This was pure nostalgia for me. I had a Lettera 32 in college (1975-1979). Great little typewriter, and I spent more than I could afford to on it. Gave it to my little sister for college after I graduated, and never saw it again. I just ordered one on eBay, and I can hardly wait to try it out. Thank you!
@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarcot looks like a 1948 Dreyfus QDL (could be one of the other models), behind your left shoulder a bit to the right at shoulder level early in the video.
I miss my Olivetti Lettera 32 that I had from 1970 until March 1977. It was my first typewriter I ever owned. I liked typewriting blue text onto paper. I had a few high school homework papers in the typewriter case. My typewriter was stolen from the apartment as my apartment was burglarized while at work on Friday, March 18, 1977. The typewriter was also a souvenir for me after my 1971 high school graduation.
@captainkeyboard1007, have you ever thought about getting another? Can't change the past, but the future is wide open and ready to be anything you want it to be. I'm so glad you shared this and wishing you all the best.
@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco No. I have not thought about planning to buy another portable typewriter. I purchased my Underwood Olivetti Lettera 32 typewriter in 1970 while I was in high school. The burglary happened in my last residence in 1977. Fortunately, I moved out of that town months later that year. Today, I am using a Dell microcomputer and printing on a Canon color laser printer and scanning images on the attached scanner to it. With the Dell computer, I do modern-day typewriting, which is called Keyboarding. Therefore, I am doing more work easily than without a microcomputer and electronic office machine. There is no returning back for me anymore. I appreciate your comment. Thank you for typing to me. Happy Keyboarding!💙
I’m so pleased that you shared this, Francisco. It brings up one of the most important rolls of a typewriter: that of the heirloom. My best wishes to you and your family. Thank you for watching!
I had just started to watch your videos on the Olivetti typewriters and was planning on purchasing one somewhere on line, when, looking through one of my parents' many closets, I found 2 (!) Olivetti typewriters: an apple green Lettera 32 and a Studio 44! Couldn't be happier. Thank you for your very useful tutorials!
Hi, I was on a holiday in UK a few years back and I happened to meet a man who had worked in Olivetti's Glasgow factory as a young man. We started chatting about typewriters, and according to him the reason for the right-hand carriage release being shaped like it is is a purely practical one; it allows the user to move the carriage to left with one hand or even finger without the carriage accidentally ‘escaping’. The upward ‘lip’ acts as a convenient little handle that prevents this ‘escaping’. The man claimed that the design was inspired by someone in Olivetti plant (Italy) griping how inconvenient it was for someone with only their right arm (lost during the second world war) to move carriage in a controlled manner by having to reach over the typewriter to the left-side carriage release. Obviously I cannot say whether or not these claims are accurate but I have noticed that my Lettera 32 is my only typewriter whose carriage I can move in a controlled fashion with only my right hand or even just thumb.
Hi, @teddykaplan2078. I’m so glad you offered this response. It confirms what other viewers have told me since this video was launched. I believe you’re correct that the upward lip is a highly efficient means to prevent the carriage from getting … err … out of hand. Such a simple solution, and stylish. Which one would expect from Olivetti. Thanks for your good words. Thanks for keeping our community informed. And thanks for watching. Wishing you all good things.
I think the carriage release on the right has curve that functions as a catch. Since when you push on it the carriage will fly to the left side. Where on the left side you can catch the carriage with your finger when you press the left carriage release button.
I believe the flare on the carriage release on the right hand side is designed so that when you depress the latch the carriage does not fly off to the left leaving your hand hanging in midair. When you depress on the left, your hand naturally blocks the carriage, preventing it from moving farther than you intended. Maybe it’s just Italian and not related but I noticed that is how I use it unconsciously. I also have a carriage lock on the right hand side just below the spool. Very useful to prevent the carriage from unintentionally moving when the typewriter attempts to fall out of the case with the broken zippers!
If that's not what Nizzoli had in mind when he designed it, it should have been. Excellent thoughts, SAS. Fantastic, in fact, and thanks so much for sharing them with the community!
Finally got me a lettera 32. It was made in Italy and has a script typeface. Wasn’t specifically looking for one with a script typeface, but here we are.
