Joe makes an in-depth comparison between a pair of Hermes 3000s - the early 1961 version versus the later 1972 version. Is one better than the other? Is there something true about the Cult of Hermes? Let’s find out!
I have the 60’s curvy model. I found it is much more quiet if you add a rubber mat under it. An nice way not to annoy my family at least until I get the platten replaced. Would love to see a Hermes line comparison of all the models, Baby, Rocket, 2000, 3000 etc. Thanks for the videos!
I second that emotion re comparison of all the Hermes models. I have a 2000 and I mostly love it. Have a few problems with it, which I’m not sure is inherent in the model or just mine.
I've got a small budget and a great desire for a typewriter. A lot of videos I see go on and on about the specific parts, but I'm most interested in the sound it makes, oddly enough, and how easy it is to type since my hands are small and my fingers are not that strong, so I appreciate when you actually TYPE with it and I can see the fonts, and how it sounds. Of course durability is important, but there is something about the sound that is music to my ears. Thank you.
It's so GREAT to have each machine explained by a engineer and contrasted against each other to highlight both the "improvements" and "detractions" across time. Most of us without your background might notice the difference but never know why? Thank you!
Thanks for this insightful video, Joe! My preference of H3K is for the mid-1960's metal-body design (1966-1970), which features the best of both of the earlier and later versions. Perhaps, you'll have an opportunity to produce a sequel to this video with one of them some day. As always, I'm grateful to you for the time and effort you put into your videos . Cheers!
Thank you for comparing these. I haven't had a chance to try the Hermes 3000 yet, and of course am very curious to hear about all the differences between models. This was a very helpful video. I liked hearing about the quirks of the controls as well (ex the carriage release button, which could be inconvenient). And comparing the touch of the type was helpful. I have typed on both Olivettis and Olympias, and knew what you meant when describing the Hermes typing experience. From comparing the sounds of each machine, I actually thought the newer plastic model had a higher pitch sound when in use. My cat is particularly sensitive to higher pitched typewriters but will tolerate my olivetti lettera 22, and groma kolibri but not my hermes rocket. I'm sure getting new platens for all of these could greatly help with the sounds. Love your videos!
I just received my 1970s “Jetsons” Hermes 3000 and am delighted with its condition. I paid $199 for it on Ebay. Your video has made me feel better about not having the more coveted, curvy version. The only thing I’m still jealous about is that larger, rounder, funkier font. Meanwhile, don’t you think it’s strange that they didn’t change the name when they remodeled the entire chassis? It should be the 3001 or 4000.
The 70’s version seems so much bigger! And the carriage return lever is the highest I’ve seen. You could hang a flag on it! It’s interesting how the newer version has more of a dated feel than the older one, in my opinion. Yet after this comparison, I think I would be perfectly content with the less expensive one. Of course, it’s still well out of the Poor Typist’s budget.
I agree with David Sterling. The second generation has the good all metal case with a not unpleasing angular design and can be found a lot cheaper than the Gen 1 machines. The one thing I've seen on both are brittle platen knobs - I replaced the Gen 2 knobs but can't find ones for my Gen 3 (larger, conical shaped on my machine). What I think is interesting is the very different touch between the 2000 and the 3000. The former is very crisp and snappy - even more than my Olympias. I wonder why they abandoned that touch for the softer and longer keystroke of the 3000. Thanks, Joe, for keeping typewriters alive!
Just found an mid 60s aqua marine Hermes 3000 at my local thrift! I am over the moon! $40 CAD and has been my holy grail that I have been waiting to find! Such a fantastic piece that I am grateful to add to my small collection.
Great timing with this vid, as I have just bought a 1968 Gen 2 Hermes 3000, the intermediate boxy metal version between the two shown here. It suffers from a quite hard platen with a broken knob and is quite dirty on the inside, but I'm very impressed with the general mechanics of it and the margen indicator is still working so I really look forward to see how it will hold up once I've cleaned it !
