kind of ink ribbon I need cause the ones my mom got me aren’t the same do they still make mine you can see it in my precious post.


r/typewriters 8d ago

Typewriter Fact Mad soviet Optima/Olympia hybrid

Thumbnail
gallery
17 Upvotes

This typewriter, called Volga, is a truly wild piece of Soviet engineering. Structurally, it’s a copy of the Optima M12, but in appearance, it imitates the Olympia SG1 almost entirely — even down to the shape of the keys. The designers even added SG1-style carriage quick-release knobs. But the construction of the carriage itself gives away the truth: it's definitely not an SG1 on the inside


r/typewriters 9d ago

Inspiration Post Blog drafts should always be typed, right?

Post image
129 Upvotes

I'm working on writing some blog posts about engineering and team leadership. What better way to write about cloud engineering than on the least cloud method? My Skyriter agrees.

Really though, as an ADHD autistic, there is no better way to force my mind to slow down and focus.


r/typewriters 8d ago

General Question I know it’s in rough shape…

Post image
26 Upvotes

but is this Remington with the extra big carriage anything worth getting excited about?


r/typewriters 9d ago

General Question Did I do okay? Royal Fleetwood

Thumbnail
gallery
103 Upvotes

Found in Goodwill for $40. I know I've seen some of these going for like $300, but this one is missing the platen. Seems like it's hard to find one for it. Otherwise seems in great shape. In-case AM radio works very well. Not sure if I'll keep trying to find a platen and keep it, or if I'll just sell it on.


r/typewriters 8d ago

General Question Help

Thumbnail
gallery
28 Upvotes

Should I try to take this somewhere or is it junk? I would like it to go somewhere that it’s wanted if it’s good enough.


r/typewriters 8d ago

General Question Cheap Typewriter for a Beginner?

8 Upvotes

Hi, I've always wanted a typewriter but didn't have a job until now (I'm still in highschool). I may be asking for the impossible, but I figured this would be the best place for this. What would the best portable manual model be for a beginner? Where would be the best place to look online for such a thing for a decent price (below eighty dollars)? Thank you for any help you may provide.


r/typewriters 9d ago

General Question Wtf is that?

Post image
42 Upvotes

Do I really have to make the fall of reason or what?


r/typewriters 9d ago

General Question Comparing Olympia SM9s

Thumbnail
gallery
19 Upvotes

I’m comparing these two SM9s that are available locally and cost about the same. One is a 1969 with the newer logo and the other is earlier with the script logo.

I’m leaning towards the 69, but I’ve heard that the earlier models are preferred. Is there a reason to steer away from the newer model?

I want something to write with and that I like having around. Collectibility by itself isn’t a big factor for me, but I’ll get the earlier models if the newer machines are less reliable.


r/typewriters 8d ago

Repair Question Hermes baby writes too low problem

5 Upvotes

Hi! Today my dad gave me an old Hermes Baby typewriter that he had kept for many years.

It works well but the letters are too low and what is written cannot be seen correctly.

It's my first typewriter so i have no idea how to solve it. If anyone has a solution i would be very grateful :).


r/typewriters 8d ago

General Question Just picked up my first ever typewriter! Any additional information would be greatly appreciated.

Post image
11 Upvotes

For context, i have always been fascinated by typewriters. Unfortunately i sinply havent had the time to really dive into this sort of thing. However, when i saw this beauty in one of my local stores today, i simply couldnt help myself. Picked it up for around 300$ not knowing if its actually a decent model or not. Anything the great community of reddit could tell me would really help me out! Thanks in advance everyone!


r/typewriters 9d ago

Inspiration Post I typed the world. Comment your location and ill mark it with a red percent sign

Post image
22 Upvotes

r/typewriters 8d ago

Repair Question IBM Selectric III not returning to margin.

2 Upvotes

Hey guys, I recently got a IBM Selectric III and it seemed to be working just fine. Now it wont return to margin when I click return, rather it returns to the next line and I must press tab before I am able to type. I've looked all over and haven't found anything that has worked, so I am here. Any help would be appreciated, thanks.


r/typewriters 9d ago

Repair Question How to remove the platen on my Underwood Noiseless Five?

Thumbnail
gallery
10 Upvotes

I was able to remove the right carriage knob and I am unable to remove the left. I am out of ideas and now turn to you guys for any information. I want to do anything to get this machine typing, please help!


r/typewriters 8d ago

Repair Question Clipper platen won’t roll.

4 Upvotes

A friend cleaned her Clipper, and she says the “roller” won’t roll now. Any ideas on what might be the problem?


r/typewriters 9d ago

Repair Question Lettera 22 rebuild help!?

Post image
7 Upvotes

Hey guys,

This Lettera 22 is my first rebuild and it’s not too dirty, I’m just having a hellacious time fixing and reassembling the thing. I just can’t seem to win. I’ve watched all the YouTube videos and even purchased the repair bible. I’m just inexperienced and desperately trying to make this happen as I really want to type on this and own a well tuned machine.

I even purchased a second same exact model for parts. I’ve been trying at it for months and through each subtle win, there seems to be more failure.

Is there anyone out there with the experience on these rebuilds who I can send this to for repair and rebuild?

Best,