A typewriter renaissance

Bill Geist introduces us to some typewriter enthusiasts who have found a new passion for a writing machine of the past.

[@jdm2626]

I love how with typewriters you had to think before you type, because if you make a mistake, you can't really go back. I see so many grammatical errors when people send me texts, chat messages in video games, social media posts, and even KZbin comments. The devices now literally show you grammatical errors and people STILL leave them! It bugs me so much. Edit: I've also edited this reply multiple times because I keep screwing up haha. Maybe I need to get a typewriter to fix these simple mistakes!

[@ErnestoIbarra]

It's now 2020... and I just bought an amazing Smith-Corona typewriter (1957 model) at a local thrift store in perfect condition... for $7.00!

[@sbaaahmed3601]

Can you send me one to Algeria

[@sbaaahmed3601]

please

[@leonl9123]

@@sbaaahmed3601 as they are extremely heavy and would probably be destroyed in shipping it wouldn’t be a good idea

[@JB-uv4hm]

What is it with so many typewriter nuts who have to preface everything with “i got this for $10”?

[@KurisuYamato]

My god, a news report that's actually good! :D

[@blueskygal255]

I am 63 years old and learned to type at age 12 on my sister's typewriter. It came with a 33 1/3 vinyl record that taught you to type. I always loved typewriters - my dad bought me a sears child's one when I was 10. In the 70s typists were in demand and so I had a marketable skill. Back then typists were largely women and men wanted nothing to do with them as they saw them as "beneath" them. My how that's changed! That skill in turn got me a job as a typesetter in the late 70s typing "codes" using an IBM selectric which was the "queen" of machines. This gig in turn led to a job in computers in the early 1980s. I couldn't be more pleased that typewriters are enjoying a renaissance. I still have my 1957 Olympia elite - german made, incredible workmanship. Computers have ruined my hands. Typewriters are actually much better for you ergonomically. I used to type 7.5 hours a day as a young typist in Boston. Love the sound of the clacking keys, the paper, and the bell. And of course they fit my image as a writer. I just heard they are good for people that have arthritis or in my case tendonitis in my hands. I'll give it a try.

[@natorusemporium645]

Blueskygal, that is such a great story. I just recently bought an Adler special also German made. Do you have any tips for me?

[@nemoskull2262]

i pick up an underwood portable 1930s on sunday. something magical about it, kinda like 35mm film

[@catj.v.6904]

i agree! i just picked up a 1936 Royal Portable yesterday and i absolutely love it.

[@Paper88Moon]

i have the exact same hermes 3000. if it were legal to marry i typewriter i would.

[@SLACKPLAN9]

I have a 1965 Hermes 3000 with Techno-Elite typeface coming in. I can't wait to pop in a new ribbon and start working. On the heels of that, which was also shipped is an Olivetti Lettera 33 DL. To compare the two, The 3K is a very charismatic typewriter, however the 33 DL looks the type to have been in the gadgets section of Playboy in the early 70s.

[@jennyjohnson5428]

WIFE ITT

[@Mrpastry909]

Typewriters are still useful even in the 21st century. If I'm taking notes from a book, filling out a form, or if I need to write a one-page summary, a typewriter is so much easier than turning on a computer, clicking on MS Word, and then hooking it up to a printer.

[@chae226]

I agree! Even though I don't own one, but I really do want to, I can really see the benefits and minimal disadvantages (but I doubt that they have) the machine can give the eager typist. I write poems, and I always wanted to use one to print the poem I am writing as I do it.

[@afinoxi]

@@chae226 they don't really have any disadvantages other than the fact that they're quite loud , especially in a quiet atmosphere. Also you always need sheets of blank paper , so if you want to keep something as a notebook it's a bit of a problem.

[@Mrpastry909]

@tinwoods You must have much more luck with printers than I do.

[@Mrpastry909]

@@QueueTeePies With tablets, I'd agree with you. I went on a bit of a typewriter binge back in high school/college. I'm largely over that now, but still use my typewriter from time to time.

[@andreaskavak2364]

@@chae226 now im 14 and i want one

[@rod3067]

I want a typewriter by the simple reason that I am so easily distracted by Internet and so on, and i want to focus on my short stories and so on, after that i plan to rewrite them on a word processor and do all the editing.

