Have You Ever Used A Typewriter?
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djtaylor
Well-known member
I find the sound of a type-writer, being used by a fast typist, very comforting. All of my early short stories were written on a Brother Portable Electric Typewriter. And just in case this computer thing does not work out I plan to keep my typewriter.
Justin
Justin
While I like to use my computer ...
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva;">... whenever I'm working away from home (or when I need the output to look "just so"), I prefer to use one of my two portable electrics for routine correspondence, recipes, and whatnot. I tried working with a manual machine, but we didn't get along very well with one another!</span>
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva;">The two machines I have are remarkably similar in design. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised at all if they came out of the same factory!</span>
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva;">The first one, seen in the picture below, is my Underwood Electric 565. It was obtained on eBay, and needed a little work plus a new ribbon to get back into working order.</span>
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva;">... whenever I'm working away from home (or when I need the output to look "just so"), I prefer to use one of my two portable electrics for routine correspondence, recipes, and whatnot. I tried working with a manual machine, but we didn't get along very well with one another!</span>
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva;">The two machines I have are remarkably similar in design. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised at all if they came out of the same factory!</span>
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva;">The first one, seen in the picture below, is my Underwood Electric 565. It was obtained on eBay, and needed a little work plus a new ribbon to get back into working order.</span>
The other machine ...
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva;">... is my Silver-Reed 8650. It was a recent $5 estate sale find, believe it or not! Came with the case, a decent ribbon, the manual, and a bunch of "ko-rec-type" strips!</span>
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva;">-- Bill W.</span>
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva;">... is my Silver-Reed 8650. It was a recent $5 estate sale find, believe it or not! Came with the case, a decent ribbon, the manual, and a bunch of "ko-rec-type" strips!</span>
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva;">-- Bill W.</span>
hygiene903
Well-known member
I Actually Have 4 of Them!
A manual L.C. Smith Corona, a very early IBM, and 2 Smith Corona electric portables, one that has Script type. Also took 2 quarters of typing in college.
Jeff
A manual L.C. Smith Corona, a very early IBM, and 2 Smith Corona electric portables, one that has Script type. Also took 2 quarters of typing in college.
Jeff
kirbytradition7
Well-known member
My first typewriter, which I got for Christmas in 1984 (3rd grade, age 9), was a Marx plastic toy typewriter that only typed capitals (there were no lowercase letters on it). I started learning on that machine.
A few years later, Mom had me learning on her 1940s Remington Quiet-Riter manual portable typewriter, with an old typing textbook that stood upright and whose pages were bound on the top (like an easel). That machine was either pink or lavender (likely a cross between the two).
In 7th grade (spring 1989), I took typing in school, using an IBM Selectric. My mom also had a Selectric; hers was green. I also practiced at home on the green Selectric.
I typed all my papers in high school (and most of university) on a Smith-Corona electric that was passed down to me from an older brother. I did not discover computer word processing until 1996 or so (I tend to adopt technology very late).
The last time I typed on a typewriter was in the early 2000s, when I got nostalgic one day and typed up a treatise expressing my undying love for the Boeing 747 jumbo jet.
Oops! I just remembered: One day, while living in London (England) from 2004-2007, I saw a typewriter at a shop in the Camden Town market and typed something to the effect that the Queen is an alien! I just typed that for the fun of it. I love all things alien.
I used to see adverts only a few years ago for Olivetti manual typewriters. Are these still around? Are typewriter ribbons and correction tabs still made today?
kirbytradition7
A few years later, Mom had me learning on her 1940s Remington Quiet-Riter manual portable typewriter, with an old typing textbook that stood upright and whose pages were bound on the top (like an easel). That machine was either pink or lavender (likely a cross between the two).
In 7th grade (spring 1989), I took typing in school, using an IBM Selectric. My mom also had a Selectric; hers was green. I also practiced at home on the green Selectric.
I typed all my papers in high school (and most of university) on a Smith-Corona electric that was passed down to me from an older brother. I did not discover computer word processing until 1996 or so (I tend to adopt technology very late).
The last time I typed on a typewriter was in the early 2000s, when I got nostalgic one day and typed up a treatise expressing my undying love for the Boeing 747 jumbo jet.
Oops! I just remembered: One day, while living in London (England) from 2004-2007, I saw a typewriter at a shop in the Camden Town market and typed something to the effect that the Queen is an alien!
