- ren33
- New Member
Offline - From: Southeast Michigan, U.S.A.
- Registered: 20-4-2024
- Posts: 9
Re: Looking for typewriter brands/models that fits my wish list. . .
Thank you again, Pete, for your input on the vintage Remington typewriter! Even though it sounds like it is a strong machine, I think I will stick with trying to find a Smith Carona. Here are a couple more that I have my eye on, but unsure if they are good deals or if I should avoid them.
250/Mark II
Coronet Automatic 12
Any thoughts on either of these? I really would love to have a resource on things to look for in a vintage typewriter that I can refer to, so that I do not have to bother you about it! Is there one on-line that you (or anyone else) are aware of?
- M. Höhne
- Key Master
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- From: Maine
- Registered: 14-3-2013
- Posts: 638
Re: Looking for typewriter brands/models that fits my wish list. . .
ren33 wrote:
Thank you again, Pete, .... snip .... I really would love to have a resource on things to look for in a vintage typewriter that I can refer to, so that I do not have to bother you about it! Is there one on-line that you (or anyone else) are aware of?
Ren, this is the resource and it's what we're here for. You're not a bother.
Do be aware though, that none of these machines are "new" and all will have a history that we know nothing about, so there cannot be any guarantees. Everything you have shown so far looks decent and they are all good models. It's down to how they actually work and feel (and whether you can negotiate an acceptable price). Pretty much all of us here bought our second typewriter in a quest to find the perfect one, and we're still looking. And yet, honestly, we would be happy if we ended up with just one.
A note about a price database: look on eBay for the model(s) you're interested in, and using the refinement categories at the left edge, select "Sold items" to see the list of final prices. You'll have to sort out the exact models you are interested in (do consider specs and condition), but this is the only widely-known, widely-available pricing list.
- Pete E.
- Typewriter Talk Elite
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- From: Idaho - USA
- Registered: 23-6-2020
- Posts: 2,393
Re: Looking for typewriter brands/models that fits my wish list. . .
Hi Ren,
I have no experience with the 1970's S-C electrics, so cannot comment other than I think more and more plastic components were probably showing up...as many of the other makers did, too.
I have a nice 1964 S-C 250 which is a beast and I like a lot. The power return is a bit jarring and can distract one from trying to do any thought-provoking typing of 1st., drafts.
I use my 250 only for "final" draft work...where the goal is to get it all down on paper without typos and no thought about content. I see it as a "production" machine. Very fast and easy to type on with the electric-touch of the keys.
My 250 came to me in a grey-on-grey colour scheme. I added a repaint in a tan colour to the ribbon cover and swapped some black key-tops to break up the field of white of the keyboard. The red coloured key-tops were there, already, assuming it was done at the factory. as I had seen others with red key-tops like mine.
I do wish the 250 came with a paper support from the factory, though.
.
.
- ren33
- New Member
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- From: Southeast Michigan, U.S.A.
- Registered: 20-4-2024
- Posts: 9
Re: Looking for typewriter brands/models that fits my wish list. . .
Thank you to all for sharing your thoughts and commenting on my previous messages. I really appreciate your responses, which have helped me to really hone in on the type of typewriters that may fit my wish list. I have a few other options that I am looking at currently and wondering your thoughts on the price (in consideration of the quality/condition, as ascertained by the photos posted). I appreciate any and all input as I continue my search for my first typewriter.
(this one is from overseas, but is it wise to purchase something that needs to be shipped such a long distance?):
I realize that each of these will require cleaning to some extent, but I am wondering which model might be easiest to clean (with easy-to-get-to-parts) and/or has the ability to clean up nicely.
And on another note, what type of cleaner and cloth would be best to use on these machines to clean away the dust that may have accumulated over the years?
Also, does anyone know anything about the Smith Corona Poweriter? I read someone on this forum mention it as a vintage cordless electric typewriter, but I would appreciate any input from anyone who has some experience with using it on its quality/longevity. Thank you, again, to everyone who has responded. Your input is very much appreciated!
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Thread Starter- Pete E.
- Typewriter Talk Elite
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- From: Idaho - USA
- Registered: 23-6-2020
- Posts: 2,393
Re: Looking for typewriter brands/models that fits my wish list. . .
Hi Ren,
1. I have brought in over 10 typewriters from the UK to my home in Idaho - USA. I usually start a dialogue with a seller about their packing methods and if they seem receptive to come suggestions, I will give my inputs. I have had no damage issues with any of my UK deliveries. Shipping is a tad high from the UK but many times a USA seller wants a whole lot more for shipping just 1/2 across the USA. And I usually get my UK machines within 7-10 days of the auction closing...even with going through US Customs.
2. That Olivetti looks like a nice machine. Good that the UK seller offers a return. Not that you would want to return (and pay shipping) for one...but a seller offering a return-option does indicate, to me, that they are confident in their machine.
3. The 1950's Smith-Corona manual typewriters are an easy machine to clean and self-teach oneself with minor repairs, servicing, and adjusting. Phoenix Typewriter on YouTube (Mr. Duane Jensen) is the best with hundreds of videos on all sorts of typewriter makes and issues and cleaning.
4. Do a Forum search for "Cleaning" and you will get lots of ideas.
5. If you have not purchased your first machine et, find one locally (FaceBook Marketplace) that is cheap and close to your home. I have bought many $ 15-30 local machines that are easy to clean and service and bring back to life. A couple I bought for parts when I new the FB typewriter was broken but still had the parts I needed for an identical machine.
Nothing like jumping in with a first typewriter purchase.
.
- ren33
- New Member
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- From: Southeast Michigan, U.S.A.
- Registered: 20-4-2024
- Posts: 9
Re: Looking for typewriter brands/models that fits my wish list. . .
This is very helpful information/input, once again!
Yes, I am still looking to purchase my first typewriter, and I am looking mostly on FB Marketplace, Goodwill (on-line), and ebay. But because I do not know enough about what quality markers to look for in a good-quality typewriter and/or what are the good-quality brands/models (even if they are the lesser-known brand names), I still do not feel confident making my first purchase (I fear buying it and regretting my decision later when I realize that it has its flaws!).
By the way, when looking at the Olivetti Lettera 32, I have noticed that some were manufactured in Italy and some where manufactured in Spain. Is there a difference in build quality between the two, such as is one made with more plastic pieces than the other, etc.? Should I stay away from one over the other?
Currently I am drawn to the Italian-made ones, only because of my biased perception that Italian-made goods are better quality, but I am happy to be corrected!
Thank you, again, to all of you who are willing to share your experiences and expertise. I look forward to the day I feel confidence enough to purchase my first typewriter!
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Thread Starter