[@zxcv1234vcxz]

If you need a reason to use and justify a typewriter, here are two: (1) Typing addresses on envelopes. It's much neater than handwritten addresses, and you can't put a letter envelope through a printer (a manila envelope, sure). (2) Typing personal letters. Anyone can use a printer, but typing a letter is as personal as writing one with a pen. It tells the recipient, "This was done ONLY for you." A typed letter can really make an impression when writing cover letters for job hunting.

[@shamdinakar4810]

The power of the typewriter is in the ability to create a original document which is hard to duplicate or make changes to unlike a computer print out. This is has legal value even today.

[@blueskygal255]

Also, no one can snoop on a manual typewriter like the govt, google, FB, etc

[@Yep6803]

Mmmh, not so true

[@afinoxi]

I'm not so sure. You can always take a look at a typewriter written document , open your PC and type in the words on the document , then arrange the size of the letters and their styles to match that of the typewriter written one. It wouldn't be that hard in all honesty. Though a slight difference would be in the quality of ink that's on the document , as a typewriter will write darker than a printer.

[@olivegorl8671]

I recently just saw one in an antique store and was debating wether or not I should get it. This video has really persuaded me to buy it! That is, if it's still there...

[@LaLavender25]

Did you get it? Very curious to know. Hopefully it's there for you, but if it's not, try to see if your area has a www.freecycle.com where everything is free. I am picking up a 1950's Remington Quiet-Riter tomorrow from a lady near me. I am SO excited...I got a a birthday later this month. Good luck!

[@olivegorl8671]

LaLavender25 oh haha I haven't yet, thank you for this link, I had no idea this was a thing! Hopefully your typewriter will be wonderful :)

[@LaLavender25]

Inaaas J Well go get one, girl!!!....I hope so, too. I'm gonna give it a facelift and paint it Lavender!

[@sherryhannah498]

Inaaas J the word is whether

[@sandracurtin464]

Cherilyn Hannen on

[@TEATEAOGYT]

I actually am begging my parents to get one im 13 and I like it because its not like computers no making your eyes hurt no spell check which I love because you learn more, you can type on anything and make doublesided things and lastlt its fun and unique!

[@sodabread_2453]

Lol you’re 20 now. Did you get one?

[@joea.9969]

My school has typewriters.The office has only one computer.There is also no computer lab.

[@mrmustache7023]

Where do you go to school at

[@catj.v.6904]

sounds like my kind of school.

[@captainkeyboard1007]

Hooray for your school!

[@rustyalcorta3643]

To me it was therapeutic after the death of my first boyfriend. I went through alcohol amd drugs over doses and then typing. I typed and cried sooo much that after a few months I felt better and the healing started. A year later I was free. Everytime I get depressed I pull out a typewriter and go at it and a few minutes to an hour I'm better. The computer couldn't do what the typewriter did.

[@r.d.493]

I visited the Mesa Typewriter Exchange in 2017. I told Bill that I had seen him on KZbin and that I just had to stop by while I was in town. He was very nice; he let me look around, try out the typewriters, answered all of my questions, and posed for a selfie.

[@TheSirMajor]

My brother just picked up a brand new smith corona Coronamatic 2200. I got jealous so I got myself an IBM selectric 1 with loads of paper, carbon paper, the original stand, and a new ink ribbon. Although it does need oiling really bad. But my grandfather is going to fix it up, oil it, clean it and make it look nice :)

[@leeardamer]

tck tck tck tck DING rrrrrrrrrrr I miss those sounds :/

[@kathyoverton6270]

My dad worked on typewriters, calculators and adding machines and cash registers for over 40 years till the computers put him out of work :(

[@captainkeyboard1007]

I am sorry that the advent of microcomputers replaced your father's invaluable typewriter and office machines repair business. Even computers become obsolete as the technology advances forward.

[@clicketyclackqld7904]

I own a typewriter. It's a Lemair ABC1500.

[@sanecosine505-8]

I don't mean to take bad, however, the lady in green had horrible typing technique. And to her partner, you don't need to be a "typist" to operate a typewriter and you dont need to treat one like its some delicate machine if its well made. Typewriters are meant to stand the test of time.

[@ed8219]

I used to be in the typewriter business. I am very pleased to see how they are coming back. They are very unique machines. If you've never had one, get one!