Christopher, congratulations on acquiring your machine. Never seen an Olivetti with script typeface before, sounds pretty rare to me. Hope you enjoy it immensely. (Of course, you will. It's an Olivetti!)
@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco Thank you! I suppose it is rare, I've seen a few online going for too much money. This is the last in my collection of essentials. My other two machines are a smith corona super 12 coronet and a royal quiet deluxe. I'm satisfied with all three of them! Cheers
Really useful information, thank you! My daughter gave me a wonderful present, Olivetti Lettera 32, for looking after her dogs. Your video is full of sensible tips. I have just ordered new ribbon and will start using my new toy, hopefully, tomorrow!
Sounds perfect, Olga! See what happens when you look out for your daughter's dogs? Good things happen. Congratulations on your new machine. Write back in once you've given it a thorough road test. Let me know how it goes!
My friend just bought me one of these for my birthday. A wonderful gift. Interestingly enough... the person who had it before obviously put the typewriter in the case the wrong way for who knows how many decades. They put it in the big end not on the flat end. [As seen in this video] So I'll just keep doing that because the zipper doesn't go around if the typewriter is put in the case the correct way! That said... a very helpful video. Thank you.
I’m so pleased if the video helped you in any way @craigster1234. Thanks for checking in and many happy returns (get it? Returns!) with your new machine!
The varriage release switch on the right hand side has that angle because when the carriage is loose, it does not fall to the left when you use it with your right hand. It doesn't allow the carriage to slip from under your right hand thumb
Very true, @buildyear86. Our great community here (and I number you among us) pointed this out after I released this video. You’re dead on. Thanks for making sure this got corrected, for commenting, and for watching.
Thomas, it completely makes sense when you put it like that. Why didn’t I see it before? Thanks for the insight, thanks for your good words, thanks for watching.
Hi Richard. Noted. You're right, the bell's a bit quiet on mine. Luckily, everything else works perfectly. Can't recommend a good Lettera 32 enough. Glad you approve and thanks for watching!
Hi @parlamedia. Honestly? Who knows? Could be that my 32 is from Spain. Could be that somebody replaced the part back in antiquity. You know how it is with these machines. They're blunt simplicity on hand, a total mystery on the other. Either way, I enjoy mine. Wishing you all the best. Thanks for watching and commenting.
@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco I've seen only one other with the plastic part on typewriter database and it was from the 60's. Very insteresting find and definitely did not mean it as a knock on your machine. Mine is from -75 and my daighter already crowned it as the king of the collection. It's also from Spain. Just reinked it with fountain pen ink.
@@parlamedia Didn't take it as a knock, just pleased that you have one of these great machines. Also to hear that your daughter likes it. I think typewriters are great for families. Good on you for loving fountain pens, too. Cheers, @parlamedia!
I think I know why the two platen release lever of the left and on the right upper side of the platen are shaped differently. The one on the right side has a little shape-up because you want to pull the unlocked platen to the right while pressing down the release lever, thus a little shape is good to place your thumb on it. The one on the left, which is flat, does not need any shaping as the carriage return spring is doing that, you need to _push_ the carriage to the right (against the spring) but in order to do this you do not need any slope or shaping of the left release lever.
Sandro, you are undoubtedly correct. This was pointed out to me by another subscriber somewhere in this string and when I heard this explanation, the bell went off in my head. Well, of course! Very much appreciate your observation and willingness to share it. Thank you!
Thanks for the video. It was very entertaining and informative. You said that the Olivetti 32 needs both Olivetti spools and the screw nuts. I recently purchased my first Olivetti (32). While cleaning the machine, I examined the ribbon/spool mechanism. It seems that the center rod that the ribbon is on spins, and the spool sits on top of a three pronged base that is attached to the rod. So, if there is enough pressure on the spool from the screw nut, the spool will spin along with the rod. I currently have a universal ribbon on the machine, and it is spinning alright. So, my question is, am I doing something that will damage the ribbon mechanism by using a universal ribbon spool? What am I missing? I really enjoyed this video. I didn't notice the pressure tensioner lever until I saw it in your video. Thanks! And the tip about leaving the paper lever to the open position is genius!!!
