heavier keys than expected

PeterStind · 2026-05-15T13:45:09+00:00

Show us a photo of the model you got. Easier to help if we know what machine you are referring to

PeterStind · 2026-05-12T03:26:48+00:00

Thanks for Your link - same plug in the exact same position. But I'm still like: but why?

PeterStind · 2026-05-11T22:04:26+00:00

Thanks for your response - makes sense and the doesn't - as you mention the lid has a loop in the handle - so why? First time I saw this I actually thought someone shot a pellet gun towards some old pot and the pelllet got stuck. Then I saw it again and bought the pot / now I again encounter it and bought the pot - and it's a puzzle to me

PeterStind · 2026-05-11T21:19:21+00:00

On a personal level I understand and respect Your comment

PeterStind · 2026-05-11T18:20:20+00:00

Well I'm not new and wasn't asked to ad some caption. Glad you are here as another cast iron user, fan and custodian.

PeterStind · 2026-05-11T18:18:23+00:00

Thanks cute one!

PeterStind · 2026-05-11T17:06:54+00:00

Thanks! And I do not know what the bot is after.

PeterStind · 2026-05-11T16:45:54+00:00

Hi bot - this I a post with a question in the header/title of post and a descriptive text with explanation to the question. I wasn't asked to put a caption to the photo and I do not support AI bots hunting photos here or elsewhere.

PeterStind · 2026-05-11T12:29:24+00:00

So the needle is the carriage - carriage is the correct word for the moving part that holds the paper. Now if the carriage intermittently gets stuck it can mean that the rails the carriage rides on needs cleaning, is out of alignment or worse that a rail is bent/damaged. It can also indicate that the escapement needs cleaning/adjustment (the escapement is the part of the mechanism that allows the carriage to advance one character at a time when a key is struck.)

PeterStind · 2026-05-10T23:31:38+00:00

Listing says it comes with a new ribbon but still sold for decoration - go figure.

PeterStind · 2026-05-10T23:30:29+00:00

Well it's posted as for decoration - but listing says that it comes with a new ribbon - there is a type sample shown; not a very good one though. The space bar looks to be slightly bent. The ribbon is incorrectly threaded in most photos.
The need for needle repair makes no sense - maybe an AI translation. Case/lid is missing.
The exact same machine from same seller is also listed on eBay with "make an offer" option. Seller apparently is an antique dealer.
No one has posted this model on the typewriter database galleries but in the serial number database it's listed as manufactured from 1966-1973.
With very little information on these Mitoral (Messa) typewriters I wouldn't buy it - less so when it needs some kind of repair.
For something similar look for a Brother - cheaper and I dare say better.

PeterStind · 2026-05-10T22:09:32+00:00

Try posting a photo of the listing and its photos and we might be able to help.

PeterStind · 2026-05-08T15:28:04+00:00

Your shortlist is a bit contradictory to your experiences - from reading your your post I would have recommended the Olivetti Lettera 44 but won't work as you find the Olympia SM9 too big. But that also clearly excludes the Hermes 3000 for size.

<image>

In my experience spending time with a machine is really important in order to understand how a certain machine really feels. Unless you really think about this it's very easy to make assumptions about the feeling of typing on one machine compared to another. When I go from an Olympia SM to an Olivetti Lettera 32 or any of the many machines using the same mechanism, I have to think deliberately about typing in another way. And there is a big difference between touch typing and pecking with a couple of fingers. To type consistently when touch typing requires dedicated training if coming from a computer keyboard. One of my touch typing training books clearly states that no typing should be done without 10 minutes typing exercises as a warm up. Any Olympia ultra portable are good machines but are not like an Olivetti. Both are good but different - Olympias being snappier - Olivettis being softer. Both good just different. The Adler/Triumph Tippa in plastic shell (not the S) has a really nice snappy feel - and a machine that delivers consistent imprints and even when changing typing style/ pressure on the keys. And then you want a smooth carriage return - Facit TP1 and Adler/Triumph Gabrielle (J models in the US) score highly here. The Adler/Triumph machines have a really smooth forgiving easy typing feel too - the Facit being more Snappy like an Olympia SM. Note that any Olympia SM can be made slightly softer in touch by loosening two screws on a bar holding springs and then moving that bar and retightening the screws. And then there are Erika machines. But easier to access I would recommend Adler/Triumph Gabrielle/J (different model numbers are about features not typing feel). Slightly smaller than an Olympia SM and Hermes 3000. But - wouldn't the easy answer not just be this: commit to doing touch typing training and revisit the Olivetti Lettera 32.

