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| 1961 Optima Humber 88 1958030 |
This is the only Optima Humber 88 I have seen. Any search online just brings up this exact typewriter, plus one other listing in Delhi, India although that has been taken down and I can't find a photo it.
Has anyone noticed Blogger over-saturating images uploaded? I've noticed it on my past few posts.
(Tip: if you notice your post doesn't show in the blogroll, just revert it to draft and then republish it.)
Sent from my new Optima Humber 88
What a cool typeface! I see that you promptly put it on TWDB.
ReplyDeleteYou are probably aware of the "Humber" name variant of the Kolibri. I've never seen a Humber Optima (or properly Erika) before. My guess is this: Kolibri means hummingbird (an appropriate name for a tiny typewriter, even if it's fairly heavy); a hummingbird could be nicknamed a humber (in the opinion of some East German who hadn't read Lolita); thus the name variant, and then it got applied to a fat typewriter by the name creep typical of communist manufacturing. — Just a theory!
All the fun of a tiny typeface with the readability of elite. :)
DeleteI actually don't think I remember seeing a Humber Kolibri. (a cursory search doesn't bring up any images either, so the Humber typewriters are a rare breed)
Ahhhh I never even thought past it being a place name in the UK! It's as valid a theory as mine, I should think.
Here's my Humber Kolibri.
DeleteThat's a very interesting machine. I also really like the typeface. If you ever have the chance to get hold of a silk ribbon, it will be worth it for this typeface as it will bring out character with considerably better impression quality. That's a great score!
ReplyDeleteIt's always nice to have the combo of cool typeface, interesting typewriter, and excellent touch!
DeleteI've been thinking about silk ribbons…my cheap nylon one does a surprisingly satisfactory job with this small typeface though. The ribbon advances fast enough I could also use a carbon ribbon, though I haven't tried one in it yet.
Fabulous machine indeed, and a great typeface! The fact that you went on a cross-country hunting trip to bag it makes it all the sweeter (:
ReplyDeleteYou're accumulating quite a set of post-war rarities, that's for sure :D
You make it sound like it was a difficult and long trip. :p
DeleteWell, a few months ago I hit a point where I re-evaluated my collection and shifted my view on how I bought things and these are results of that. :) I think I'll do a post on the philosophy behind it…I'm still not sure what it's all about myself all the time.
I'd like to see that sort of post. My own corral is in the process of a cull, finally below 40 again..
DeleteA very nice machine - beautiful typeface! Seems you had the same moment as I did when I touched my first Erika 10 :)
ReplyDeleteAs for the anomaly - I would guess the ribbon color indicator :)
You got it. :p
DeleteOh well - that only shows how... meticulous (is that the correct word here? ;) ) you are when it comes to cleaning your machines. :)
DeleteSomeone had jabbed their pencil in and drawn and poked holes into the old one. Turns out it's just paper so I created a replacement that's better than the original. :D
DeleteI could have made it with weird colors though...
Very beautiful typewriter. I love the typeface. I do not beleive I've seen that model typewriter or that typeface on a typewriter before.
ReplyDeleteI've never seen a typeface quite like it before either. I suspect it might only be found on East German typewriters.
DeleteOhhhhh she's a beauty! :D It's a typeface I've been looking for a bit, but all in good time I suppose... Oh, and I don't think the contrast is high at all in your pictures.
ReplyDeleteHmmm, I suspect I'll be dreaming of your Humber tonight ;)
dreaming of his Humber, eh? *wink wink, nudge nudge* :D
DeleteI'm curious where you have seen this typeface before! I've seen others that are somewhat similar, but nothing too close to this.
DeleteThat's a very good reason for a trip! The looks don't really appeal to me, but reading your excitement over the touch and handling do make me very curious. And the green of the keys just jumps out of the pictures! Although that might be the over-saturating..?
ReplyDeleteIf you ever have the chance to try one out, give it a few pages of typing before making an opinion of it. :) I don't know if the first one I tried really was inferior, or if I just didn't give it enough of a chance.
DeleteProbably the over-saturating, they're just like any other dark green typewriter keys.
I have one of these that I might like to sell to an appreciating buyer
ReplyDeleteNot in the shape of this one but still a lovely machine
Let me know
Ray
hkray@hotmail.com
Wonderfully useful and pleasant article. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteForgot to say I love the typeface too.
DeleteI've just taken delivery of almost exactly the same typewriter. My one, although branded 'Optima', and made in Germany (not Yugoslavia), has no model name at all (no 'Humber'), and despite having an identical color scheme, sports dark gray platen knobs. Beneath the carriage the product number reads 2128025, which is slightly higher than any others listed of the TWDB. I obtained it through Japan, so perhaps the 'Humber' name was dropped, or never used in the East.
ReplyDelete