Typewriter Video Series - Episode 229: Studio 45 

Joe, those two "painted with dots" are the points where two pins are welded of the backside for holding the adjustable left paper guide. Daniel

I still have this exact machine, a graduation gift from my parents in 1970. It needs some repair as my grandchildren were a little hard on it, but they were entertained for hours by it!

I am eternally AMAZED at the ingenuity of the folks who designed and built all the gadgets and machines that were used in the "PRE- DIGITAL" AGE. They all functioned so beautifully and met the practical needs of their users for over a century. KUDOS to the computer designers&programmers but a definite "honorable mention" must go to their "ANALOG" predecessors as well. BRAVO FOLKS!

the adding machine ribbon tip is great. always learn unexpected things with a joe vid.

I just recently stumbled across your channel, Joe, and I've sure been enjoying the videos. It's quite obvious you're passionate about these machines, and that passion is infectious! I really appreciate your extended reviews and the fact you don't just quickly gloss over each model-- you take the time to go in to great depth and detail regarding their history, features, and pros/cons. I just purchased one of these for my 11-year-old niece to try and foster an interest in typing (teal is her favorite color). Here's hoping it becomes a lifelong hobby; we could certainly use more typists in the world!

I just bought one of these as new in it's case for 25 Euro. I was happy to find your video Joe! I plan to use it on my printed pinhole photos..

Fantastic video Joe! Very informative. I recently saw a Olivetti STUDIO 45 in our local thrift shop...the typewriter and case were both in excellent condition, and even the ribbon was in good shape. All that for $20...I couldn't belive it...then I realized what the reason was. The font is Hebrew. Bought it anyway and it works like a dream and I use it to send letters to my friends who have to translate what I've written. I LOVE using it, even if the typing is slow going!

Hi Joe, it’s definitely a beautiful machine, the only Olivetti I have is the Valentine in red . Mine does the double printing also , I think you are right about having many machines and not getting the feel for certain ones. You have inspired me to get using my Olivetti, possibly a letter coming your way ( much over due!). Sincerely, Brenda

Joe, are you aware that the Olivetti Studio 45 was featured in The Art Institute of Chicago? The Italian designer, Ettore Sottsass, was the same as the one who designed the Valentine. Olivetti also had some great ad campaigns for the Studio 45 including the likes of Twiggy and Duke Ellington. My favorite author to use the Studio 45 was Umberto Eco and there is a great picture of him using it online. My Studio 45 has the Olivetti badge on the front panel. I really enjoy typing on it, and it is definitely one of the first typewriters I go to when I want to compose.

One function I did not see in this video. A function I just learned about. The Margin Release key has a second function. Press this key while utilizing the Carriage Return Lever and the Studio 45 will indent the next paragraph for you. Press-slide, new paragraph ready. I usually set my first tab stop for this job. It turns out that was not level of set up is necessary on this typewriter. Play with this function, if it works for you fantastic. My Studio 45 came incredibly oily DW-40? Now that it is clean it is wonderful to use. It is my go to typewriter (, upstairs typewriter.) I simply love this guy. My case is a bit beat up and will probably fall apart soon. But it came with its paperwork (manual and un boxing instructions) and matching brushes.

Whenever I do flea-markets or thrift stores or garage-sales, etc. a typewriter will always catch my eye and I'll check it out. Would love to come across a good-looking, good-working manual with nice type-face from around the 60s through the 80s. Good, descriptive video.

That's a really vibrant turquoise color!

I got mine last week! And it's pristine! Among the 7 I currently have, this one is the one I choose to work with now, because how comfortable and good it feels.

Though this vintage of Olivettis (including the Valentine) get little love from Olivettiphiles, I find their action much more satisfyingly snappy then the mushy deadness of the Lettera 22s & 32s. Thx for the TyperTour, Joe!

That must be one of the adding machine ribbons I sent you, so good to see them get used. I love the weird styling of that Studio 45, but I think the Studio 44 might be a slightly nicer machine overall. I love that turquoise color though, and it sure is squeaky clean inside!

It's so funny that yours has that rounded font. Mine is the exact same model, but the font I more classic typeface.

Joe, you are definitely the "Bob Ross" of typewriters! You could definitely consider doing a "type with me" episode on youtube! 😊

Beautiful machine! This is such a detailed description. Thank you! I have an Olivetti Studio 44 coming on Monday, and this just made me even more excited. It will be my first time using a typewriter, and I think this video will come in handy!

I liked the change up remarks and the finger striking demo. My Mongo monosyllabic right brain was entertained by it. Oh. Ugh. Oh. Head nod yes moment. Yes. Mongo understand now. Thanks.

That's a neat typewriter Joe! Thanks for your detailed examination and assessment of it.

In middle school I suffered in a typing course. My school had the Olivetti Studio 45, 30 of them. My dad's Triumph Gabriele 25 was way superior. I am happy that this episode in my life is history.

Greetings from the UK Joe. Fantastic video. Very informative. Keep them coming...

