This is BrainLog, a blog by Dan Sanderson. Older entries, from October 1999 through September 2010, are preserved for posterity, but are no longer maintained. See the front page and newer entries.

July 22, 2009

I'm too young to have used a typewriter (electronic or otherwise) for actual writing, though I have memories of big buzzing IBM Selectrics from my childhood, and I vaguely recall having access to a manual typewriter briefly at one point. I occasionally fantasize about getting and using a manual typewriter, though I worry about the dwindling supply of ribbon cutting the fantasy short.

myTypewriter.com seems designed specifically to play into this fantasy. Browse typewriter models by brand, by period, or by the famous authors that used them, then buy restored vintage models for large sums of money.

Cheaper and perhaps less notable typewriters are available on eBay. Check out the lovely product description by typewriter restorer Dean Jones on this 1960 Hermes. I can't find any more info on Jones beyond his eBay account ("writertypes," 142 positives, all typewriter related) and this one item, but the write-up is worth the Buy It Now price.

Typewriters.com is a more business oriented retailer and mostly carries electrics, but does carry the Olivetti MS25. This Olivetti and replacement ribbons are also in Amazon.com's catalog, fulfilled directly by Royal. Update: Check out these terrible customer reviews on that cheap plastic thing. Clearly this is not how you fulfill a fantasy.

I ran across this recent NY Post bit on how the NYPD still uses and spends money on manual and electric typewriters. A supplier mentioned in the article, Swintec, appears to specialize in supplying the federal government with typewriters. They also make clear typewriters for use by inmates in correctional facilities.

There appear to be enough ribbons available to entertain a contemporary manual typewriter fantasy, especially for more recent models. TypewriterSupply.com carries ribbon for a bunch of models I tried.

Poetic Typewriters has a list of The Top Five Portable Manual Typewriters.

Typewriter Man by Ian Frazier, from The Atlantic, November 1997.

The Classic Typewriter Page, maintained by Richard Polt. See also
The Collectors Weekly interview Polt.

Much to my surprise, I can't find anything on the 'net that'd tell me which make and model of typewriter was used in the movie The Lives of Others. It's mentioned prominently in the DVD commentary, but nobody has transferred this information to a web page, apparently. I'll update this spot if I find out, and do let me know if you know.

And lastly, if you have a portable manual typewriter model to recommend, leave a comment!

comments...

Cheryl, July 24, 2009 12:06 PM:

If you are looking for a more full-sized portable, the Olympia SM9 and the Hermes 3000 seem to be the most talked-about models. Problem is, you either like one or the other. I have both, and personally prefer the Olympia.

Small portables... the Olivetti Letteras are good. I am going to go out on a limb and officially discourage Hermes Rockets. They look cool as heck, but for some reason, their platens (if old/original) are always like granite. Strictly my opinion, but I have two and both are duds.

I am a fan of all Smith Corona typewriters, period. The smallest one is, I think, the Skyriter. I have a Silent Super, which is not particularly small.

Generally speaking, any typewriter made after the 1960's is crap. There are exceptions.

Dan Sanderson, July 24, 2009 2:03 PM:

Thanks Cheryl! Without having seen one, I'm eager for the Hermes 3000, but I'd certainly consider the Olympia you mention.

I'm still new at this so I couldn't identify it definitively, but I saw a small Smith Corona at The Vintage Mall in the Fremont neighborhood about an hour ago. It seemed in poor condition to me, letters going every which way when typed. I have no idea if the ribbon was advancing correctly or not. The tag said $41.

I also took advice from your site and tried Deluxe Junk, but they're out of typewriters at the moment.

It was great to spend time with the SC and become convinced that it really would be fun to have a nice one. I'm compelled to learn everything there is to know about typewriter repair, just in case. :)

TR, August 3, 2009 6:05 PM:

There are some things to keep in mind when buying a typewriter. They are a lot like pianos in that most folks have no clue as to either the condition or the worth of the machine they have and are likely to overestimate both variables.

The best way to go is to buy from someone who refurbishes the machines for a living and knows what they're on about. You'll pay a bit more than $41 for it but you can rest assured you'll have a clean, happy machine that will allow you to get on with the business of writing. (As opposed to getting a machine with hidden 'oops' factors that will require more money--or a goose chase for parts--to fix.)

Dean Jones would be an excellent source for a manual typewriter and I highly recommend him. You can also join the Yahoo group: the portable typewriter forum. TONS of great info there.

Don't worry about a 'dwindling ribbon supply'. There are too many people still using typewriters to mean ribbons are near extinction.

As for the typewriter in Lives of Others, someone on the portable typewriter forum said the typewriter was a Kolibri.

Good luck!

Dan Sanderson, August 3, 2009 9:41 PM:

Love the piano analogy, thanks TR!

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