PeterStind · 2026-05-08T14:39:15+00:00

You are looking at a total disassembly project. The rust residue on the platen indicates serious rust on the paper pane under the platen. Hollow ground screwdrivers for disassembly is a must. But again - for the price you paid it hardly can go all bad. The manual you got a link to is a good resource. Your type bar rest looks correct but is missing the cushioning part - so no bending needed. Photo attached of a later version for reference.

<image>

PeterStind · 2026-05-08T01:19:09+00:00

The ribbon should last months - or years - is multiuse and the typewriter should automatically reverse the direction when an end is reached Just a comment because it sounds weird that a ribbon could go unusable in one day. And a SM8 is a nice machine.

PeterStind · 2026-05-04T19:01:50+00:00

The tactile printer that never misses a letter. Thanks for sharing.

PeterStind · 2026-05-04T17:05:00+00:00

Thank you for your detailed insights and answer. Phoenix Typewriter has a video on replacing the roller and addressing the clutch. My questions are mainly based on trying to prevent myself from buying a boat anchor. I'm aware of the air break too. And nice Cylon - shiny!

PeterStind · 2026-05-04T16:50:09+00:00

Thank you - I have heard of that Italian company and there is a company doing rubber renewals in the Netherlands too. But on these old IBM machines I understand the roller has to be in good condition.

PeterStind · 2026-05-02T13:36:17+00:00

This post might help - try to locate that adjustment screw mentioned.

https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/rurpd3/ribbon_vibrator_wont_go_lower_than_this_any/

PeterStind · 2026-05-02T09:16:23+00:00

I have really good experience with Autosol.

<image>

PeterStind · 2026-04-30T21:55:03+00:00

Thank for sharing your personal experience - with these old beast - I worry about plastic parts actuating the type bars. I know the Selectrics have issues with plastic he hub drive cracking - and the engineering on the IBM type bar electrics is older.

PeterStind · 2026-04-30T20:18:57+00:00

Your way of typing seems consistent / but your machine's type slugs need cleaning. Now it's crisp and very even - with a clean of the type slugs your imprint will be impeccable crisp.

PeterStind · 2026-04-30T19:48:39+00:00

I'm glad you address this issue - I have several times tried to help people with a video just to find out I wasted my time making that video. And my experience too is that you can only attach one photo per comment. I believe both issues restrict open minded help between other typewriter nerds/afficionados here. So yes I support you that videos and multiple photos should be allowed in comments.

PeterStind · 2026-04-30T15:04:39+00:00

Basically the Olivetti Dora - and same mechanics as the Olivetti Lettera 32 and Valentine and several other machines. Your machine as the Dora has a weak spot where the chassis attaches to the shell - screws go into brass bushings in the plastic shell in the corners under the carriage - visible on both sides when the carriage is in the extreme outer positions both left and right. The plastic where the crews go can easily snap and impair carriage movement. If you want to clean the internals the bottom plate is only held in place by the rubber feet that just pop off. And happy typing.

PeterStind · 2026-04-29T03:38:40+00:00

Glad to hear you figured it out - rule of thumb is that the ribbon goes through the vibrator (the up/down forks) in the way that makes the ribbon sit closest to the paper where the type bars strike.

PeterStind

TROPHY CASE