I just typed that for the fun of it. I love all things alien.I used to see adverts only a few years ago for Olivetti manual typewriters. Are these still around? Are typewriter ribbons and correction tabs still made today?
kirbytradition7
nycwriter
Well-known member
FRANCIS!
MY first typewriter was actually my dad's -- a '50s vintage manual Remington Quiet-Riter. That same "greige" color of Mom's Hoover Convertible 1060.
And I also learned from a '50s-era typing book that stood like an easel. It was light green in color.
MY first typewriter was actually my dad's -- a '50s vintage manual Remington Quiet-Riter. That same "greige" color of Mom's Hoover Convertible 1060.
And I also learned from a '50s-era typing book that stood like an easel. It was light green in color.
portable
Well-known member
<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;">Francis and Matt,</span>
<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"> </span>
<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;">I remember those darn green spiral-bound typing books. When I was in high school, we had only manual typewriters to use for typing. I remember how thrilled I was when I used an electric for the first time. SO much easier. </span>
<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"> </span>
<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;">One of my first jobs was typing and bookkeeping at an electric company. One day I was given the job of typing a complete 5-copy contract. Every time I made a mistake, I had to use correction tape (and correction fluid on a few of the last copies). It took me an ENTIRE DAY to finish that stupid contract. There are some reasons why computers are (sometimes) better. But, I did love those old electrics. Especially the IBM Selectrics.</span>
<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"> </span>
<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;">I remember those darn green spiral-bound typing books. When I was in high school, we had only manual typewriters to use for typing. I remember how thrilled I was when I used an electric for the first time. SO much easier. </span>
<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"> </span>
<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;">One of my first jobs was typing and bookkeeping at an electric company. One day I was given the job of typing a complete 5-copy contract. Every time I made a mistake, I had to use correction tape (and correction fluid on a few of the last copies). It took me an ENTIRE DAY to finish that stupid contract. There are some reasons why computers are (sometimes) better. But, I did love those old electrics. Especially the IBM Selectrics.</span>
nycwriter
Well-known member
Well ...
My first real typing class in high school was on the IBM Selectric III Correctible.
They were red (which I understand was a special model for schools).
My current IBM Selectric III Correctible is in beige, for office use.
My first real typing class in high school was on the IBM Selectric III Correctible.
They were red (which I understand was a special model for schools).
My current IBM Selectric III Correctible is in beige, for office use.
I learned to "touch type" at Seton.
It was a great thing. Those IBM(s) were great typewriters.
It was a great thing. Those IBM(s) were great typewriters.
electroluxkirby
Well-known member
- Joined
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We had two typing rooms at my high school one for secretarial typing and the other was for clerical typing, never really understood the difference. We didn't have any correcting Selectric III's, mostly IBM A, B, C, and D typebar models and Selectric II and III's non correcting in the secretarial room, and the clerical room had manuals, Remington and Royal electrics and maybe a couple or more Selectrics. I graduated in June of 1984, and by 1985 all the old machines were replaced with Wheelwriter III's.
kirbytradition7
Well-known member
Photo of me typing on Mom's Remington Quiet-Riter
NYCwriter and portable...
Here is a photo of me, taken in December 1987 (I was in 6th grade then, aged 12), practicing my typing on Mom's "greige"/pinkish Remington Quiet-Riter manual. I spent years learning on it, before I went to electrics. I don't know if Mom still has it or not. She told me she used to type Dad's papers on it while he was a student at the University of Illinois not too long after they married in the early 1950s.
Next to me is a (circa) 1970s easel-style typing tutor book. Each lesson in it was called an AIM (Accelerated Instruction Module, I think it means). The book is lying horizontal, instead of standing upright.
The "headband" I'm wearing is not a Walkman, but rather, a bone-conduction hearing aid whose vibrator was held to my head with a headband, and the power and amplification was supplied by a body-worn battery pack. The make of hearing aid is an Oticon, which I still have in my collection of medical artifacts.
The photo was shot in the nursery/playroom of my family's circa 1850s house, which was formerly a funeral parlor, and it was a huge house.
kirbytradition7 (Francis Smith)
NYCwriter and portable...
Here is a photo of me, taken in December 1987 (I was in 6th grade then, aged 12), practicing my typing on Mom's "greige"/pinkish Remington Quiet-Riter manual. I spent years learning on it, before I went to electrics. I don't know if Mom still has it or not. She told me she used to type Dad's papers on it while he was a student at the University of Illinois not too long after they married in the early 1950s.