The older (Now mostly all retired or gone to their new "beats" either up in the clouds or a "warmer" setting.) reporters ALL carried and swore by their HERMES machines. Apparently they were virtually "bulletproof" and took both the abuse of travel and rigorous use in the field without jamming their "works", always performing flawlessly. Andy Rooney famously lauded HIS machine and other typewriters in a couple of his "60 MINUTES" segments. The reports can STILL be found and seen via, yes, the internet! Enjoy.
Wow, your timing for this video is amazing. I just bought a Hermes 3000 Media (mid-70s) from up the street in Rio Rancho. Thanks for doing this comparison! Now I'm very confident in my purchase.
The boxy design of the 70s version Hermes was the beginning of the end for the beautiful designs of the 50s and 60s, and then moving on to the ugly boxy styles of the 70s 80s and early 90s, with everything from Commodore Pets, to jeep YJs!
@@Fnelrbnef I wouldn’t quite say that. I would more say it was the height of design in household appliances. I love design of things from all those eras, including Commodore Pets and Jeep YJs, I just think they could be more aesthetically pleasing.
Joe, just wondering if you knew about this... In the "old" days, ie. before laptop computers, reporters used to swear by HERMES brand typewriters as the ones they'd take on the road. Durable, reliable, easily serviced. Supposedly they were ideal. Thanks. (Really LOVE your series on these great machines which revolutionized mass communications. Only LAPTOPS would have a greater impact.
I have the same two machines Joe. For me, they are totally diferent in the feel, but the 60’s version seems better constructed. Greetings from Buenos Aires.
Good review Joe. I been lucky finding both the 1959 curvy and later 1975 model. They perform the same with key-action (smooth as butter). I took the 1959 bottom cover off and mounted 4 rubber feet instead for a slight higher typing action that I really enjoy. The 1975 will slide around little on the desk without a mat underneath, but most machines has the same issue. I enjoy both models for longer typing sessions or just short letters. And quality wise: well, it's been 2 years since the 1959 was cleaned & serviced. Not one flaw afterwards, no sticky keys or other malfunctions, very impressive. The 1975 came from Colorado, and actually worked just fine after unpacking, just a new ribbon and still works super, not often that happens buying typewriters online.
Thanks Joe, There is one available here in the local second hand shop, it’s the 1970’s model and you’re right that the older model looks more attractive. But thank to this insightful report I think I will purchase it. It wil be my first ever typewriter and I am excited! Do you also do ‘how to maintenance (these) typewriters’ videos by any chance? Cheers Alan
As I keep my eye open for Hermes 3000s (I currently own a Hermes 2000, I think circa 1954 or 55, and love it), this video helps me a lot, because there are certainly some huge price differences between the 60’s version and the 70’s. I would like a backup for my 2000, and I may go for one of the 3000s. The cheaper ones I have seen, often have a keyboard made for a different language, but not with a lot of difference. And those two are often a bit even cheaper. I also have my eye on a couple of Hermes Babys (Babies?), which are decently priced, in case I decide to go with another ultra-portable (I have a Brother Charger 12 on its way that will need a little work). Thanks again for all you do on your channel and for this comparison video.
What about the ribbon? Are there typewriter machines better than others in that subject? How do you evaluate it? I really care about how the imprints result look like. It bother me if the typewriter don't get the best imprint possible.
I am going to buy one for myself, and I must say I'm pretty excited!! I don't know if it was mentioned in the video, but what size does the ribbon has to be? I am relatively new to typewriters as you might notice...
I finally had a chance to try out a Hermes 3000 today, a 1st generation example. It helped me to understand the buzz around these machines. To me the most notable thing about the Hermes was the feel associated with this typewriter. Thus far out of all the different typewriters that I've tried, my favorite model as far as the feel is concerned has been the Olympia SM9. That is in part what led me to buy one as my first typewriter. I know that when it comes to the feel of different typewriters some fall into the either/or camp - liking one type of feel or the other, but not both. After trying out the Hermes 3000 I can say that I like both the SM9 and the 3000. Each is enjoyable in its own way. I'd certainly like to own a Hermes 3000 to go along with my Olympia SM9. The other notable thing about the Hermes 3000 machine that I tried out today was that like my SM9, it featured an 11-pitch typeface. I prefer this size to both the 12-pitch Elite and 10-pitch Pica typefaces found on most typewriters.