I had the same thing happen, Shanty Crafts. The first time I got an Olivetti it had universal spools screwed into place and I thought, Well, gee. That works well enough. Key words: well enough. After doing some real search I got a set of Group 4 (Olivetti) spools and the difference was like putting on a set of reading glasses when you find yourself squinting at small text. Like night and day. Sometimes we’ll enough isn’t good enough. Give it a try and check back in, tell me if you feel the same way. With my best.
Fun video and great coverage of the features. Regarding the question on the "swoop" on the right carriage release switch it's there because when you push the carriage release switch the carriage is weighted to push left ← so the swoop is there for your hand to stop / control the force ←|. Cheers!
One hundred percent correct, Colin. And still a testament to the astonishingly considerate design of these machines, yes? Very much appreciate your comments. Thanks for watching!
Hi, just a question! I recently came in possession of an old Lettera 32 and I noticed that the spools system doesn't have the peg/nuts system but has some sort of thin metal arms that you can lift with a spring to change/hold the spools down. Any idea what is it and why? thanks for the reply and informative video!
Hi Guilio @malatempora. Your question just made me check my own Lettera 32, which I haven't used in months (I'm in a phase now where I'm using my Olympia SM3 exclusively, it seems). I'm curious: Does your machine work in its current state? Meaning: without the peg/nuts system ... does the ribbon advance as you type? If it does, a few things pop into mind. For instance, I wonder if you know the year and country of manufacture for your machine? (This is usually easy to check on Ted Munk's excellent Typewriter Database: typewriterdatabase.com/). What you're describing might be some shift in design imposed by one of the many far-flung Olivetti factories. Although frankly, I doubt that. From what I've read and heard, Olivetti was pretty rigorous about its designs specs, which it standardized to all subsidiaries. Possible explanation Number Two: Is it possible some previous owner tried jerry-rigging the machine? (I've seen some pretty wacky stuff in this regard.) By way of a short answer, I have no idea why what you're describing is so. But I'd love to get to the bottom of it! Please write back when you can. And thanks for watching!
I have the Lettera 22 blues. I bought something in good shape over eBay and it came like they dropped it from a flying plane. Upon buying it I had it sent to my niece’s in NewYork for it to be sent to a CLA at the bespoke New York typewriter repair. Their proverbial lead times impeded my niece to return it as crap. To them it is a total loss! Despite the return window having shut closed, the vendor sent me a spare mechanism to exchange, however, it might still be a total loss! The corpse of the machine is now at my tech’s in Costa Rica, with the spare mechanism or movement. However, he has little or no experience in Letteras. I’m trying to find the former representative to find their former tech. Perhaps he’s still alive!
@rbruce63, so sorry to hear this. Though it's not unusual (sadly), and my top reason for being ultra-careful when buying machines through the Internet. Even then, you might get burned. Hoping that all works out well for you, and thanks for checking in.
Great channel you have here, love the character and not only that very informative. I just bought myself a Lettera 32 and it's a solid build, I love it. The only thing is when I hit the keys they don't strike the paper. If I hit it really hard it barely makes it to the paper. I've tried it with the tension rod in each of the 3 settings and it doesn't seem to help. Should I clean the keys out with WD-40 in case it's just a situation where they are stiff?
NC, hi. Thanks for the good words. No! Don’t use WD-40 on a typewriter. That could be what’s causing the problem in the first place. WD-40 resinizes (thickens) until it gums up the gears found in these machines. I can’t say for certain what’s wrong without seeing the machine, but try flushing out the segment with methylated, spirits or lacquer thinner. If it is WD-40 that’s choking up the tolerances, this will begin to remove it. Keep hitting the keys as you flush and see if that affects the motion of the type hammers. Once you freed them up, only use spindle oil and very sparingly to lubricate the machine. Check out the video that I did on oiling an Olivetti Lettera 32. If memory serves, it details this process pretty well. I wish you the best of luck and thanks again for watching.