Next to me is a (circa) 1970s easel-style typing tutor book. Each lesson in it was called an AIM (Accelerated Instruction Module, I think it means). The book is lying horizontal, instead of standing upright.
The "headband" I'm wearing is not a Walkman, but rather, a bone-conduction hearing aid whose vibrator was held to my head with a headband, and the power and amplification was supplied by a body-worn battery pack. The make of hearing aid is an Oticon, which I still have in my collection of medical artifacts.
The photo was shot in the nursery/playroom of my family's circa 1850s house, which was formerly a funeral parlor, and it was a huge house.
kirbytradition7 (Francis Smith)
nycwriter
Well-known member
Francis ...
OMG! OMG! THAT'S THE ONE!!!!
Right down to the case!
Except my dad's was lined in kelly green felt.
Ingenious way those latches held the unit to the lid!
OMG! OMG! THAT'S THE ONE!!!!
Right down to the case!
Except my dad's was lined in kelly green felt.
Ingenious way those latches held the unit to the lid!
kirbytradition7
Well-known member
What my first typewriter looked like
My first typewriter (as I mentioned in a previous post) was a Marx Toys "Marxwriter" toy typewriter. I got it for Christmas 1984 (3rd grade, age 9) from my parents, and I started learning typing on it.
This machine, for some odd reason, was designed with no lowercase letters on the typebars. So it typed all capitals. The keys were fewer in number, and had symbols and numbers on the same keys as each letter. So each typebar would have a capital letter on its lower half, and a symbol or number on the upper half. The "shift" key (marked FIG) would enable one to type the symbol or number shown on each letter key, instead of the letter.
Here is a photo (from the Internet) of the Marxwriter, just like the one I had.
kirbytradition7
My first typewriter (as I mentioned in a previous post) was a Marx Toys "Marxwriter" toy typewriter. I got it for Christmas 1984 (3rd grade, age 9) from my parents, and I started learning typing on it.
This machine, for some odd reason, was designed with no lowercase letters on the typebars. So it typed all capitals. The keys were fewer in number, and had symbols and numbers on the same keys as each letter. So each typebar would have a capital letter on its lower half, and a symbol or number on the upper half. The "shift" key (marked FIG) would enable one to type the symbol or number shown on each letter key, instead of the letter.
Here is a photo (from the Internet) of the Marxwriter, just like the one I had.
kirbytradition7
Sorry to resurrect this thread, but I thought I'd add my tuppence-worth!
If I'd seen this thread when it was created (which I did not as I had no internet at the time), I would have replied stating that I would love to try a typewriter but had never used one. Well, about a month ago I picked one up and as such, I can now give my views on them.
I found an advert on Freecycle from somebody who was giving away a typewriter, so I immediately replied and a few days later picked up a mint condition AEG Olympia Compact i electronic typewriter with three spare ribbons, spare lift-off tapes and the instruction manual.
After reading the manual I fired it up and got to grips with it. My first thought was how I have managed to get this far without trying one. They are absolutely fantastic.
I have always enjoyed typing, but never realised how much more satisfying it is to see the words being stamped onto the paper as you type, rather than onto a computer screen and thereafter onto paper via a printer.
Of course, you will make typing errors, even I do, but that is where the lift-off tape (or similar eraser method) comes in.
With my AEG, as long as you realise your mistake before you leave that line, you can go back, erase the letter/word and re-type it. Simples.
Of course, if you have already hit return and THEN notice it, you will have to use correction fluid, reset the typewriter to the spot you want to print, and re-type it that way. It won't look as good, but hopefully with practice you won't have to do it often, if at all.
The first few times I wrote letters with mine I was making mistakes here, there and everywhere, but now I can type up a whole 2-3 page letter with only a couple of errors which I pick up before leaving the line and, as such, can correct without any signs of the mistake ever existing.
All-in-all, I would not be without my Olympia now. Even though I only use it about once a week - it is my weekly treat.
Here is a picture of it in all its electronic top-of-the-range glory:
If I'd seen this thread when it was created (which I did not as I had no internet at the time), I would have replied stating that I would love to try a typewriter but had never used one. Well, about a month ago I picked one up and as such, I can now give my views on them.
I found an advert on Freecycle from somebody who was giving away a typewriter, so I immediately replied and a few days later picked up a mint condition AEG Olympia Compact i electronic typewriter with three spare ribbons, spare lift-off tapes and the instruction manual.