I don’t own the Hermès 3000 but I have used one and the touch feel is exactly what people say it is. I think the Olivetti and the Hermès are really good touch type typewriters. In my personal collection I have 3 typewriters. A 1941 royal quiet deluxe, a brother 800xl, and a ibm selectric 2. I find myself using the brother and the selectric more often. My royal needs some maintenance done to it.
At 6:04 How would the washers not be there, would they have been removed during service, or was that the design. Mine has the same problem and nothing appears bent, should I remove the lever and put a washer on to raise the lever
So I just received my very own Hermes 3000. It is a 70s model as it looks similar to the one shown here, except it's not blue, and most importantly - and this is something I did not notice before just now - it's a wide carriage version! I'm OK with this, but sadly this probably means, that I will not be able to find a replacement carrying case for it, as sadly it was missing, and I'm not even sure if the wide carriage version ever had one. It did come with an official Hermes cover at least.
I’m sure it originally came with a case, as my wide carriage electric Hermes 10 did too. I recommend finding a legacy suitcase to use, you may find a Samsonite or similar brand.
@@Joe_VanCleave Thank you for the answer and the tip about the suitcase, Joe. This H3000 also has a Swedish/Finnish keyboard layout (I'm Finnish) and it uses the elite typeface. While it types very well, I can see it could use some interior cleaning. Hopefully I can figure out how to remove the plastic exterior without breaking it. Anyway, excited to get to do some work with this beautiful machine!
@@JJ3E The secret to removing the shell is to first remove the carriage! But on the H3K it’s easy: looking at the rear of the carriage, there are two large slotted screws holding two rectangular brackets; rotate the screws 90 degrees (one of them is left hand threaded), then the carriage is simply lifted out.
@@Joe_VanCleave Thank you for the tip! I can see the screws, and I can see the brackets helpfully have + and - symbols on them. I also found a video of someone removing the carriage from a 1st gen specimen, so that should help as well. I will try it out as soon as possible. Someone also tipped me about a Mr. Jacques Perrier from Switzerland, who runs a typewriter museum and is "one of the largest parts-suppliers for Hermes and even Olympia typewriters". I doubt he will have an extra carrying case for me, but might as well ask. Besides that, the right side button for moving the carriage is not working; It's hanging out, and while it can be pushed back in, it does not work, and tends to pop back out. Will have to investigate what's the problem there.
Love the video. I have a 1963 curvy version that was my mothers who used it in my fathers small business for over 20 yrs. It came with the very small elite type, 13 cpi...don't know if my mother actually wanted it that small but she never complained. Possibly you may not know but I wonder if the Hermes at that time sold most of their 3000's with that small elite type, which I believe is called the "Director-Elite". Bear in mind my mother bought it for business purposes. Personally I find this type a bit too small. What type faces do you have on your two machines?
I love your channel Sir, thank you for all your work. I'd love to own lol any Hermes, but I like the look of the curvey one, there is a another box with some round edges, I like that one. To me, it sounded like the Curvey one sounds heavier or perhaps I'm hearing the metal frame, whereas the other sound lighter and that might be due to the plastic frame. Beautiful machines. ❤ I currently own a 1968 Royal Aristocrat, it's in awesome condition, types very well, very crisp, though it is a bit heavy on the fingers even on a Light setting which is really good by the way does a very nice job, but after 10 pages your hands feel like they've made something! Lol My other I have is a Smith Corona 120 Electra, and the motor was burned out and this was not mentioned in the ad on eBay buy the seller who said works, thankfully I took a screenshot and was able to show that and my Typewriter was clearly not working, the seller was good though and returned my money and said just keep it. So I tried to fix it even found an electric motor which oddly is the same model number, but it's just slightly too big for the motor cage to hold, and I guess later I may try to modify the space with a Dremel and a cut off wheel lol after all I can't break it even more...but for now it will serve as a parts bucket, as I have purchased and wait with excitement a certified and tested Smith Corona 110 Electra. Same thing just a smaller carriage which is fine. And I saw a really good looking also tested and certified Smith Corona Galaxie Deluxe, it had a new planten installed a beautiful blue to match the shell. I write a lot and it helps me to first draft on a typewriter and then transfer to a computer and re work the story. This has helped my writing, and I have a hard physical copy of my work, it's like the ultimate SAVE button. The way I figure is there are only so many typewriters I want, and there are only so many typewriters out there as we know, no one is making them, not really and not like they did back then when these machines were new. My Wife doesn't understand she asked Another one?! Like I brought home another Dog lol I tell her it's like having a different pen to write with, and they are investments, I may later sell one and it will be worth more than when I bought it. To me writing on a typewriter is more real it feels more real and you produce real physical work, there is a direct connection to the work my fingers have made contact that has a hammer swing out and down smashing through an inked ribbon and for a split second there is a constant connection between writer and paper, and for some reason it's more powerful than a pen in hand can do, probably because maybe they can read your handwriting but all that can read WILL be able to read what you wrote. The typewriter is such an awesome machine. Thanks for reading and always a 👍 from me!
