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19-10-2017 09:38:52  #1


Need a recommendation for my first typewriter.

Olympia Deluxe, Olympia SM3, or Smith-Corona Classic 12?

 

19-10-2017 10:30:36  #2


Re: Need a recommendation for my first typewriter.

Fleetwing did a good job answering your question in the new member introduction thread (I can't move an individual post otherwise I'd move it here). Without knowing which model you're referring to when you mention "Deluxe" (there were many of them), and assuming all three are in equal working condition, I would go with the SM3. You can't go wrong with the Classic 12, it's a solid, well-performing machine, but the SM3 has the edge in terms of build quality and more subjectively, in terms of aesthetics (I prefer '50s styling over the '60s but the opposite might be true for you). 

​Which of the three do you like looking at the most, and would like to see as a fixture on your desk? The bottom line is simple: that's the typewriter that you should pick.

 


The pronoun has always been capitalized in the English language for more than 700 years.
 

19-10-2017 11:09:55  #3


Re: Need a recommendation for my first typewriter.

If this helps the one called Deluxe is from the 60's and has the case that is rounded and curved at the top and silver color.  I'm wondering if it has an SMx designation also.

The SM3 is from the 50's.  It also says Deluxe in the same location on the typewriter.

They both look to be in good condition from their pictures.

I like the right-rectangular case better than the rounded-curved case.  The SM3 looks to be a blue-gray in the photo with the Deluxe being a medium brown or beige.  I definitely like the Blue-gray one better.

The asking price for the SM3 is $125 and the Deluxe is $100.  The case for the SM3 has the key and the Operating Instructions are included.

Is that a reasonable price on each of them?

I prefer the looks of the one from the 50's if only for the color, case with key, and operating instructions.  And of course it has the highest asking price.
 

     Thread Starter
 

19-10-2017 12:18:05  #4


Re: Need a recommendation for my first typewriter.

I literally just got an SM3 deluxe two days ago (well technically last week, but just opened it) and I am impressed. I recently acquired 3 Olivettis a week or two before that. Hard to say which I prefer, but the Olympia is more solid and tank-like. I was quite impressed when I opened it. Looks nice too, with the dark green and chrome trim. It might be my go to typer. My only complaint is the carriage shift, but not that big of a deal, really.

 

19-10-2017 12:21:34  #5


Re: Need a recommendation for my first typewriter.

Also. I'd like to add, I'm brand new to this typewriter thing, but it seems if the SM3 is problem free, clean and in good shape, I don't think $125 is too high, according to what I have been seeing on Ebay anyway.

Others may have a different opinion... again, I'm a newb.

 

19-10-2017 17:39:47  #6


Re: Need a recommendation for my first typewriter.

When you say "case" are you referring to the travel case or the typewriter's case (coachwork, shell)?

If you're looking at these machines online you can always include a link to the page so we can positively identify them. 

How much you can expect to pay all depends on your location and the models that are more common to that area. I have five SM3s at the moment and the most I ever paid for one was $60, another was $50, and the rest were less than $40. Unless there was something very special about the typewriter, I'd never pay more than $50-$60 for any Olympia.

Two Olympia SM storage/travel cases for comparison:



 


The pronoun has always been capitalized in the English language for more than 700 years.
 

20-10-2017 03:32:37  #7


Re: Need a recommendation for my first typewriter.

Bought a 1953 Olympia SM-3 last night.  Very clean.

Needs a good ribbon.  Source?

Are there parts diagrams online?

     Thread Starter
 

20-10-2017 03:36:51  #8


Re: Need a recommendation for my first typewriter.

Uwe, I forgot to answer your question.  The one from the 60's has a case like your upper photo.  The one from the 50's has a case shaped like your lower photo but more of a tweed look, a different handle, and a different latch.

     Thread Starter
 

20-10-2017 08:05:52  #9


Re: Need a recommendation for my first typewriter.

I posted pictures in the new acquisitions thread and posted a couple more pictures in the parts forum.

I found a broken screw that needs to be replaced.  Since it's for the pivot point of the carriage return arm it is rather critical and somewhat urgent to get a replacement.  What do you think my chances are of getting one?

     Thread Starter
 

20-10-2017 10:06:06  #10


Re: Need a recommendation for my first typewriter.

Since you're in the United States I'd suggest Staples for ribbon. I don't know if there's a store in your area, but if there is and they don't stock the ribbon, they can order it in for you free of charge. There are also numerous vendors on eBay and Amazon that sell what you need, generic 13 mm (½") typewriter ribbon.

​The pivot bolt for the line space lever might not be an easy find. I'd search online (eBay, for example) for someone who is parting out an Olympia SM. You might luck out getting one here from another TT member, but you might need some patience before one is found. Of course that's not to say that you can't fabricate something that will work in its place. 

​As a side note, what you bought is typically described as being a 'SM3', not a 'SM3 De Luxe'. You'll note that it doesn't say SM3 anywhere on the machine, so the De Luxe script was added to the segment cover to differentiate the machine from the more basic SM2 model. When you state it's a SM3, the deluxe classification is inferred.  


The pronoun has always been capitalized in the English language for more than 700 years.
 

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