Hi all,

I was playing with my Olivetti Lettera 32 (as you do), actually cleaning the ribbon auto reverse mechanism when I noticed the difference between my 1967 model and the 1971 model, in terms of anvil platen distance.

On the older model, the type bars hit the anvil first (which they should do) and then the rebound hits the platen, however, my 71 model is way out of adjustment and theres a good 2 mm distance between the anvil when the type head is pushed against a single piece of paper (which incidentally it grips for dear life). The well adjusted 67 version allows the paper slow slide behind the type slug.

I've adjusted successfully, the anvil platen distance on a Silverette by Silver Seiko but the Lettera looks extremely complicated and has lots of hexagonal nuts securing various things.  Does anyone know if the type basket can be pushed forward? or are these Letters non-adjustable?

I'm getting a bit obsessed with this topic and daren't look at my other machines because I will want to try and adjust them all.  I did look at my Smith Corona Silent and the anvil distance was stupid but I'm not touching it because I understand they are not adjustable.

I know that we don't have the full tools and expertise of the experts who made them and I've got to accept that, but I hate knowing something isn't right on a machine and it potentially can be adjusted.

Has anyone any experience with adjusting the anvil gap on a Lettera?

Many thanks

Richard