| Type Talk » Sub-forums for Languages other than English » 18-7-2017 06:20:25 |
- Javi
- Replies: 12
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I´m glad to help with the Spanish sub-forum if needed!
I´d say the name of the sub-forum should be changed... Instead of "El Foro de la Máquina de Escribir Española" it should be something like "El Foro de la Máquina de Escribir en Español" , because that sounds like you´re referring only to Spanish typewriters, not a forum where you can talk in Spanish about typewriters.
| Portable Typewriters » The Battle of the SM9´s » 17-7-2017 10:00:17 |
- Javi
- Replies: 1
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Following the question that I raised in this topic, here comes the thread:
Are there any sgnificant differences between earlier and later Olympia SM9 versions?
This is an earlier one, from 1965:
And now the later one (1978):
They look vastly different, but when typing they´re quite similar (i.e. awesome). The earlier one still retains the "classic SM" feel, but the newer one looks like the SG3´s little brother.
But my question is whether there are any significant mechanical differences inside it or not. Following the principle of "don´t repair it if it isn´t broken" I´ve not tinkered with them too much apart from superficial cleaning and minor adjustments in the 1965 specimen (the othe one was 100% alright), so I´ve not gone too far. I know this may be a minor question, but I´ve always found useful to compare typewriters, and asking even more useful :D
| Portable Typewriters » Olivetti Valentine fonts » 17-7-2017 09:49:52 |
- Javi
- Replies: 7
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Going back to the original question, this is how my Valentine S writes:
Spanish keyboard layout and 10 CPI (pica, then), but as for the typeface, that´s a different story. I´d say this is what most Olivettis came with from the Barcelona plant according to a former worker. In fact, he referrred to the different pitches as Pica and Elite, never mentioning the CPI since here we don´t use inches at all except for TV screens. Even in that case most people don´t have a clue on how many centimetres is an inch.
What is a bit sad is how dull Olivetti became with typefaces in Barcelona. Apart from this one and techno, there´s not really much else. I´d say there are several script typewriters floating around, but they´re really scarce.
| Type Talk » Absolute quietest typewriter… » 15-7-2017 03:09:16 |
- Javi
- Replies: 49
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Uwe wrote:Javi wrote:... Olympia SM9 ... it´s a great one as well (one of the best of its time), but here comes the question: Which ones are better? The earlier or the later ones?
Do you mean earlier or later SM9s, or earlier or later SM models?
I was referring to SM9s only. They changed a lot on the outside, but I´m not sure how deep these changes went. This comes just out of curiosity and maybe this is not the thread to ask it, so should I start a new one with that?
| Type Talk » Sub-forums for Languages other than English » 15-7-2017 03:07:09 |
- Javi
- Replies: 12
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I think it´s a good idea, since it can help crossing the language barrier by completely eliminating it.
I speak only for myself, but since there are people from all around the world here I think there´s nothing bad in leaving some space to discuss in our native languages. Personally, I´ve grown more used to English than Spanish when talking about typewriters because English reaches much further and I get access to way more information than in Spanish, but having the possibility to use different languages would be great.
| Type Talk » Absolute quietest typewriter… » 14-7-2017 12:57:30 |
- Javi
- Replies: 49
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schyllerwade wrote:
The continental silenta...I may have to go look at that machine again after all. I hadn't been back since we discussed everything, but only because it was a shop closing down and the hours were irregular.
Remind me, is the silenta a thrust action?No, it isn´t. It may look like one if you take out the cover (as several noiseless typewriters do), but it´s a "normal" one. Now that you mention it, thrust action machines maybe are a little quieter because they strike the platen with a bit less force, or at least it´s what I get from my Adlers.
As for the mentioned Olympia SM9... Well, it´s a great one as well (one of the best of its time), but here comes the question: Which ones are better? The earlier or the later ones?
| Type Talk » Absolute quietest typewriter… » 14-7-2017 00:44:29 |
- Javi
- Replies: 49
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My quietest typewriter is the Continental Silenta, and by a long shot. Everything is designed to get rid of the noise, and in fact you won´t hear the typeslugs hitting the platen at all.
At least in theory a noiseless typewriter should be quieter than a regular one, but there are "normal" machines which are pretty silent as well.
