Thank you all for your suggestions. This is one of those more annoying than vital problems that crop up from time to time. The soldered joint looks good and the slug looks normal. Since the type bar for the letter A is far to the left in the basket, I would guess that it does have something to do with how it is fitting in the type guide, but will take Speed Champion’s suggestion and have someone more experienced than I look at it. 

I just recently acquired a Olivetti Studio 45 and did some typing tests comparing it to an Olympia SM9, a Hermes 3000, and a Smith-Corona  Silent Super: all excellent typers. Of these four though, the Olivetti was the best. I know that the word best is subjective in this case, but I have no axe to grind, and I love all these machines. I’m just astonished that the Olivetti Studio 45, that was featured in the Chicago Art Institute and that is one of the the most striking examples of modernist design, doesn’t get more respect amongst the typewriting community. I really believe one reason is the “metal fetish” of typiewriter aficionados, myself included. The plastic body of the OS 45 is off putting to some. Once I got past that though, I realized that it is one of the best typing machines ever created, both aesthetically and practically. 

I have found it best to buy typewriters that have been taken care of for a reasonable price, either from EBay, Craigslist, or from a garage sale. Buying a refurbished machine is great if you want a particular model and don’t mind paying a premium for it. Personally, I have had the most success finding a gently used machine and cleaning and making the necessary minor repairs myself. I have had nothing but good results from shopping around EBay and making thoughtful purchases there. Often sellers will come down in prices, and I have found that most do know how do pack and ship typewriters and I have never had a typewriter broken in shipment. The key is communication. The same goes for Craigslist. While a lot of people want way too much money for their typewriter on Craigslist, often they will take less and I love being able to test it out before buying.  

Also, if a machine types well, I don’t worry too much about platens and rollers, etc. I will often clean a platen, but if the typewriter accepts and rolls paper well, and the type comes out clear on the page, I don’t worry about the hardness of the platen. Of course, if the machine won’t accept or roll paper well, then new rollers must be installed.