@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco Thank-you very, very much not only for replying, but the thoughtfulness of your reply. Unfortunately I used WD-40 (oops) but will remember for the future. Found out what the problem is - and hopefully this will help others. Took the cover off and on the left side of the typewriter (in the sitting position), under the cover, and at the very bottom, there was this very small, brass-colored, square-like protuberance (very small). It was sticking out. Once it was pushed in, the keys worked and voila, it's just like I envisioned! Thank-you again and have a great day.
For some reason, I cannot reply….but in answer to Pavel, it might be worth noting that the Olivetti Lettera 32 has a stencil mode (for mimeograph stencils?) It is the white dot on the ribbon color selection lever…the ribbon won’t rise up to be struck by the letter if it is set there. (Mine was a 1976 graduation gift from my parents….typed all my college papers on it. Still love it!)
Very true about the stencil setting, ML. Check out my video about the use of the stencil setting. So glad you’re still enjoying your Lettera 22. Such excellent machines. Thanks for watching and Happy New Year!
@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco. Haha…Thanks! I, too, remember that smell! Just watched it….a pity that we can’t come up with a new use for the stencil mode…
I acquired a 33/DL for $15…tried it today, wow what a machine, like a 1969 Ferrari vs. the 1963 Dodge Dart (Royal Safari) I got with it. Don’t know about the 32 but on the 33 if you hold the margin release down while returning the carriage it stops 5 spaces right of the left margin for automatic paragraph indent.
Hi @someonespadre. First, congrats on the 33/DL. I hear they’re awesome. And for that price, if it works… as well as you say… well, you’re off to the races no matter what. If my experience has any impact on truth, at least you won’t get the character pile up that so many Royals are prone to. Yes, the 32 and 22 and Studio 44 have the feature you mention. Thanks for reminding us. I consistently forget about the auto indent, perhaps because I’m habituated to hitting the space bar five time to indent paragraphs. I do this even in machines that have tabs and even after I’ve set the tab positions to five spaces in. The dangers of having a one-track mind. May your typing be fruitful and pleasurable. Thanks for watching and dialoging!
@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco the Safari is less prone to piling than the typical Royal but it is tiring to use, I’m sure it’s nobody’s favorite typewriter.
@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarcoI just realized the tab sticks up on the right carriage release because the pressure is to the left so that rests against your thumb so it doesn’t just slip off. It’s not needed on the left because it wouldn’t do anything and you can use the corner of the carriage against your left thumb.
Very true, @@someonespadre . A few people pointed this out earlier on this thread, but I'm glad you caught it and reported it, as well. What I at first took for a frisson of Italian design is, in fact, a very practical (if also stylish) bit of instrumentation. isn't it amazing how much thought went into making these machines? I'm constantly floored by the level of detail.
Dude, the left carriage release switch is flat because when you press it with your thumb the index finger is right there against the carriage to slow down the movement, on the right side is bent so you can press the switch and hold the carriage at the same time. It has nothing to do with style, is pure function… which is what good design is all about 😉
Noted and agreed, @lancefullmoon. Someone pointed this out to me in an earlier comment and I was amused that I took it for form over function. Probably says a lot about how my life was going at the time. Appreciate your comment. Thanks for watching!
I just purchased an Olivetti Underwood Lettera 31. Under the hood there is no tension thing. Is this normal? It is a clean little machine. Is it the same as a 32?
I have a continental wanderer and just bought a Hermes baby (~60s). I can’t seem to find a tension rod adjustor on my continental but I’m guessing that’s because it’s older ? I’m hoping the Hermes baby does have one because I would prefer a light type! Do you happen to know if it does? I can’t seem to find any information online !
Maxime hi. I just replied to your other post. Wanted to make sure you got this. Short answer: I don't know. I don't have a Hermes Baby yet. Key word: yet. However, I found the instruction manual for one online. Here's the link. www.manualslib.com/manual/1793271/Paillard-Hermes-Baby.html From this set of instructions, it doesn't appear to have one. But again, I could be wrong. I hope this helps.
I'm restoring one like this and I don't know which ribbon to buy for it, there aren't many in my country and I don't know if any will fit. I have access to a 1/2", 5,5yds one, is that okay? It says it's for calculators, so Im not sure.