After reading the manual I fired it up and got to grips with it. My first thought was how I have managed to get this far without trying one. They are absolutely fantastic.
I have always enjoyed typing, but never realised how much more satisfying it is to see the words being stamped onto the paper as you type, rather than onto a computer screen and thereafter onto paper via a printer.
Of course, you will make typing errors, even I do, but that is where the lift-off tape (or similar eraser method) comes in.
With my AEG, as long as you realise your mistake before you leave that line, you can go back, erase the letter/word and re-type it. Simples.
Of course, if you have already hit return and THEN notice it, you will have to use correction fluid, reset the typewriter to the spot you want to print, and re-type it that way. It won't look as good, but hopefully with practice you won't have to do it often, if at all.
The first few times I wrote letters with mine I was making mistakes here, there and everywhere, but now I can type up a whole 2-3 page letter with only a couple of errors which I pick up before leaving the line and, as such, can correct without any signs of the mistake ever existing.
All-in-all, I would not be without my Olympia now. Even though I only use it about once a week - it is my weekly treat.
Here is a picture of it in all its electronic top-of-the-range glory:
sebo_fan
Well-known member
I was clearing out my garage the other day and realised that I must have either given away my trusty Smith Corona WMP 2300 or it is "somewhere." However, in its place comes my father's old typewriter that I knew I had kept somewhere, an Adler Gabriele 25.
compactelectra
Well-known member
I Was Raised On Typewriters
Learned on an Olympia manual but fell in love with the IBM Model C. Those things were like Sherman tanks. Almost indestructible and produced some beautiful typewritten pages. I scrounged up a rebuilt one. The feel of these things is amazing and you can really get up some speed. Now going back and using them, I would never switch back, but it's fun to have. Boy you had to be accurate with this puppy. You needed a solid desk for this thing when that carriage returned. Could be used for a boat anchor.
Learned on an Olympia manual but fell in love with the IBM Model C. Those things were like Sherman tanks. Almost indestructible and produced some beautiful typewritten pages. I scrounged up a rebuilt one. The feel of these things is amazing and you can really get up some speed. Now going back and using them, I would never switch back, but it's fun to have. Boy you had to be accurate with this puppy. You needed a solid desk for this thing when that carriage returned. Could be used for a boat anchor.
compactelectra
Well-known member
Another One of Mine
The IBM Personal Correcting Selectric. Completely rebuilt. Have many of the elements. Now this is more like it. Much more forgiving with errors.
The IBM Personal Correcting Selectric. Completely rebuilt. Have many of the elements. Now this is more like it. Much more forgiving with errors.
nycwriter
Well-known member
Fred ...
... I saw the "Personal" Selectric for the first time at a friend's home this summer. SO wish I knew about them sooner! I have one of the corporate-sized Selectric beasts at home. But their extra width does come in handy for addressing manila envelopes!
... I saw the "Personal" Selectric for the first time at a friend's home this summer. SO wish I knew about them sooner! I have one of the corporate-sized Selectric beasts at home. But their extra width does come in handy for addressing manila envelopes!
compactelectra
Well-known member
OK - Now for some fun
I still have my original typing book - Gregg Typing 191 Series from my high school class in 1970. First class was taught with manual office typewriters. Glad I took the class. I am amazed at how many people didn't take keyboarding (what they call it now) and type with 2 fingers. Mom was a secretary trained in the 20s and could type accurately at 80 wpm and take Pittman shorthand at least at 130 wpm. Had to be fast and accurate back then. Technology allows us much more leeway these days.
I still have my original typing book - Gregg Typing 191 Series from my high school class in 1970. First class was taught with manual office typewriters. Glad I took the class. I am amazed at how many people didn't take keyboarding (what they call it now) and type with 2 fingers. Mom was a secretary trained in the 20s and could type accurately at 80 wpm and take Pittman shorthand at least at 130 wpm. Had to be fast and accurate back then. Technology allows us much more leeway these days.
compactelectra
Well-known member
Beginning of the book
Features of electric typewriters. First one - IBM Model C.
Features of electric typewriters. First one - IBM Model C.
compactelectra
Well-known member
Let's Start At The Beginning
Home row. Still use the QWERTY keyboard originally designed to slow down keyboarding so as to not jam the machines. Use brisk evenly-paced strokes!
Home row. Still use the QWERTY keyboard originally designed to slow down keyboarding so as to not jam the machines. Use brisk evenly-paced strokes!
nycwriter
Well-known member
Greg ...
