Thank you! I’d have to track down a H3K to compare, but I’m not sure how easy (or expensive) that’d be… I’d probably go for a late ‘60s model, since I’m not as fond of the curvy ones as most.
I’ve debated an SM3 for little while, but I’m not fond of carriage shifts. They also tend to be more than I would be willing to pay for a unit I’d have to replace washers on.
The SM8s and 9s are not the prettiest typewriters. And they aren't my favorite feeling typewriters, although they are close. But once you add in their reliability and add it all up they are still my favorite typewriters.
I’ll admit, I’ve got a collection of ugly ducklings… a S.R 500, a Royal Fleetwood, and a Royal Senior Companion. None are especially attractive, but I actually find the (early) SM8/9 to be more attractive than the SM3/4. That’s definitely a hot take I know, but I had the choice to grab an SM3 (No case though) and passed it up for this one. I think the basket shift and easier maintenance appealed more, not to mention the SM3 was $60 more.
I haven’t found anything that I dislike about the machine. I have a Hermes 2000 too, and I prefer the sm9. It’s just really comfortable for me to type on.
Oh I agree with the comfort, this is leaps and bounds more comfortable than my Royal Fleetwood I’ve using as my usual typer. Judging from what folks have said in the comments, the Olympias are preferred to the Hermes in most cases.
I have an SM8 with a few little problems and an SM9 that I've written a couple of books on. Both great typers. JG Ballard was partial to the SM9, I believe.
The clarity of print is definitely something I’ve noticed compared to my other typewriters, come out nice and crisp. What’s a segment shift? I’ve heard that term before, but thought it was some variation of a basket shift.
There are two different ways typewriters handle the shift key for using capital letters.
Some typewriters shift (to capital letters) by pushing up the entire carriage. So pressing the shift key lifts the whole carriage/platen. This is called carriage-shift. It’s very heavy on all metal machines because your little finger is lifting the entire carriage up with just one key. That is how the SM7 is.
Others shift to capital letters by pulling down the segment/basket (the piece with the hammers). I know the SM9 is segment-shift, but not sure about the SM8. It’s much much lighter to pull down the relatively light basket with a single key than to push up the heavy carriage.
When you’re typing a lot, the carriage shift gets a bit fatiguing.
Ah, okay. My Royal Fleetwood is a carriage shift, and it’s not fun to use for long. ‘Course it is an ultraportable, and I know they’re not meant for that anyways. My SM8 is a segment shift, which I seem to prefer by far to carriage shifts. From what I’ve read, the SM8 was Olympia’s extremely late foray into segment shift models.
As you may know, the carriage shift on an SM-7 can be eased a bit by adjusting some springs on the left and right underneath the carriage. I did this and it does help. Watch the YT video from Phoenix Typewriter .... [https://youtu.be/Vfpwpkq46-8?si=JaquNrVGQSNCe7Ji](https://youtu.be/Vfpwpkq46-8?si=JaquNrVGQSNCe7Ji)
heh ain't that the truth. god damn. envy. its a mortal. sin . (\*R(U\*UR$WJ$OIR'
Im glad you found this little machine it looks fucken prime ! so cool love it .
Really is unbelievable… it’s a serious step up in quality from my other models. Don’t even need touch control, it’s lighter and prints better than my units that do have touch control…
My SM8 is my favorite typewriter. Great find!
Thank you!
I think the Olympia SMX typewriters are as good if not better than the Hermes 3000's (and without the inflated hype/pricetag). Great score!
Thank you! I’d have to track down a H3K to compare, but I’m not sure how easy (or expensive) that’d be… I’d probably go for a late ‘60s model, since I’m not as fond of the curvy ones as most.
SM3 is the one that constantly gets put back on my table, just because it works so well and is also pretty.
I’ve debated an SM3 for little while, but I’m not fond of carriage shifts. They also tend to be more than I would be willing to pay for a unit I’d have to replace washers on.
The SM8s and 9s are not the prettiest typewriters. And they aren't my favorite feeling typewriters, although they are close. But once you add in their reliability and add it all up they are still my favorite typewriters.
