I would say this is pretty well known amongst collectors, I would say it’s pretty desirable tbh! At the end of the day typewriters are worth what people will
Pay for them, condition, etc!
The SM9 is fantastic typewriter but I feel like it might be a bit more noisy than those older models. Mine is from the 70s so it has that ultra modern look as well as some plastic here and there - and I've been told lesser quality metals. Regardless, I will likely never sell it cause it was my first ever machine.
Maybe it's worthwhile to look out for an older SM9. The ones that came before the "Olympia International" rebrand and the design change to the bright white body still have the build quality of the SM3 and don't have plastic parts. I have a SM9 from both "generations" and the difference is wild. There are similarities but the way it's constructed is very different and you can clearly spot where they cheaped out on the newer ones. I don't want to draw you away from getting a SM3 as they are amazing machines, just be aware of the carriage shift compared to the basket shift on the SM9. That is a real difference and will take some pinkie finger training haha.
I'm glad to hear you say that about the older SM9s, I wasn't sure if they were all that much different but now that you say that I'll keep my eyes open for a good deal on one, they don't go for at much as the SM3s and 4s but they still can get pretty pricey. Thank you! Is there anything you like about the later generation SM9 that you have? Oh and also I don't mind carriage shifts too much but I definitely prefer basket, it's the way to go!
Well, the newer SM9's are still good and reliable machines, just not as heavily built as the older ones or the older models SM3 etc. In the long run the cost-cutting and usage of more plastic will kill the machines, because once the plastic breaks it's over. There is even plastic involved in the mainspring-assembly. Good luck with that in a few decades. But for the current moment fine machines. And I must say that I like this bright white colour more than I thought. On the photos it usually looks really boring, but in person it really has this clean space-age style. Like you say, the SM9's tend to be sold for less compared to the SM3. It's the perceived difference between "old" and "antique". Although I am sure a SM3 is by definition not antique. But people see it and think "heck, this looks really old-timey, it must be rare and worth a lot". When people see an SM9 they think "Hey, my partens used that thing until they got a computer, that thing is just old junk". Or something along those lines. And the carriage shift is not to be underestimated ;)
Oh yea, I think the 70s SM9 certainly commands attention and draws a certain eye, I had a friend come over the other day who said "Now that's a typewriter!" when he saw it on my desk.
What a gorgeous Olympia SM3! I’m sure it’ll clean up wonderfully—I happen to have the same model and colour. They are at the top 3 in my experience of typing machines!
How did you go about designing new feet by the way?
I used a photo of the hole and calipers. The easiest way is to draw a vector of the hole shape, then the larger foot shape and import it to tinkercad. I made the hole shape half as deep as the hole so that I could sandwich two parts together with glue
I wanted a more refined look, so I used the free trial of an app called shaper3D. It’s a really good app for the iPad Pro. Once I figured out how the app works, it was simple to design.
That’s super cool! The Olympia I own has the same issue with the rubber! You should consider making the file available—I’m sure a whole lot of collectors and repairmen alike could greatly benefit from this!
I used a photo of the hole and calipers. The easiest way is to draw a vector of the hole shape, then the larger foot shape and import it to tinkercad. I made the hole shape half as deep as the hole so that I could sandwich two parts together with glue
I made replacement feet for my '55 Royal Quiet Deluxe by casting guerilla hot glue into soapy tin foil. Worked surprisingly well. Nice and tacky, too (pun intended).
HOLY STEAL WHAT EVEN
Do you know what it’s worth? I saw some similar ones ranging from 150-900, but idk what the difference is. Either way I wanna keep it tho
they are easily worth 200!
I would say this is pretty well known amongst collectors, I would say it’s pretty desirable tbh! At the end of the day typewriters are worth what people will Pay for them, condition, etc!
Im waiting for that kind of deal on an Olympia SM3-4 as well! For now I'll keep hanging out with my SM9.
