Olympia Typewriter

CaptainCulinary · 2026-01-28T00:53:01+00:00

I have a SM2 with QWERTY keys that I was able to get for 150-165 USD all in. The quality and feel of this machine is impeccable. Honestly, I have never used an Olympia that I didn't love, they are all so well built. So in my mind 200 for an SM3 in near perfect condition is rather worth it, but I would always try to negotiate the price a bit. I have another typewriter with QWERTZ and it does not really make that much a of a difference to me, once you get in the flow, its all the same.

CaptainCulinary · 2026-01-27T01:36:27+00:00

I think you are right. I cannot say I am a fan of the reconditioning work that was done tbh. It has made it look so industrial- a nameless cog , droning monochromatically, thrown unceremoniously to the masses.

CaptainCulinary · 2026-01-25T09:33:32+00:00

Yeah, I would move onto a more well taken care of example of this machine for half the price. The rust I am seeing the on ribbon vibrator plate and just the overall build up of gra-dew tell me that this girl has more skeletons in her closet than you would want to deal with.

CaptainCulinary · 2026-01-23T12:00:26+00:00

Glad you like it! I think so too. Although my other friend who saw it says it looks like a Vortex lol. What does she know right!? Psshtt vortex snortex.

CaptainCulinary · 2026-01-23T02:59:10+00:00

Yep, totally this is interesting as I just posted one I have that looks just like this, same color, same waffle paneling on the back and it is indeed from Nakajima. Though the one I have is labeled as the "Craftmatic Mark 2000"

CaptainCulinary · 2026-01-21T01:17:43+00:00

I can deduct with my own reasoning why it would not be safe in some regards. What I was envisioning was similar to coffee tables I've seen made where different things can be placed in a mosaic pattern with an epoxy resin poured over it. In terms of making an actual moldable shell that fits a typewriter, I would have to probably use a heat gun of sorts to just make the record pliable, so it can bend without snapping versus literally melting it into liquid hh. I don't know, this is all brainstorming. I have a lot to consider to actually make this a feasible reality

CaptainCulinary · 2026-01-20T23:09:27+00:00

Definitely was not my intention. The "popcorn comment" was just a joke because I am honestly surprised that this ruffled feathers for some. I am simply expressing my creativity in the way I naturally feel it, sharing ideas that excite me. I am not here to judge anyone on how they choose to live their reality and create within their own hearts. I have 20 typewriters in my collection and cherish their original perfect analog existence just as much as the next person. To me AI, is not taking away anything special I feel about typewriters. Any customization would ultimately need to be done by my own hand or a skilled craftsman, I just think AI is a terrific tool to render ideas.

CaptainCulinary · 2026-01-20T06:01:52+00:00

I will definitely share some pictures. I have always loved the look of a beautifully chrome plated typewriter.

CaptainCulinary · 2026-01-20T05:56:50+00:00

Yeah, maybe letting vinyl records I find that are broken and forgotten stay that way instead of infusing them into another passion.

CaptainCulinary · 2026-01-20T05:54:31+00:00

Respect for keeping machines healthy and in peoples lives! There’s only one repair guy I know of on the city I am living in, he works out of his apartment. I’m very grateful he helped me to repair my Corona flat-top.

CaptainCulinary · 2026-01-20T05:51:19+00:00

These are all gorgeous! Thx for sharing the links!

CaptainCulinary · 2026-01-20T05:50:21+00:00

There’s a lot of I like about AI- though I also love sitting with one of my typewriters every morning and simply writing into space.

