Sunday, October 10, 2010

Olympia SM-3 1950s Forest Green Typewriter (Carbon ribbon test)


And here, a few pictures of the tough-as-nails typewriter:







12 comments:

  1. Before you go too far, be sure to look under the machine and check the rubber bushings (washers) that sit near the feet, between the frame. The SM3 kind of "floats" on these, and if they are original, they are probably flat and nasty. You can remove the screws holding them in place and replace them with new thick rubber washers, usually found in the plumbing section of a hardware store.

    This quick replacement can make a huge difference in the smoothness of the carriage!

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  2. Nice. Mean & green. Good for novellas, movie reviews, and occasional literary criticism ;-)

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  3. Nice Olympia. I'm glad to see that the carbon ribbon is working well for you!

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  4. Mike - finally got around to taking a look at the bushings and they are indeed a tad squished! I'm interested to see what difference it makes when they are new. I'll take a look in the hardware store this weekend for a suitable replacement. Thanks for the tip!

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  5. I realize this a super-old post but I just found it. That looks exactly like my SM-3. I love these machines. Of all the typewriters I own and have tried, my SM-3 is my absolute favorite and the only I HAVE to have. They are truly great typewriters.

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  6. Another suggestion I'd have--well, the same one, really--would be to use those thick 'gaskets' used in those clip-top beers. They are thick and might be a bit too bouncy, though!

    (Yes, very old post, just found.)

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  7. I have a SM3 in excellent condition as well as the grey hard shell case that is in good condition. -3214If interested, please contact me at al_chirico@hotmail.com or 949-636

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  8. So sorry. The phone number is 949-636-3214. Typing on my laptop and my hand touched the trackpad whilst I was typing. Something that never happens on a typewriter...

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  9. A lovely and solid machine, indeed. My parents bought one for me in the 1950's, and it was my companion all through high school and college. Several times, during cleanup frenzies, it has been placed with other things for donation, and just as often, fortunately, put back onto the shelf at the last minute. Lately I've taken to using my small, but unfortunately growing, collection of typewriters (which also includes a windowed Royal Model 10 and an Olivetti Valentine) for correspondence with my many children and grandchildren. The Olympia is the slickest of the bunch. Thanks for the tip on those shock absorbers!

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  11. I have an Olympia that looks similar but not as much chrome trim. The hard calm case is identical but no place on it can I see a model number. Where should it be located ?? I'd like to find out what it is I have :-(

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