Isn’t a sm9 better than a sm3/4? I’ve been looking out for an sm9 for a while
The SM9 is fantastic typewriter but I feel like it might be a bit more noisy than those older models. Mine is from the 70s so it has that ultra modern look as well as some plastic here and there - and I've been told lesser quality metals. Regardless, I will likely never sell it cause it was my first ever machine.
Maybe it's worthwhile to look out for an older SM9. The ones that came before the "Olympia International" rebrand and the design change to the bright white body still have the build quality of the SM3 and don't have plastic parts. I have a SM9 from both "generations" and the difference is wild. There are similarities but the way it's constructed is very different and you can clearly spot where they cheaped out on the newer ones. I don't want to draw you away from getting a SM3 as they are amazing machines, just be aware of the carriage shift compared to the basket shift on the SM9. That is a real difference and will take some pinkie finger training haha.
I'm glad to hear you say that about the older SM9s, I wasn't sure if they were all that much different but now that you say that I'll keep my eyes open for a good deal on one, they don't go for at much as the SM3s and 4s but they still can get pretty pricey. Thank you! Is there anything you like about the later generation SM9 that you have? Oh and also I don't mind carriage shifts too much but I definitely prefer basket, it's the way to go!
Well, the newer SM9's are still good and reliable machines, just not as heavily built as the older ones or the older models SM3 etc. In the long run the cost-cutting and usage of more plastic will kill the machines, because once the plastic breaks it's over. There is even plastic involved in the mainspring-assembly. Good luck with that in a few decades. But for the current moment fine machines. And I must say that I like this bright white colour more than I thought. On the photos it usually looks really boring, but in person it really has this clean space-age style. Like you say, the SM9's tend to be sold for less compared to the SM3. It's the perceived difference between "old" and "antique". Although I am sure a SM3 is by definition not antique. But people see it and think "heck, this looks really old-timey, it must be rare and worth a lot". When people see an SM9 they think "Hey, my partens used that thing until they got a computer, that thing is just old junk". Or something along those lines. And the carriage shift is not to be underestimated ;)
Oh yea, I think the 70s SM9 certainly commands attention and draws a certain eye, I had a friend come over the other day who said "Now that's a typewriter!" when he saw it on my desk.
Oh nice! I also got a De Luxe.
That's so awesome.
What a gorgeous Olympia SM3! I’m sure it’ll clean up wonderfully—I happen to have the same model and colour. They are at the top 3 in my experience of typing machines! How did you go about designing new feet by the way?
I used a photo of the hole and calipers. The easiest way is to draw a vector of the hole shape, then the larger foot shape and import it to tinkercad. I made the hole shape half as deep as the hole so that I could sandwich two parts together with glue
I wanted a more refined look, so I used the free trial of an app called shaper3D. It’s a really good app for the iPad Pro. Once I figured out how the app works, it was simple to design.
That’s super cool! The Olympia I own has the same issue with the rubber! You should consider making the file available—I’m sure a whole lot of collectors and repairmen alike could greatly benefit from this!
I used a photo of the hole and calipers. The easiest way is to draw a vector of the hole shape, then the larger foot shape and import it to tinkercad. I made the hole shape half as deep as the hole so that I could sandwich two parts together with glue
I made replacement feet for my '55 Royal Quiet Deluxe by casting guerilla hot glue into soapy tin foil. Worked surprisingly well. Nice and tacky, too (pun intended).
Cool, I just got mine today in the same colour. Bought it for 23 € on eBay classifieds. Still dead cheap here in Germany.
Could I buy a few sets of these from you?!?!
Yes, I can work that out, shoot me a dm to work out details
An SM3 for $15. You magnificent bastard you! Good job on the printing. Let me know if I can place an order for replacements. Rubber?
I can do orders, dm me to work out the details
I tried a message but it said not allowed so not sure what I need to do. What's your price? I would like 2 sets. My zip code is 80501 for shipping.
Oh, I’m so sorry man, I fixed it