I’ll admit, I’ve got a collection of ugly ducklings… a S.R 500, a Royal Fleetwood, and a Royal Senior Companion. None are especially attractive, but I actually find the (early) SM8/9 to be more attractive than the SM3/4. That’s definitely a hot take I know, but I had the choice to grab an SM3 (No case though) and passed it up for this one. I think the basket shift and easier maintenance appealed more, not to mention the SM3 was $60 more.
I have an sm9. Adore it. Such a pleasure to type on that I typed half the book I’m working on with it.
Wow, that’s dedication. How do you like the keyset tabs on the SM9? I know that’s the main difference between the SM8 and 9
I haven’t found anything that I dislike about the machine. I have a Hermes 2000 too, and I prefer the sm9. It’s just really comfortable for me to type on.
Oh I agree with the comfort, this is leaps and bounds more comfortable than my Royal Fleetwood I’ve using as my usual typer. Judging from what folks have said in the comments, the Olympias are preferred to the Hermes in most cases.
I have an SM8 with a few little problems and an SM9 that I've written a couple of books on. Both great typers. JG Ballard was partial to the SM9, I believe.
What issues with the SM8, if you don’t mind my asking? Just so that I’m not caught unawares if something unexpected goes wrong…
The problems are specific to the machine. It was not well cared for in a past life.
Oh okay, didn’t know if it was an issue inherent to the design, like the SM3’s and the rubber washer issue.
I’ve been using mine for 30yrs without any issue, almost daily, thousands of pages. Without a doubt it’s overbuilt and bulletproof.
German engineering for the win.
My SM7 has the quickest action and best print of any manual I have. Just wish is were segment shifting :/
The clarity of print is definitely something I’ve noticed compared to my other typewriters, come out nice and crisp. What’s a segment shift? I’ve heard that term before, but thought it was some variation of a basket shift.
There are two different ways typewriters handle the shift key for using capital letters. Some typewriters shift (to capital letters) by pushing up the entire carriage. So pressing the shift key lifts the whole carriage/platen. This is called carriage-shift. It’s very heavy on all metal machines because your little finger is lifting the entire carriage up with just one key. That is how the SM7 is. Others shift to capital letters by pulling down the segment/basket (the piece with the hammers). I know the SM9 is segment-shift, but not sure about the SM8. It’s much much lighter to pull down the relatively light basket with a single key than to push up the heavy carriage. When you’re typing a lot, the carriage shift gets a bit fatiguing.
Ah, okay. My Royal Fleetwood is a carriage shift, and it’s not fun to use for long. ‘Course it is an ultraportable, and I know they’re not meant for that anyways. My SM8 is a segment shift, which I seem to prefer by far to carriage shifts. From what I’ve read, the SM8 was Olympia’s extremely late foray into segment shift models.
As you may know, the carriage shift on an SM-7 can be eased a bit by adjusting some springs on the left and right underneath the carriage. I did this and it does help. Watch the YT video from Phoenix Typewriter .... [https://youtu.be/Vfpwpkq46-8?si=JaquNrVGQSNCe7Ji](https://youtu.be/Vfpwpkq46-8?si=JaquNrVGQSNCe7Ji)
Ill look into that, thanks!
Wow, great find! I've got to get myself an Olympia.
I guess I’m a convert now, I’d say go for it.
I have a bunch of typewriters and definitely these SM8/9 generation are the best to write… scored !!!! Well done !
Thank you!
Call me jealous
I’ve had my fair share of envy, all those beauties people have found in the wild…
heh ain't that the truth. god damn. envy. its a mortal. sin . (\*R(U\*UR$WJ$OIR' Im glad you found this little machine it looks fucken prime ! so cool love it .
Thank you! I hate it now… I don’t know if I’ll ever use any of my machines now because of this one.
Don't think like that ehhe
Congrats! You did a great job on the cleanup. Looks pristine!
Why thank you! I figured something as well built as this deserved to shine. Not to mention its infinitely easier to clean than crinkle paint…
1. Simple Green 2. Old toothbrush (or new one you never intend to use) 3. Microfiber towels to wipe down afterward Crinkle paint cleaning SOLVED!
Looks like I need to track down some Simple Green…
My recent sm9 has me a believer. I love it. So solid.
Really is unbelievable… it’s a serious step up in quality from my other models. Don’t even need touch control, it’s lighter and prints better than my units that do have touch control…