I can’t be certain, @Shiafuji, based on your description. In theory, any half inch width ribbon should do. Since this is an Olivetti typewriter, please remember you need a Group 4 spool, not a universal spool. There’s a slight but important difference.
I just got one of these beauties. It was made in Toronto, Canada, so it's not a true Olivetti? 😂 Really great instructional video on how to use this thing.
Hi @Anothy. I believe it’s a true Olivetti made in Toronto. At one point, Olivetti had factories in Mexico, Spain, Scotland, Canada, Italy (of course), and the former Yugoslavia (if memory serves. I’ve been told by longtime typewriter repair personnel that each factory maintained consistent specs as stipulated by the mother office. Your Olivetti should therefore be as good as any other. Enjoy it! Thanks for watching and checking in!
Hey I have an Olivetti underwood and when I set the margins with the tabs on the carriage the left goes and when I go to set the right it drags until they are right next to each other. HELP!!!
Hi @OhHowTheTurntablesHaveTurned. I'm not quite sure what the issue is based on what you're describing. Try watching this video, please, it may help: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-GBu-moPzQ9s.html If it doesn't, please report back and we'll see what we can do operating over the board here. Thanks for watching and wishing you luck.
Hi @Jennifergraham5628. Pretty simple. Click the paper release catch (switch on the right hand side of the carriage) closed so the rollers will catch the paper. Set the paper into the platen the way you’ve seen done in every old movie since the beginning of time. Turn the platen knob to cycle the paper through the platen. When the lip of paper pops up closest to you, lift the paper bail (the bar that runs across the platen) so the paper can glide under it. If the paper loaded crooked, which happens often, flick the paper release forward, grab the paper, and true up its edges… square them off… then snap the paper release closed. Rack the carriage to the left and you’re ready to type. Thanks for watching. I hope this helps!
just got one today, all stoked, put it on the desk, opened the carriage lock and voila: the carriage is jumping all the way to the left. now i dont get to write, but at least i get to learn how to repair it right away (wooho) any tips?
HI @hanswurstgrammkurs. It's hard to diagnose a mechanical problem without seeing the machine in person. For instance, I'm not sure what you mean when you say "the carriage is jumping all the way to the left." Can you be a bit more descriptive, please? I'll try to troubleshoot from there. Thanks for checking in and hope I can help.
@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco hey, thanks for answering! ok, i'll try! so, when i unlock the carriage locking lever, the carriage shoots all the way to the left - as if there are no tabs or places for it to go. when i manually put the carriage into the position of the left tab (so that i can begin to write), i have noticed that if i give an "input" (a letter fx), then the carriage acts "normal". when i finish the line and use the line space and carriage return lever to advance the paper and then let go of that lever, the carriage shoots again all the way too the left. that means, if i want to write on this next line, i have to again first give an "input", to "hold the carriage", if that makes sense! it's really tedious. also, when i use this "input-method", the space between the first and second letter is very small. thanks in advance, i appreciate any advise.
@@hanswurstgrammkurs This is curious behavior and I confess I'm not completely sure I understand what's happening. If I'm hearing you correctly, when you depress the typewriter's keys (when you type, in other words), the carriage moves normally, one space at a time, and you can make words on a page. Correct? But when you get to the end of the line and hit the carriage return to a new line, you have to ... what? This is where I'm getting lost, I think. It is not normal behavior for the carriage to move on its own when you unlock it. Once you hit the carriage lock lever, the carriage should stay in place until you manually return it. And then, it should only go as far as the left hand margin stop, which you input on the back of the carriage (or at least that's how it is on my machine). Does this help? I hope so. Please write back if it doesn't.
@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco hey damon, thanks for the answer. i found this video that somebody with a smiliar problem took: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-VCxMj_a0Hyw.html and then i can force the carriage to not do what it does in that video by pressing a key. then i can write.
update! i opened up the bottom and had a look inside. what i noticed it that if i put the typewriter vertically, the problem is not there or at least not as intensive. i think the problem has to do with how the carriage release levers move apart the rack and pinion of the escapement mechanism.
