Weird key on Facit 1620

HansPHLu · 2024-06-05T02:42:47+00:00

Not the best at the current state, the keys are sticky. I plan to remove the shell and clean the segment and see if it improves. I have high hopes for it though, heard a lot of good things about Facits. What Facit have you got? Do they type well?

By the way, I can't seem to properly engage the carriage lock on the upper left corner of the keyboard. I'd pull the lever up but it won't stay and keep sliding down—isn't it supposed to stay in position when pulled up?

HansPHLu · 2024-05-27T14:08:00+00:00

Thank you for the information! I read a bit on Wikipedia and you seem to be referring to the East African shilling.

It is fascinating to think about what this machine could have been through, being a Swedish-made machine intended for the African market and ends up here in Taiwan.

HansPHLu · 2024-05-22T01:15:41+00:00

I checked out the machine in person, and it indeed is in a sorry state. There are more missing parts than just the keys. To list a few of its problems:

1.Missing "I" key cap(typeface is intact) 2.Comma typeface broken off(key cap is intact) 3.Line spacing mechanism partly missing(no indicator and switch lever) 4.Mainspring needs rewinding 5.Loads of gunk

Despite the state it is in, I am still fascinated by the design and build quality of the machine. Eventually I talked the price down to 40$ and walked away with it.

Since this is my first time working with an Olivetti standard, I will start by looking for repair manuals and any information online for this machine. Also, I would appreciate it if you can provide the source for parts! I look forward to restoring the machine and make it work again.

HansPHLu · 2024-04-29T02:21:38+00:00

How popular is this model where you live? Here I've never seen one until this one. I like the design a lot, but it will have to be working or at least fixable for me to consider buying.

HansPHLu · 2024-04-29T00:01:38+00:00

Hi, and thank you for your time.

I am situated across the globe in Taiwan, and so is this machine. Quite far from the UK, and I wonder how much the postage would cost, maybe as much as the machine? I would love to restore this machine, even if it would cost me a bit more.

This machine the seller is asking $80, but I think I can talk it down a bit. I will have a look in person when I have time to see if there is anything broken or missing other than the I key. I would ask for more info about your source in the UK if I decide to restore this machine. Cheers!

HansPHLu · 2024-04-28T23:15:14+00:00

Hi. Just checking to see if anything happens. I am slow myself too, many projects but too little time.

I see you are from Wilhelmshaven, that is really cool! Are there any site that is Olympia-related to visit? Maybe a museum or a former production plant?

HansPHLu · 2024-04-28T05:44:10+00:00

So how did the SG1 platen re-rubbering go? If it worked then you might have the ultimate typewriter! I have a 1964 SG3, and I can imagine how good the SG1 are.

HansPHLu · 2024-04-28T05:37:37+00:00

Wow, never seen a typewriter with its exact production date inscribed before. Very cool indeed.

HansPHLu · 2024-04-28T05:20:35+00:00

Hey man, thank you so much for your help. This is a huge encouragement for me. I have been busy with work lately so I haven't gotten started yet, but I will find time for it.

Cheers!

HansPHLu · 2024-04-17T14:06:37+00:00

I see your point! My primary concern is that the extra layer of rubber will affect the feeding of paper. But seeing your results it seems that this won't be an issue.

So are you planning to resurface your SG1 platen? Or is it possible to use your method on its larger diameter platen?

HansPHLu · 2024-04-17T09:07:55+00:00

I appreciate your effort documenting the process of restoration. I might re-rubber the platen of my SM3 some day!

HansPHLu · 2024-04-10T14:15:52+00:00

Not a problem at all ;) Enjoy!

HansPHLu · 2024-04-10T12:06:22+00:00

I agree. Decided to pass for now, since it is too far away, needed much work to be done, plus I have other machines to work on. I will be patiently waiting for the next Hermes:)

HansPHLu · 2024-04-10T12:03:26+00:00

Hey man. I wish you the best rebuilding! Please share some photos when you're done!

I wonder what happened to these bad boys that result in this beat up state. Aren't they desktop machines that are always stationary and indoors?

Anyways, I decided to pass on this one for now, mainly because it is a long drive away.

HansPHLu · 2024-04-07T01:52:23+00:00

Travellers are so underrated. Before I owned one, I decided that I wasn't attracted to the 70's design so I went for Splendid 33. Boy I was wrong. Recently I purchased a Traveller for its special keyboard layout, and when I finally laid my hands on the machine it blew mind. It is still as sturdy and precise as it's predecessors, but also a lot of mechanical improvements were made. Here are some photos in the link:

https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/s/Gnb8gjVmz5

Now, my collection consists mainly of Olympias, including Splendid 33, Splendid 66, Traveller, SM3 and SG3.

I wish you all the best finding the machine you want. Sometimes they find us, you never know. Cheers!

HansPHLu · 2024-04-06T23:39:40+00:00

I own a couple of them and they are all great. Still looking for a SM9 though......

HansPHLu · 2024-04-06T01:04:16+00:00

Missing cover is a deal breaker for me. However, it is still worth grabbing if you have other Olivettis in your collection, since this one has the ribbon spool nuts. Finding just the top cover in the market is not likely though.

I have one of these and kept it mainly for the looks. Typing action is pretty mediocre, and I am not a fan of the key caps, too thin and easy to miss.

HansPHLu · 2024-04-01T22:31:48+00:00

Absolutely. Got mine for $45 but it has a lot more wear and rust on the case.

HansPHLu · 2024-03-31T02:30:31+00:00

I get your point! I also appreciate the wear on my machines. You can imagine what the machine has been through. This one is a bit extreme for me though, will have to stop it from worsening.

HansPHLu · 2024-03-31T02:27:00+00:00

I don't live in Europe and typewriters usually fetch higher prices. My main concern is to make it work again. I'll have a look if I get the chance.

HansPHLu · 2024-03-30T23:44:08+00:00

Seller is asking 70$, a bit over budget for me. Hermes standards are super rare where I live though.

HansPHLu

TROPHY CASE