With my birthday being exactly one week away Wed 04-24-24, and birthday on Wednesday May 1st, all of my fingers and toes are crossed, I found one a very nice Curvey model sea foam green EVERYTHING, probably 1958/63 model as it doesn't have the lid latch forward off spacebar grooves. I have been forbidden to buy my own birthday gifts, and I watch it vanish, it looked clean, had documents and was serviced regularly, spoke to the seller of eBay they said it was once, according to the documents, a homicide Detective's typewriter first in New York and then later in Los Angeles, it had the legal subsection key looks like this § which usually means the typewriter worked in law enforcement, a court house, a lawyer office, or legal school. Seller wanted $375.00 for a nearly perfect and very clean tested and working full functional Hermés 3k, it was so hard to watch that go, think I have mentioned this. My wife is not a good liar and I ask by chance did you get me a typewriter and she says nope....she's not lying lol, I should have bought it, even though I'd certainly hear from the God of War lol, One day one will be mine. Until then I watch this video over and over dreaming.❤
@@Joe_VanCleave Thank you, I have my Wife put in individual candles in make cake, instead of a two candle number, oh boy did it put out some good heat this year! Another Mile add to the odometer! Ha! I'll get those pics of those repair slips for you to take a look at on my Hermes as I'm not sure what it's talking about, Tuesday was a busy day. Wednesday (today this AM as this was written) is my official BD, and I'm taking the day off to rest and write. Still can not believe I have a Seafoam Green Artifact I keep thinking was it a dream then I open my cabinet and there it is. And of course my family have no clue as to why not do they care to hear from me, why or what's so neat about this typewriter? Had to have a family party to celebrate on Sunday as others wouldn't have been free. Sorry for any confusion. Second Star to the right, and onwards till morning! Just sounds like a good way to end a letter or note at 0220.
Different. The Olympia is a continuous careful optimization of the known, excellent materials, excellent design and excellent build. Admirable, but 'Stolid' as the English would say. Hermes are equally excellent, but were always looking to have a 'point-of-difference' to the other typewriters. Hermes use an intermediate gear on the escapement of the 2000-3000 series, which is to move the star-wheel lower, but it doubles the tooth-to-tooth backlash, affecting many typists with quite random skipping. The best cure for this is opening the hysteresis loop, widening the set and reset of the trip. The Hermes has a narrow adjustment zone, the Olympias, much wider. The average technician looks at the Olympias and says "Yup, yup, yup" Looks at the Hermes models and says "What? How does that work? What are they doing this for?"
Hi Joe, I have a 1965 French version Hermes 3000 with all the accent keys. It works perfectly except for one thing. I cannot remove all the tabs that have been set using the + key. I mean that the delete tab key - - - does not delete all the tabs and neither does the minus - key. Any ideas? The machine was used by my FIL who used it to write French scripts which he then broadcasted to Africa by short wave. Unfortunately they have all been lost in time.
Well I mucked about with the buttons and eventually got it to cancel the one remaining tab. I shall leave the + tab button alone in future! The machine is great for typing French or German. The accents do not move the platen so one types the accent first and then the character. This works perfectly.