Right side carriage release is "swooped" for better handling a carriage, wich is accelerating to the left side... you know, grab a swoob is easier than a non swoob
Hi Pavel. There's no way for me to answer this definitively unless I see the machine operating. If you're using a Lettera 32, check the following items. 1) Is the carriage unlocked? 2) Does the ribbon riser work? Meaning: when the hammers strike the platen, does the ribbon guide rise to present the type slug with the ribbon to make a stamp? 3) Do the ribbon spool advance as you type so that each new character gets a fresh spot of ink on the ribbon? If you answer yes to each of these questions, then likely you need to try a fresh ribbon. Keep in mind that Olivetti Lettera 32s use a special spool called a Group 4 spool. A so-called universal spool will not work on them. Also, Olivettis need special nuts that hold the spools down on the machine. All this is contained in the video. Hope this helps. Let me know what you discover.
Mine is slightly different from yours, the personal touch switch is in a slightly different spot off to the side, and the line spacing switch has a metal label instead of the embossed numbers. Do you know if there's a way to tell the year of the model? There's no serial numbers from what I can see
Branch Assassin, sorry for the late reply. I’ve been traveling and I wanted to make sure that I got back to my machine and examined it before I told you what I’m about to tell you. The serial number for my machine is easy to find. I took off the ribbon cover hatch, and looked on the right hand side of the machine. The serial numbers are embossed on the frame of the machine in a spot that is normally covered by the ribbon hatch, right by the right hand ribbon sprocket. My serial number is seven digits long. Once you find your serial number, you can always cross match it at Ted Munk’s incredible Typewriter Database online. I hope this helps. Please let me know if it does. Again sorry for the late response.
@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco hey no worries. I checked it out and looks like it's a 1964. I got it humming along nice and smooth now thanks to all your advice from these and other vids. Gramps also had a beautiful Remington which I'm starting on now 😊
Hi @nandi123. I waited to respond until I got a chance to double check my machine. We are both incorrect. My Lettera 32 has line spacing settings for 1, 2, 3, and, curiously enough, 0, which functions as a dead setting. Lever the carriage return and no line spacing happens. But the other settings aren’t quite so obvious. The 1 is for single spacing. The 2 for double. The 3 for 2.5 spacing. If this differs from your machine, it could be that my Lettera 32 was manufactured in Spain, while the Lettera 22 was manufactured in Ivrea, Italy. Most Olivetti Typewriters were manufactured globally in Italy, Scotland, the former Czech Republic, and Mexico, to name but a few factories. This may account for some differences, although I have it on good authority that design specs were universal, regardless of the factory that produces machine. I hope this helps and thanks for bringing this matter up for the communities benefit. Wishing you my best.
Benoît, I love the Hermes line but I don't (currently) have a Hermes Baby in my collection. However, I'd be please to do a video on the Hermes 3000. Would that work?
@Hvitis I've added it to the production list, Hvitis and Benoît Porrot. Not next week but the week after that, I think. Please be on the lookout for it!
Hi @fpdima. Great question. Tough to say, really, because it has a Spanish keyboard and I find that doesn’t translate well to the Typewriter Database. Have to assume it’s post ‘63 since I believe that was the first year for the Lettera 32. Somewhere in the mid to late 60s therefore. Worked like a champ from the moment I got it and it’s been faithful ever since. Do you have one?
Hi @@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco Yes I have one that I purchased on Ebay about 15 years ago for $20. It is in perfect condition (bell is a bit too low) and I did have to get the original metal ribbon reels for it, but it works great and it came with the original instruction card and warranty card. It's made in Italy and the serial number shows it to be made in 1964 according to an online database. I noticed in your video that the keyboard tension level is in a different position than mine and that is what promoted my question. BTW - thanks for the vid on the reels - since getting the original reels it is now much easier to operate.
Understood,@@fpdima. I've heard that the keyboard tensioning switch varies according to the factory each machine was produced at, though I've never verified it. Yes, the Group 4 spools make a huge difference on Olivettis. Wouldn't operate one without it, and glad that this has worked out for you!
