HOW TO BUY A TYPEWRITER 

"There is no "1" Key, so you have to write out "one") No, many Typewriters do not have a "1" Key, you actually use the lower case L, and it will just look exactly like the 1. This Key is designed to be "Two in one". They done this to save space on the keyboard to make space for other "Useful" Keys and functions (or at least what they thought what was useful) but also to save Materials and Money in Production. There are also many Models which do not have the 0 Key, in that case you just use the Capital O. You're welcome.

Using this in Starbucks is 100times cooler than using a MacBook

How to buy a typewriter: it's harder than it seems. You have to find the right one or ones that'll suit you on the emotional level, and it's all how the typewriter looks to you. The appearance of the typewriter will determine your motivation to produce work on it. I could make some suggestions to new typists looking for their first typewriter. For a smooth look, go with a Hermes 3000, an Underwood/Olivetti, or a 50's Smith Corona or Remington portable. For those that want a big bulky old thing, go with a Royal No. 10, an Underwood No. 5, Remington Standard, or a Woodstock. For those looking to get a really old portable, look at the Corona, Royal, or Underwood portables. For those who want something that looks batshit crazy, go with the Oliver.

If there isn't a 1 key, you use lower case L for arabic numerals or upper case I for roman numerals.

I am actually planning to buy one and this really helped me know more about it. Thank you for the video!

In my city, I found a store that sells and repairs classic typewriters, they have some amazing ones and running 100%, and with original parts, the owner is an enthusiastic old man, and he LOVES the stuff he sells and repairs. I saw a red Olivetti one that caught my eye and it's not really that expensive. They have Olimpia's and Printaform, but I've settled my mind, the red one is for me... Though, they also have a beautiful blue Lettera 22...

Found an old 1949 Royal typewriter in my grandma’s basement today, cleaned it up with the good ole tooth brush method and it’s working perfectly, aside from a dry ribbon. It’s been a good day!

Not bad, but I have a few things to point out - what you call the "rolling pad" is called the Planten. Also, it's very common for portable mechanical typewriters to not have a 1 key, and in that case you would just use a lower case "l." You don't need to type out "one." The other thing I would mention is that it is VERY common when you find an old typewriter for the keys to be sticking. That's no big deal, the mechanism just needs to be cleaned and oiled. You'll rarely ever find a typewriter in 100 percent perfect condition, they almost always need a lot of cleaning because they've been sitting around for years. So you shouldn't get discouraged if the keys are sticking, or if the carriage moves a little stiff, etc. As long as the mechanical parts are in good condition with nothing missing, it is easy to get it working again after you clean it. Antique typewriters were built like tanks, they don't break. I've "rescued" a bunch of old typewriters that were filthy and stuck solid...keys were sticking, the carriage would barely move, etc. After a thorough cleaning, they came back to life and started working great again. It's cool that people are getting back into things like this. The biggest advantage with using a typewriter is that you have less distractions. It helps you to be more focused when you're writing. And of course, if you use a mechanical typewriter, you don't need electricity, so you can take it anywhere.

Actually you don't have to write out the word "one". To conserve space and limit moving parts a little bit, a lot of models use the lower case "L" to function as the number one as well. Just thought I would let you know. Great video by the way. I am an avid collector of typewriters and these tips are great. Always good to be able to test the machines first.

I bought a fully functional burgundy Olympia typewriter (Olympia werke ag) for $5 at a yard sale today. It looks very similar if. It’s the same as yours.

I'd just like to say thank you for taking the time to make this, I found the information very useful in my hunt for a good typewriter. I don't really care if it's new or used, or what it looks like, I'm just looking for a good little manual typewriter that works well for writing letters to go along with my dip-pen that I have.

Good video and informative. I second what Olumin said, the "1" substitute is a lower case "L" (l).. And the no exclamation point is an apostrophe, backspace and then add a period. Cheesy but charming at the same time haha.

Love the Donnie Darko poster. I’ve recently got in to the more gentleman hobbies. For instance I have been Traditional WetShaving for close to 2 years now and want to start getting into the Fountain Pen 🖋 hobby and just recently typewriters have caught my eye. Vintage stuff rocks 😁🤘🏻

Even with 100% perfect feedback it’s still a gamble. I’ve purchased twelve typewriters on EBay. Two of them were perfectly described, one was actually better than expected but all the rest had some issue that was not stated in the description. The problem is that many sellers of these machines are not the original owners and are not familiar with their functions. They might press a few keys, see the type bars move, hit the return, hear the bell and decide that it’s in working condition and just needs a new ribbon. I would never recommend anyone buy a used typewriter off of EBay expecting it to work flawlessly. But if you do just plan on having a full service done by a professional.