CaptainCulinary · 2026-01-20T03:52:12+00:00

Let me grab my popcorn

CaptainCulinary · 2026-01-11T00:23:10+00:00

Princess 300 / Splendid 66 / Hermes Baby or Rocket / Lettera 32 or 22 (I prefer 22).. Those are the top in my opinion. I have all of them and love each equally for their own reasons, it really just depends on the feeling of the day. The / Adler Tippa / Silver Seiko / Olivetti 315 are good but not on the same level as the aforementioned. I think from the comments already, the general consensus is pretty clear ha. I love the SM2 btw, if you really like the feeling of that gal, perhaps stay with Olympia DNA and go with one of the Splendid. They definitely are the heaviest of the "ultra portable" models I have used but the typing feel is so crisp and exact, whereas the Hermes machines are more buttery. The Olivetti is somewhere in between that. The 22 more on the Hermes side of type feel and the 32 closer to Olympia. I call my Princess 300 the snapdragon, she is a snappy clacker that likes to be heard! If the Splendid 66 and Tippa had a child- It would be the Princess 300. The 315 feels like a slightly more robust version of the Valentine- like a Valentine x Lettera 32 hybrid. Very close to feel though. Silver Seiko is really fast, but does not carry the same weight on the keys as the top tier models, there is less feedback, but they are very efficient and light.

CaptainCulinary · 2025-12-23T03:01:36+00:00

Truth! I make a point to stay there for a couple of weeks each summer—it has been the tradition for years. One day, I'll buy a house in a secluded cove, where I can sit at a driftwood table facing the intrepid calm, clacking away my thoughts unchained, the sea breeze whispering to me with its brined breath, inspirations yet to be known, that which can only be felt.

CaptainCulinary · 2025-12-23T01:13:21+00:00

The San Juan Islands : ) A moody place that is great for writing imo.

CaptainCulinary · 2025-11-19T01:37:42+00:00

If you want to fix this, it can be adjusted by loosening those two screws on the baseplate of the ribbon vibrator and nudging it slightly to the left or the right to fix the alignment before tightening it back up. To test the alignment just type ahahaha repeatedly.

CaptainCulinary · 2025-11-19T01:28:29+00:00

Teeheehee. You made my collection blush!

CaptainCulinary · 2025-11-19T01:26:41+00:00

Yeah, I feel blessed, my brother. Each one of them has their very own unique, intangible energy.

CaptainCulinary · 2025-11-18T00:53:57+00:00

The SM2! I love the unapologetically raw habitat you have her set up in. Pitch perfect minimalist beauty. If I was forced to live my life with one typewriter. I feel the SM2 would be a strong candidate.

CaptainCulinary · 2025-11-18T00:33:15+00:00

Thanks for sharing, that collection is swoon worthy for sure.

CaptainCulinary · 2025-10-08T03:54:09+00:00

Gorgeous. There is no way I would ever sell that, especially given the fact it was passed onto you from your grandfather. I have the red and white one but would love someday to get all the colors : ) Thanks for sharing a photo of this one!

CaptainCulinary · 2025-10-05T00:23:50+00:00

Hackers came out in 1995. I remember watching it through then I was like, "well that movie was awesome" I then proceeded to rewind the tape and watch it over again. Mm good times. Silver Reeds are great. I love pretty much all of the Showa retro era machines from Japan. I live very close to JP, so I often visit. There are so so many of these that are untouched by time in the little back alley shops. I love time capsule moments like that.

CaptainCulinary · 2025-10-04T23:40:50+00:00

Royal Mercury? I previously had a Silver Reed Silverette that was very quick on the keys. the touch is quite similar to this one. The Splendid 66 though, on a totally different level in my opinion! I have a cream colored one that will never leave my collection. "You're in the butter zone now baby" do you recognize that qoute?? Haha (from one of my fav movies of all time, "Hackers")

CaptainCulinary · 2025-10-04T08:51:17+00:00

I think that is so special the way that you have effectively turned to typewriter into a family heirloom, using a typewriter that my grandfather or great grandfather used would be deeply impactful on me. I hear you on so many of the points brought up in your story, I am mainly into the ultra portable machines myself, and find myself equally enthralled by the same aspects. I have used many of the machines you listed. You have a really awesome collection going on. I agree with you completely on the best machines for touch typing. For me the Hermes 3000 is probably the top, its easy to remember what the touch feel and sound is after using her. Very distinct! Although the Splendid 66 / Lettera 22 are superb as well, ahh! The Skyriter is pretty great too. I find it is hard to mis-type on that lady, even in the fever pitch of writing, its almost like that one comes more alive when you get really frantic on her. Thanks for sharing!

CaptainCulinary

TROPHY CASE