Typewriter Talk / Electro-Mechanical Calculators

**Posted by Pete E.** 08-8-2022 18:17:31

Have this neat Facit Model 1208 (made in Sweden) electro-mechanical calculating machine on its way to our home.

Thought it could keep my Facit T2 company on the book case shelf.

$ 22 USD plus shipping.

Cannot wait to get it on my work bench a bit of a clean and service and maybe a new ribbon.
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**Posted by Pete E.** 08-8-2022 18:30:19

Although it has lost its dust cover with the passing of time, its original user manual is still taped to the bottom of the machine.

Seems like it takes a black/red ribbon. Positive values print out in black and negative values print out in red.
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**Posted by Maschinengeschrieben** 08-8-2022 21:38:57

Thats where the phase "to be in the black" comes from.
I might be able to service a chronograph but these things scare me. I dont really touch them, apart from superficial cleaning.

**Posted by Pete E.** 09-8-2022 07:17:22

Hi Gerd,

That is my plan as well. Take off the covers, give it a good clean (without any disassembly), maybe a drop of light oil here and there, and some new ribbon in place.

I figure this will be a display piece as I simply like my scientific calculator (which I bought in college back in 1980) too much and still use, daily.

**Posted by fountainpensplus** 09-8-2022 09:24:16

That is a really nice looking machine! I had a 10-key machine once but never used them enough to be a touch typer. However I found it mesmerizing to watch when someone else was. Our tax person (only a few years younger than me) still has one on her desk.

**Posted by Pete E.** 09-8-2022 12:43:31

Hi George...how could I resist anything "Facit"... lol

I went after this Olympia 10-key on eBay simply to score its nice Olympia case. Thought I could use it to haul and store my 1979 Nikon FM 35mm cameral and a few lenses.

Seller of the calculating machine indicated it does nothing when plugged in and turned on. I did not let them know it has a power fuse-holder under the cowling.

If I can get the Olpympia to work...great. If not I still get a great case for my auction-win of $ 1.98 USD plus about $ 14 S&H.
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**Posted by thetypewriterman** 09-8-2022 17:10:36

Lovely carry case. I do believe that it uses the same plastic handle as the Traveller potable !

**Posted by Maschinengeschrieben** 09-8-2022 17:17:28

Same style of case as my Report deluxe. The machine too.
In fact I thought about getting one of these to go with my Report years ago, just like I did later with my SG1. But there's just no space on my desk for it. With these 70s cases, I dont trust them further then I can throw em.

**Posted by Uwe** 09-8-2022 17:35:16

I don't trust any travel case. Many years ago I was carrying a case that appeared to be in perfect condition, and was properly closed. Regardless, it unceremoniously ejected its typewriter onto a concrete sidewalk as I was walking. The typewriter was in fantastic condition too, and even though I repaired the extensive damage, it now has character marks to remind me of the lesson learned. I now carry typewriters in their travel case in a manner that doesn't rely on its handle or latches.

Those calculators are hyper-cool accessories; I've been tempted more than once to match machines with their period-correct calculators, but so far I've managed to talk my way out of it; my rule is to not buy anything that I won't actually use, and as neat as vintage calculators are, I never have the need for one when I'm using a typewriter to write.

**Posted by Pete E.** 10-8-2022 07:15:10

I'm with you there, Uwe...2-handed carry on any case or typewriter and never with its handle.

Same with vintage sewing machines.