Thanks for the info. Brings back many memories of my typing class in high school. As for the German typewriter it's most likely the z is switched with the y. I know because I was typing on a German keyboard (computer) and since I learned touch typing it was very hard to stop typing a z when my finger is reaching where the y should have been. One thing I was thinking of is at least manual typewriters don't get hacked. I like what you said too, if power goes out you can still work. Love that you can scan into the computer and convert it to a word file.

When I was younger I loved writing and reading, so I would make short stories I would love to get a typewriter 🤓

This is a SM4. I personally recommend an SM3 (I think the tabular on the space bar isn't the best looking). I would also look into Olympia SF's b/c they're tiny and very portable.

i just got an Olympia typewriter (The modell is called “Monica” I guess) in a local thrift shop and it only cost 5 dollars and still works perfectly😅

I have the EXACT same typewriter and plan to use it for scripts!

Thanks for the info dude! Just a minute, small thing that was bugging me but since your an author I thought it'd be appropriate. It sounds like you're saying weary, instead of the word you're looking for, wary. Either way thanks for the tips I bought a typewriter today, lokk forward to some crispy looking writing.

Kevin, your Olympia is a SM4 , not SM3. The SM3 tab setting are on the back of the machine, SM4 has the tab key on both side of the space bar:-)

hello there, i enjoyed your video a lot. i am a doctor but my hobby is stamps and letters. i am planning to buy a typewriter as i tend to write a lot of letters. i will take ur tips when i am looking at ebay listings. thanks for the good job and hope to see more from you.

Great background song... classic!

As someone who took typing class in school many years ago, I can tell you that most typewriters did not include the 1 key. To type the number 1, you would use the small letter l. 100 on the computer l00 on the typewriter.

I also like the Olympia typewriters and I have a SM7, SM9, and a SG1 desktop office machine. The SM7 is a nice machine and raises the carriage, as your machine does, for making capital letters. However, I prefer the ease of using the type basket shift on the other two models for making capital letters.

A great place to buy typewriters are in typewriter repair shops. You’ll be insured that it will work and have a place to take it incase it needs repairs or just need to buy ribbon.

I've got an electric typewriter back in 2015 from an Estate sale and it works fine. Now I'm looking for a non- electric typewriter

I grew up with a typewriter and love it. It sure helps to remember your spelling also in case there a power outage good excuse​ to use it.

Thank you for the advices. Really good video.

useful information! thanks!

Thank you for this informative video. If you are missing "1" on your keyboard then you can use the "I" as in Idaho as a roman number one or you can use the little "L" ("l") which also looks like a "1".

They actually look super interesting

Need to Developments in Typewriter and Computer centers on all WORLD because of these are two machine's directly reflect on our Mind as well as heart. It means you are mention all words or lines easily with speedily in Computer before hand Writing (Kalam and Kagaj) activities but without Typewriters We are didn't expert in Computer Skill so please need to compulsory get knowledge (Certificate take from Government or Private sectors) in this two Machines each and very persons on WORLD Like 10th passed,12th passed,Graduation,Diploma holders and Degree holders with Doctor's as well as Engg. I am so happy for your Demonstration's about Typewriter Machine, I know so many uses from learn this Machine like eye safety when used computers, avoid waist timing when used computer keyboard also mention all words easily with speedily in all computers programs before split our Mind as well as Heart.........................need to Revolution in our country also because of in India have some few Typewriter centers.

How about the ink? How you refill it? In case a piece is broken, you can easily replace it with another one?

i have a facit 1620 circa 1975-80 what do you whink of it?

If you miss having a 1 key and ! then search out a German model. They actually have them. You have to live with the z and y being transposed, but that's an acceptable price to pay for me.

Background music .... I heard it before but I don't know where ??

I love it, old school never dies.Type. I learned on one... ha,ha.

Excellent video.

Would anybody suggest Underwood brand typewriters?