My 1962 H3K has a small problem: letter A is skipping, especially when the key pressure setting is on low. I believe, from what I've heard, that this is a common problem with these typewriters. How can I solve this? Thank you in advance.
When ever I hear of people having skipping problems with the letter "a", the first thing I ask is: are you touch-typing? Try instead two-fingered typing using your index or middle fingers only. Type at least an entire page. Frequently a skipping problem only with the letter "a" is technique-related. If you are right-handed, the letter "a" is typed with the weakest finger (the pinkie) of the weakest hand (the left hand); but it's the 3rd most frequent letter (in English). However, if other letters are skipping, it could be the escapement mechanism needs to be cleaned and degreased.
@@Joe_VanCleave Yes, indeed, I'm touch-typing and I'm right-handed. But this only happens with my H3K... I also own an Olivetti Valentine and an Olivetti Lettera 32, but I've never encountered this letter A skipping problem.
@@valipopa75 Different machines require a different touch in order to function properly. It's related to both design, and the condition of the machine. As I indicated earlier, the escapement on the H3K may need to be cleaned and degreased, so it isn't so sensitive to one's technique.
I don't have just one. I like the Hermes 3000, the Olympia SM3, the Groma Kolibri, the Smith-Corona Silent-Super, amongst the one's I'm familiar with. There are some other, rarer German machines I'd like to try also.
@@Joe_VanCleave Thank you for your reply :) I would love to get one ‘grail’ typewriter for my family. It feels weird to be saying that in 2020 since most people would have at least one smart phone in their hand....lol I’m bending towards the Hermes 3000. I hope I can find one in relatively good condition in Singapore.
I own both. Prefer the older 60's model. Newer 70's model actually stays put better on a table due to the foot design. Older rubber feet tend to harden into almost a hard plastic and the machine moves across the table. Newer 70's model has the rare Epoca typeface (as shown in this example) which wasn't in the older 60's and later 60's model. However, the older IS quieter to my ears, and you can hear it on the video (less clacky, more mushy). It's also smoother feeling. The newer version just feels cheaper all around, especially when you press the tab buttons or move the chunky dials. Newer one there is a higher chance the right knob will be broken or eventually break due to the design (and the harder plastic is more brittle). The newer version tab doesn't go down as far because there's a piece of rubber under the entire spacebar, which is a bit disconcerting to just touch the spacebar lightly and have it actuate. Overall, I prefer the look, feel, and sound of the early Hermes, but won't get rid of 70's model due to the rare typeface.
Hi. Nice fun production. I’m curios as to why the Hermes is so popular. Is it better. Why. Or, is it like the Mercedes brand magic. It’s not that remarkable as a car. Anerican women in particular think because it’s a foreign upscale auto it must be better. Is the Hermes coveted because it’s mechanically better, or is it brand buzz?
They have a soft touch, and are not so loud as other manuals. Other than that, it's mainly about how they've been touted online. Once someone perceives that they have high value, everyone else starts to mark up their prices as well.
The thing that drives me crazy about the 3000 is the stupid margin design. It relies on an intricate ribbon configuration and also a tiny, fragile spring that can break, therefore completely disabling the margin. Fixing it isn't exactly a walk in the park, either. Horrible machines.
I own two Hermes 3000s, a 1967 and 1969. Both have plastic bodies and a more squarish shape. You can see them at: typewriterdatabase.com/1967-hermes-3000.8789.typewriter typewriterdatabase.com/1969-hermes-3000.14716.typewriter As you know they are fantastic. I am surprised you didn't mention the nortoriously fragile platen knobs. My 1969 has repaired knobs. I also disagree with your characterization of the margin indicators. I saw one of them and fell in love with them. Any company that can engineer and build that must build a great machine. Nice review there! You'll need to get one of the middling rank machines, like mine, and see the difference. As David Sterling says, it is the best of both worlds.
I've owned all 3 models, still own the first series. I hated the junky look of the last series and found it distracting while typing which for me is the kiss of death. Gave it away.
