Typewriter Talk / 1970 Hermes Media 3

**Posted by Uwe** 21-8-2014 09:48:57

It's with a certain amount of chagrin that I'll admit my taste in typewriters has often changed as my collection continues to grow. Take for example this Hermes Media 3, the less-featured version of the Hermes 3000. I vividly recall my conversation with an antique store owner over a year ago concerning the machine. I was in the process of buying two other typewriters and she wanted to sweeten the pot by throwing in one of these last generation 3000 models for a really inexpensive price.

I balked at the notion of wasting any money on such a hideous machine and left the shop without it.

Earlier this summer, when another opportunity to buy such a machine arose, I leapt at the opportunity to own one. I was surprised by my reversal of opinion: How did such an ugly, square plastic box suddenly become something desirable to me? Partly it was to fill in a gap in the collection, but through the lense of my camera I really developed an appreciation of its design; even if you don't like the design trends of a certain era, it's easy to recognise and respect a representative design that is exceptionally executed. I think the Hermes Media 3 (and 3000) fit that description well, and it just took me a little time to come around to that fact.

How about you? Have there been any typewriter models that you've experienced a drastic change of heart with? Or maybe even a design that you once loved, and now can't stand the sight of?

**Posted by p12palof** 01-6-2023 03:29:41

First of all, excuse me for reviving a old post, but I have a question. Uwe, you are a very experienced typist, how can you describe the typing action in the Hermes in comparison to other good machines like Olympias? Crisper, softer,...? I´m planing to collect a relatively cheap 1967 Hermes Media 3, but it's far from my home, and I want to get a better idea of what I'll find. Last week I saw and touched a 1966 Hermes 3000, but unfortunatly it´s plenty of rust, dirt, several hits, brittle platen... in these conditions it´s impossible to judge any typewriter.

**Posted by Uwe** 01-6-2023 16:17:51

In terms of experience, I've been a touch typist for 45 years. I'd describe my typing speed as average. I do like the type action of Hermes portables, and enjoy using them. However, if I was restricted to only typing with one make/model, it's far more likely that I'd chose an Olympia. Simply stated, I'd be surprised if you didn't like using the Media 3.

I should also add that I'm cautious about making blanket comparisons. The type quality and performance of a typewriter can vary greatly from example to example because it's often determined by the condition of the specific typewriter being tested, the experience of the person testing it (their exposure to different makes/models - and even multiple examples of the same model), and the resulting opinions are often very subjective.

**Posted by M. Höhne** 02-6-2023 05:53:41

Uwe wrote:
I'm cautious about making blanket comparisons. The type quality and performance of a typewriter can vary greatly from example to example because it's often determined by the condition of the specific typewriter being tested, the experience of the person testing it (their exposure to different makes/models - and even multiple examples of the same model), and the resulting opinions are often very subjective.

Uwe, consider making this quote the masthead of this site.

**Posted by Laurenz van Gaalen** 02-6-2023 14:08:08

M. Höhne wrote:
Uwe, consider making this quote the masthead of this site.

Excellent idea!

**Posted by p12palof** 02-6-2023 23:57:14

Thanks for the info!!, I hope can test it next week and take a decision. In case I buy it, I'll post the pics and review.

**Posted by Pete E.** 03-6-2023 07:40:12

I think this Hermes 3000 blue-version made in the early 19760's in France is an eye-catcher.

By the late 1970's, it appears the grey/cream versions were being made in Hungary.
.

**Posted by ESC4P3** 03-6-2023 20:12:38

M. Höhne wrote:
Uwe wrote:
I'm cautious about making blanket comparisons. The type quality and performance of a typewriter can vary greatly from example to example because it's often determined by the condition of the specific typewriter being tested, the experience of the person testing it (their exposure to different makes/models - and even multiple examples of the same model), and the resulting opinions are often very subjective.
Uwe, consider making this quote the masthead of this site.

i agree. Uwe’s statement is a critical point. As the owner of two curvy Heremes 3000s, and two Olympias for comparisons, I can say with confidence that one can surely get the wrong impression from one typewriter of any model without others to compare them to.

If these typewriters we love were all new, it may be a different story; however, my ‘59 Hermes 3000 is not in the same league cosmetically with my ‘62, yet it has subtle differences all over the place in it’s operation and feel that are just not quite up to par with the ‘59 that is in perfect tune.

Likewise, my Olympia SM3 is a machine I truly love while my ‘62 SM7, which appears to be in near perfect cosmetic and functional condition is rather meh to me despite from what I’ve read about them being very similar mechanically under the skin. These 4 in my collection have made me at one with Uwe’s insightful message in this thread.

I’m a believer in the idea that with used machines of a certain age, one’s experience and perception can be dramatically different by two of the same or similar vintage models. This makes it all the more fulfilling when we obtain a superior specimen in our searches and why I’ve already learned to be cautious about spending too much on a machine you are unable to test in person before purchasing.

**Posted by ESC4P3** 03-6-2023 20:15:57

Oops, i’m not sure how or if we can go back and correct what we post, but clearly what I stated about my Hermes is not what I intended. My ‘62 looks superior, but my ‘59 is my favorite in feel and operation.