... I hear you about the typing skills of people today.
I took "typing" in high school in 1983 -- and I practically had to beg to get into the class.
My guidance counselor actually refused to let me register for the class, saying I was an "academic" student (honor roll, gifted program, the whole deal) who was destined for college and a "professional" job. She said typing was for "girls" who were going to business school to be secretaries, and that I'd be wasting my time. I told her that BECAUSE I was going to college, I'd need the typing skills since I was going to be a writer, and I'd be typing a LOT of papers.
She finally relented.
Fast-forward 30 years.
I've been the fastest "writer" in every radio and television newsroom I've ever worked in; I can get breaking news special reports on the air literally within seconds. This is not necessarily because I'm a fast writer (which I am); it's mostly because of my fast TYPING. I'm amazed at how many professional writers I work with who use the two-finger hunt-and-peck method. One old anchor from CBS Radio years ago crowed about how fast he was with two fingers, and that he'd been typing that way for 50 years. But he wasn't really as fast as he thought he was.
I don't care how long you've been using your two-finger method; your half-century of two-finger pecking experience is no match for even a mediocre TEN-finger touch typist.
Ever.
... I hear you about the typing skills of people today.
I took "typing" in high school in 1983 -- and I practically had to beg to get into the class.
My guidance counselor actually refused to let me register for the class, saying I was an "academic" student (honor roll, gifted program, the whole deal) who was destined for college and a "professional" job. She said typing was for "girls" who were going to business school to be secretaries, and that I'd be wasting my time. I told her that BECAUSE I was going to college, I'd need the typing skills since I was going to be a writer, and I'd be typing a LOT of papers.
She finally relented.
Fast-forward 30 years.
I've been the fastest "writer" in every radio and television newsroom I've ever worked in; I can get breaking news special reports on the air literally within seconds. This is not necessarily because I'm a fast writer (which I am); it's mostly because of my fast TYPING. I'm amazed at how many professional writers I work with who use the two-finger hunt-and-peck method. One old anchor from CBS Radio years ago crowed about how fast he was with two fingers, and that he'd been typing that way for 50 years. But he wasn't really as fast as he thought he was.
I don't care how long you've been using your two-finger method; your half-century of two-finger pecking experience is no match for even a mediocre TEN-finger touch typist.
Ever.
suckolux
Well-known member
Typing class here in 74 yes there is some speed
The IBM Model C that was pictured above-At one radio station I worked in a Model C was at the transmitter site-the plant was manned-and that IBM C was used to keep AM transmitter logs.Like any transmitter site-this one had mice,bugs,even occasional snakes.The mice loved to build their nests in the C's type basket-one morning I signed on the AM-and started typing the first meter readings-too my surprize-a startled mouse jumpted out of the typeriter and almost in my face!Cleaned out the rest of his nest.He tried building it in there a few more times.The typewriter shown in the picure looked just like the one at that station.Also the phasor J plugs were kept in the typewriter roll after the station signed off-lightening protection-the sign on man put them back into the phasor before starting the transmitter.
Just a wee question that somebody here may be able to answer - the ribbon cartridge (the kind that looks like an 8-Track) in my Olympia Compact has a yellow "wheel" on the top, with an arrow next to it.
Is this wheel there to move to a fresh part of the ribbon when it starts to dry up? I was always of the impression that the ribbon moved around as you were typing, but maybe that was just the old "reel to reel" style ribbons that did that...
Any ideas?
I will try and get a picture up tomorrow.
Is this wheel there to move to a fresh part of the ribbon when it starts to dry up? I was always of the impression that the ribbon moved around as you were typing, but maybe that was just the old "reel to reel" style ribbons that did that...
Any ideas?
I will try and get a picture up tomorrow.
I've just looked at the instruction manual for my typewriter and it states the wheel I was asking about is a "winding wheel". Obviously that clears up what it is for, though I already knew that!
My question still stands, if a bit clearer, at "why would you need to wind a ribbon"? For changing, re-inking or untangling? I am really not sure.
My question still stands, if a bit clearer, at "why would you need to wind a ribbon"? For changing, re-inking or untangling? I am really not sure.
sebo_fan
Well-known member
Because in use, the ribbon can bunch up = thus thats why you have a rewind function to tighten the ribbon and to ensure the tension is right without snapping the ribbon. Also in general use when replacing a ribbon it has to be rewound anyway as too much slack makes it bunch up.