Nice machine, love the color!

You talked about typewriters with excellent action (Hermes 3000, Olympia, SMC 5 & 6 series), that are solid regardless of technique. Can you please make a video on that explaining more?

Loved this! It was fun having a sneak peek during the live stream. That typeface is to die for. And the color! The closest I have to that is my lighter turquoise Sperry-Rand (Remington) Streamliner. It’s a decent typer, but not much fun to type on.

Just an idea: maybe you and Kevin could play a game where one is typing and the other tries to guess the typewriter by only listening to the sound of the machine. I don't know how and if it would actually work but just a thought, perhaps it might be fun:)

My Olivetti Studio 44 was made in Italy and has a 1 key. Now I got mine from the Netherlands so mine was a Euro market machine. So I’m guessing the Euro market machines were made in Italy due to European trade rules in the 60’s. So by the late 60’s it was cheaper to make the typewriter in Spain for the American market due to certain geo political reasons in those days. Also by the early 70’s Olivetti had transferred all non domestic typewriter production to other plants as far as I can tell. So all Italian made Olivetti’s after the early 70’s were for Italy only. Even then Olivetti would soon stop making typewriters in Italy all together. I’ve typed on a Spanish Studio 45 as well, I can’t tell any difference. The only benefit to owning an Italian machine is that I noticed is that the plastic paper guards are still in tact and that it says it’s made Italy. I mean does it matter where it comes from? No, but when your Italian like me you can’t help but feel a little pride about your heritage.

I have a 1972 version, beige with name plate on front, that types very well but has one issue regarding the red tab key. In order to go to a set tab I have to press the red tab and simultaneously press the margin release button. I attempted to fix it and did so for about 10 minutes but it went back to the original problem...just been living with it since and doing a two handed operation is no big deal as I am a slow two fingered typist anyway. Great videos btw.

An elegant and modern machine! Maybe I'll come across one some day. I like my Olivetti Lettera 22 but I wish it had a font like the Studio 45. Interesting it still lacked a 1 key. Thanks for sharing!

Just came across you video on the Olivetti Studio 45. Very instructive and informative. I am the happy original owner of such a beauty which was build in Don Mills (Ontario) in 1973. I just cleaned it and it seems working perfectly well with one exception: I cannot get the tab (red) key to work smoothly. For example, the carriage does not move readily to one tab position to the next or it does it very slowly. Maybe there is some adjustment srews somewhere that I can use to adjust the movement of the carriage when I depress the red key. In your video, you indicate that there is some kind of a "break" mechanism to prevent the carriage to move too quickly from left to right when the tab key is activated. Maybe it has to do with it of it is a simple question of lubrication... But, where do I apply oil if it is the case? Your help/suggestion would be greatly appreciated. Regards from Canada.

There is a midway between the 1 and 0 setting of the line space lever where you get just the half space. So the 0, 1, 2, 3 actually has a hidden setting. 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2

Believe me Joe your not missing much in terms of the case. Sure it’s nice to have but I just got my Studio 45 and like most Olivetti’s the case does not really secure the typewriter. Like the Olivetti Underwood 21 there are four cavities for the feet to rest in but not much else to secure the typewriter. That always my main complaint with Olivetti’s. The only Olivetti with a locking part for the typewriter to the bottom of the case is the old Studio 42 from the 30’s and 40’s.

Hi, does anyone knows how to fix this? The thing that goes up with the ink doesn't go down and where you choose the color is stuck.

Great video! Thank you very much. I just bought this typewriter, but mine uses to mix up the colors and writes the letters half black, half red. Is there any possibility to adjust this?

managed to buy one of these for myself and can't wait to get my hands on it, it's so exciting watching your video, thank you!

I had a question I have the same typewriter but it doesn’t seem to move when I touch the variable line spacing bar

Hi, I have this machine, but the back key Is not working, IT gets stuck When I press it, any idea?

Parts need for my Studio 45 teal blue -- anyone? - Detachable cover in teal; - Left margin set key (the black part) - One spool screw Thank you, PK

My "portable" ROYAL would dislocate my shoulder if I carried it long enough by its handle! So? Old "ROY" tends to be a real "recluse" like his owner. We almost NEVER go out anywhere, any more. Years ago though? When I owned and drove my own car that WASN'T the case. Today? Even with the EXCELLENT "BEE LINE BUS SYSTEM" that WESTCHESTER COUNTY operates plus the "METRO-NORTH" RAILWAY LINES and the NYC SUBWAYS?... I STILL don't feel comfortable "lugging" my buddy "ROY" out in public. I'm in the market now for a much lighter machine, if possible, to accomplish that "mission". Any recommendations would be GREATLY appreciated. Thank You!

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Oh boy? If a trained engineer like YOU WON'T tackle going into the guts of a typewriter... What chance do we "civilians" have, eh?... YIKES! I almost always give into my FEAR of ruining my typewriters and take them to a qualified sales/service&repair shop.