I agree with Olympias being silent. If properly tuned the carriage goes like the wind and most of the operation isn´t that noisy either. But Erikas... My S&N Erika S is a screaming beast because the typeslugs hit the platen at supersonic speed and the platen itself is harder than it should, too. Another screeching monster is the Smith Corona Electra 220. More than a motor it sounds like it has an V8 engine under the hood, not to mention (again) the sheer hatred the typeslugs hit the platen with.
On a less conventional note, the Regia Mixta (Spanish design!) is very noisy as well, because the machine itself acts as a resonance box when typing.
Back to more silent typewriters, the Olivetti Linea 98 isn´t that drilling, either. And do electronic typewriters qualify for this? The Olivetti ET2200 is a good example of a large wedge, and is quiet enough.
| Type Talk » Recent Acquisitions Thread » 09-7-2017 13:06:36 |
- Javi
- Replies: 2008
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A newer Baby, with script typeface! Great find, and in very good shape. Just by looking at it, one can assume it´s far more advanced and reliable than the earlier versions. I have a 1936 Baby, and I bet yours types infinitely better. And I know I´ve said it, but beautiful typeface.
As for the TWDB, that´s where I started. Tons of knowledge there, and stunning collections as well. But the biggest one is the DB itself. It´s a great source for basically everything!
| Type Talk » One for the Experts (and Everyone else, too) » 05-7-2017 05:50:06 |
- Javi
- Replies: 31
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M. Höhne wrote:
The Proposition: We have reached the point in typewriter collecting where more machines are ruined by inept repair than by shipping mishaps. Discuss.
I wouldn´t go that far... Shipping is still a major issue mostly because ignorance. Many people don´t realize how fragile a typewriter is and how barbaric the handling can be during shipping. There are cases of sellers who want to cut shipping costs and they go for the lowest price by poorly packing the typewriter, but not knowing what´s going to happen is more frequent.
Inept repair is an issue, but I think it´s far less dangerous than keychopping, which is widespread. There are more people willing to tear apart a typewriter and make "jewelry" with the keys than overoptimistic ones who think that putting everything back together shouldn´t be that hard because dismantling it has been easy so far (guilty!).
Speaking from personal experience, a poor Antares 20S Efficiency had the bad luck of coming home when I was too inexperienced and eager to know everything at once (see previous post). But I learned a big fat lesson about patience, and then Pascual had to repair my disaster. When I asked him what did I do wrong, he just said "everything". Now I try to be much more careful, and even if I know more than before I´m more aware of all the stuff that can (and will) go wrong, so I follow the same principle as in medicine: more important than fixing anything is not to make it worse.
That ineptitude exists and some typewriters have become a pile of junk because of it, but I believe shipping is still the boogeyman out there, followed by keychopping.
| Type Talk » One for the Experts (and Everyone else, too) » 05-7-2017 05:26:06 |
- Javi
- Replies: 31
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CoronaJoe wrote:
You're sinking the ship before it left port. Pound the bricks, get out there and talk to folks. I know of 3 typewriter repairman who gladly share the wealth if you're willing to do the work and above all LISTEN. Show respect, they've paid their dues, listen to their story and the knowledge comes out. If you're too cheap to find the books, you're too cheap.
Listening is the best way for everything, I agree with that, but I have to say tricnomistal has a point. I´ve seen repairmen unwilling to share their knowledge because different reasons, and that doesn´t leave them in a good position either...
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An extremely reasonable one is the impatience of the enthusiast. You won´t learn in a couple of weeks what´s taken years of hard work. Experience can´t be rushed, patience is the mother of science and if you miss that point you´re gonna get into trouble. There the potential learner has to take a step back and right their wrongs.
But at the same time if the master just plainly considers himself above everyone, then most probably you don´t need that kind of person teaching you. Modesty works in both directions, and there are bad students just like there are bad teachers.
Another issue is time and age, and this is a sad one. My trusted repairman Pascual has finally retired at over 80. His health is not what it used to be, and while I wish I could pester him night and day with my questions and begging for help, this wouldn´t be right. He´s earned much more than my respect, and he doesn´t need someone like me drilling him with escapement issues. My point is that sadly many true experts of the trade are getting older and older, and this will make things harder for everyone in the future, but no one can fight time.
A middle point is the defeat before the battle. Not wanting to pass on your knowledge because it won´t go anywhere, someday everything will be dust or "this guy won´t get it". Try at least, please! Anyway, I can underst
