Nothing on it looks mangled and the plastic around the return lever area isn't cracked or anything. This is definitely the nicest of all the Olivetti Studios I've ever typed on, and in splendid cosmetic condition. Even all the accessories are included. It doesn't have that fantastic Olivetti techno typeface seen on Studio 45s that I'm looking for, or else I'd probably have bought it anyway.
Typed on my Olivetti-Underwood Studio 44
Hey Nick, *if* it's a machine you really want, make a lowball offer based on the lack of function. It sounds like the repairs would be basic and the rest of the machine looks to be in fine nick. I can't speak to the value of this particular model. But,much like Ducati motorcycles, Olivetti's seem to have a cult following. I'm sure you could find a buyer if you decide you don't want to keep it.
ReplyDeleteUh oh ... it's a case of i-dream-lo-techitis. Can't say whether this would be an easy fix.
ReplyDeleteYeah…why is this happening to me? I never thought it would. I guess I was using the wrong Olivettis all along…
DeleteWhen I looked at it, it appeared as if it would be easy, but one never knows with something one hasn't encountered before.
Well. I'm surprised it took you so long to convert. ( :
DeleteI agree with Richard. If it were up to me, I won't buy a potential headache. Studio 45's pop in on a regular basis, something better will come. Just the opinion of someone who has fully functional, beautiful Olivettis. ( :
I'm pretty sure you're right about this. But I still can't shake that I could buy one locally for less than I could online (after thoroughly checking) and not have the hassle of shipping and know that I love how that particular machine feels…urgh.
DeleteI'm thinking of pointing out the problem and making a low offer just to see if I can get it. Who knows, maybe it's been sitting there for months with no interest? It's worth another look, at least. I might even figure out what's wrong with it now that I know a bit more what to look for.
Ton S. is right. A working Olivetti Studio is what you want ... and they usually come cheap. If you can't find another 45, I heartily recommend the Studio 46 with metal body.
DeleteWell my closet has several typewriters that I thought I would fix and I just had to have them at the time. One day they will belong to someone who loves to work and fix typewriters. At the moment I have learned my lesson. There was an Underwood 4 I just had to have... but the price was more than I wanted to pay. I made and offer... in fact made an offer on three different Underwood 4's all were rejected. I then found one at the price I could afford (and working). Each of the two of the sellers contacted me wanting to sell at my lower price (too late) and the third is now offering it at a lower price than I offered to by (too late). If you can find the will power... wait. A better one will come along.
ReplyDeleteMy studio 45 did about half the novel this November - that's how good it is. Don't know about that return lever though.
ReplyDeleteI was seriously impressed with this one. It's partly why I can't shake the desire to own it. Now.
DeleteGiven that the return lever does so much work (it gets used at the end of each line, "well, 'duh', Teeritz!)' I would be wary. I passed up a Remington Monarch because the return lever spring was missing. You could perhaps weld the lever back on, but who knows how long that fix would last?
ReplyDeleteThere is no need to acquire a broken Studio 45. They show up often on eBay. I love the Studio 45, so much that I have acquired four of them, planning to pass some on as reliable typers to interested grandchildren. They are easy to find in good shape. Mine have come via eBay, at an average of $90 (including shipping), and for the quality consider that reasonable. Despite the nice color, I would pass on it. Broken typers tend to stay that way, in my experience.
ReplyDeleteWhoops - Correction in the interest of full disclosure: The pile of Studio 45s is not being saved for grandchildren. I ws thinking of my stack of lovely Olympia SM-9s that I've collected to pass on. All but one of my three Studio 45s have been recently sold on eBay. One a cursive version that went for $153 plus about $20 shipping. The other sold last night as I was posting the above for $71 plus $17. Hope this helps with values when making your decision.
DeleteI would certainly be tempted by those nifty colors. As far as the return lever, likely an important bit of it is missing, otherwise someone would have gotten it together. But I've had luck trading parts with folks in the Typosphere, so you might be able to get what you need in that way. I'm now rooting for you to get it, if only to read the tale of how you get it functioning!
I'm gonna go against the grain and say *buy it*. You become a better repairman by taking on projects you think you can't do, then figuring out how to do them. The caveat is that when I do this, I'm usually only risking $5-$10. (:
ReplyDeleteFirst challenge: haggle them down to an absolute minimum, then get it and fix it. You win twice! :D
It's not that difficult. Iif it's over budget, try to get it for something you actually would like to pay. And then offer a little less to have some negotiating space. If they don't sell it to you, at least you have tried!
ReplyDeleteNick, I've got some photos of the business end of the carriage, showing the return lever linkages, You could make a comparison to see if anything is missing. It is easy to access. Remove the knob by holding the right hand knob firmly and undo the left knob by turning CCW. Then there is a single screw that removes the plastic cover. Email me at mindling@comcast.net and I will reply with the photos. I could help you with the assembly, having worked with the linkage on one of mine to solve a line-spacing problem.
ReplyDelete