Hey there, what causes the ribbon to keep bunching up on a type writer? I just recently got a Royal Epoch Manual but it doesn't really have any directions.

I've bought so many in the last thirty-five years I could tell ya what to look for on all the Americans and some of the foreigners. It's half the fun. I buy nothing but broke typewriters most times because it's cheaper and I know what to fix, or if it's a junker, which of my others need a it.

What is the best model for manuscripts and screenplays/stage plays?

Hi I'm interested in buying a typewriter but failed to find one in my locality, a request, please share the link of reliable websites and also the link of the site from where you bought it. Thankyou😊🌈

The problem? They break. Without doubt. And if you cannot fix them yourself, it's difficult to find reputable people to fix them.

NVM its Mortal Kombat. It was killing to figure it out lol

Kevin thanks very much for this upload. Very encouraging and it confirmed stuff I already knew, and added lots besides! Helped me to get a typewriter...one thing though - you dont enter into a debate of electric v manual. I guess you prefer manual - and you make some good reasons for that. Any thoughts about what electric typewriters can offer in addition, or as an alternative?? John Tate Liverpool UK

Thanks much for the info. Very helpful. I just bought a 1938 Royal which is in great working order. Am planning on starting several short children's books as well as a few other's and want to use my typewriter. Just to be sure... when you finish your novel or stories, you scan all of them and then send them off to the publisher? How difficult is it to scan to a Word Doc?

Hi Kenvin, Question here. Since there are many models out there, which one is a good one? there seems to be a sea of Typewriters to choose, so many models and brands, this and that, the way its been built etc... What would your suggestion be Kevin? Many thanks.

Which seller did you use at eBay?

Please share the buying link

What typewriter did you use in this video?

I made a video about this too. I love mine

Great info! Thank you so much :)

Whats the website name that people fix it and sell? Atcy??? Can you share it please? 🙂🙏

Totally off subject, but whats the Movie this Background music from ???

Dude this was a fantastic video. I really needed help with buying one and the brand I found was also Olympia. you explained everything really well, all the questions I had you answered so thankyou very much. I had a question, I'm planning on buying an olympia SM8 from Amazon however it's like £35 and the seller says it's literally New except for the few scratches do you think I should still buy it?

why is an Olympia preferable for writing manuscripts vs say a Royal Epoch or Remington?

Great video thanks

Dude nice!

Hi, I have " Hermes baby" typewriter. People says that it is "WORLD'S SMALLEST PORTABLE TYPEWRITER". Is it true ?

very good advice! good choice!

Thanks

I live in India. I cannot find a smith corona or olympia here. Can you suggest some good way to buy them here. Or should i go ahead with Goorej?

I remember hearing the background song In hackers great Movie go watch it

they are getting hard to get, I've had 3 in the last 35 yrs. --wish I'd kept mine--miss cranking out my work

where the hell you bought this typewriter i found only scrap writers don't work at all where i can buy brand new machines ?

HOW DO I VUY A TPYE

Hey man. What is the website you said is the perfect but slightly expenisive one to buy a typewriter?

What type of paper can u use for a typewriter is it copy paper

which typewriter is this?

whens kookamonga 11???

The reason I need a typewriter is for school (so i don't have to use my crappy handwriting)

No one should be buying one of these on eBay unless the seller knows how to secure fragile items. Many eBay sellers will throw a precision machine with moving parts into a one ply cardboard box for shipping. And then the buyer is literally pouring it out of the box when it arrives.

Which is the best typewriter in 2019

Can someone tell me an app for ocr program thanks

Write all day long on a typewriter and not get tired? You must be joking. When I was at uni (graduated in 1980) I wrote all my essays on a manual typewriter. It was exhausting having to bash those keys. On leaving uni, I bought an electric typewriter; now THAT was less tiring. When that fell apart, I bought a daisy wheel electronic typewriter which I HATED!!! My first laptop in 2004 was heaven. I can type quietly at night. For distraction free I have two AlphaSmart Neos.

Can I buy from India?

We have perfect typewriters

i just envied resident evil

what about if you buy a new one

Most typewriters don't have a one key.

or you can order to me typewriters of your choice......

If someone want to buy a typewriter, you can send le a message

None have a 1 key, you use lower case L.

buy at AMAZON .IN

i want your’s please 😀😃😃😄😁😆