1 of 1- lazydog
- Touch Typist
Offline - From: North Carolina
- Registered: 06-2-2022
- Posts: 101
SM9 1970 vs 1977
This might be of interest only to me, but I have been wanting to take this pic for some time: side-by-side 1970 and 1977 SM9s. Both completely unremarkable machines, pica etc, but I feel like you can really see the progression of the industry here as Olympia worked to stay profitable under pressure.
- Pete E.
- Typewriter Talk Elite
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- From: Idaho - USA
- Registered: 23-6-2020
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Re: SM9 1970 vs 1977
The other major change with these later SM9's is the loss of the Tab set & clear key-tops on both sides of the space bar. Tab set/clear functions moved to the metal lever on the left side and those previous touch-controls moved back to under the body cowling as they were with the early SM7's.
- Penhurion
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- Registered: 20-2-2023
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Re: SM9 1970 vs 1977
Interesting comparison. Thanks for posting. I have a 1971 SM9 (and a 1956 SM3). I have read several comments that the SM9 was boring or unremarkable. If I could only keep one of my 12 typewriters, it would be the SM9. Great type quality, lack of drama, reliability, modern lines, quality build.
- OregonJim
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- From: Oregon, USA
- Registered: 06-11-2022
- Posts: 161
Re: SM9 1970 vs 1977
Penhurion wrote:
I have read several comments that the SM9 was boring or unremarkable.
I think operas are boring and unremarkable. That says more about me than it does operas. 
I like the SM9, even though the touch is...not my style. It has a clean look. I would trust it to hold up under heavy use.
- Paul1986
- Platen Punisher
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Re: SM9 1970 vs 1977
Thank you for posting that. What can you say about the typing experience? Are there major differences in touch and response?
- mando55
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Re: SM9 1970 vs 1977
I absolutely agree with Penhurion, especially the part about the “lack of drama”. I typed a number of single spaced pages on my SM9 today, and I knew it would get the job done with no surprises. I have four other machines, each is fun in its own quirky way, but when I have to get serious, the SM9 is my go to.
- Pete E.
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- Posts: 2,402
Re: SM9 1970 vs 1977
For long days or several days of just high-volume, final-draft typing, I reach for either one of these two in my collection.
So much easier on my 68 year old hands.
1974 Olympia SGE-35 electric
Or...
1971 Hermes 10 electric
.