[@SheaMcDonough2001]

I purchased 4 typewriters in my life, I started when I was only 16 years old and I’m 17 now and still using them today! My first ever one was a Brother Automatic repeat spacer, then I got a Adler Junior E which needs and touch of repair but not major, then I got a silver-reed, and now I’m about to get a Smith Corona SL470...

[@chevydude658]

I have four typewriters and I love them all. There is something special about my fingers striking the keys and seeing the words form before my eyes. Word processors are great, but there is something about the physical creating of the document I don't get from a computer. It kind of takes me back to my high school days, and my typing class.

[@bornblumaster4517]

I have a underwood no.5 standered typerighter

[@pkc4166]

That HERMES is soooooooooooo nice...great color too!

[@DipankarMechDiphusa]

I can still remember when one day I went to my mom's office and I saw typewriter for the first time. At that time may be my age was 5/6 years (1993/1994) and I asked her to allowed me to type. She initially didn't allowed me but I cried then she gave me a paper and ordered me to wrote my postal address... Whenever I hear the sound "tik tik" of typewriters I always got emotional.

[@afroXcore]

Hmm, I would think the reason i like using a typewriter is that it's not full of apps and comment sections to distract me from my work.

[@ravenvinnie6062]

I SOOO want a typewriter, but I want a way to be able to convert what I type to a digital format. I just want the feel of the typewriter and sounds it makes.

[@Popsfresh]

Hipsters bringing back typewriters. Also vinyl making a comeback

[@tatmannewsnetworkyourfavor3822]

Stfu

[@joea.9969]

I have a typewriter.A 1964 Smith-Corona galaxy 12

[@captainkeyboard1007]

How your "keyboard" doing?

[@mypeanoshorts1085]

My great grandmother passed away and my family found an old Sears Forecast 12 typewriter tucked away for 50 years. The ink ribbon never dried. I have not stopped using it since her passing. It helped me find my voice. Funny tidbit though, in the typewriters case was a rough draft of a letter to the new president of her HOA. My favorite quote in it is “I hope that when a meeting is held that everyone will feel welcome and be able to speak without the rudeness or harassment there has been in the past by those self important people that at one time we’re on the board. We don’t need puppets, we need people with minds of their own”

[@ComradeRachel]

Since i bought a blue switch mechanical keyboard, and i love it. I know its not really the same thing as a type writer but hearing the clicks and etc like a typewriter are amazing :p

[@cassycreates481]

im a 33 yr old writer seeking a typewriter for the same reasons

[@tenjouin1]

You can always OCR your typewritten text, so what's the reason for dumping all these awesome machines. Tomorrow I will sit down and write some poems with my Olivetti Studio 44.

[@BBC600]

tenjouin1 I thought the accuracy of OCR was poor? Is that no longer the case?

[@captainkeyboard1007]

I wish you Happy Keyboarding.

[@cherrybaylon9737]

TYPEWRITER WAS FOR RICH PEOPLE MANY YEARS AGO. I EVEN CRIED WHEN MY DAD DID HIS BEST TO SAVE MONEY TO BUY ME ONE BECAUSE I TOLD HIM I WANTED TO BE A JOURNALIST AND I ALWAYS BORROW TYPEWRITER FROM MY CLASSMATES AND NEIGHBORS. UNTIL NOW I PRESERVE MY TYPEWRITER.

[@Blublod]

As far as I can tell the typewriter remains unsurpassed for quickly addressing an envelope trouble-free and without printer or software complications.

[@fullmetalshinigami]

holy hipster bonanza

[@AndrewTheRadarMan]

Those IBM selectrics have delete/erase keys

[@kustikawijaya3500]

So nice

[@CoffeeCakeCrumble]

It's 2024 and I now have a 1946 Royal Quiet Deluxe😊😊😊😊😊

[@johaniswara5086]

The only word processor on post-apocalypse days... any alternatives?

[@alvinjones6856]

Yes...its called a PENCIL... :)

[@johaniswara5086]

+alvin jones so charcoal and blood will do the same. :D

[@JackhammerJesus]

Chisel and marble for me.

[@johaniswara5086]

JackhammerJesus and you'll be a glyphs makers and artifacts makers mate, like the ancient time yoohooo, the pirates' lifes for me~ (^o^)_?

[@JaseyStudios]

Ink letter stamps

[@Qwijebo]

Currently there is a resurgence in typewriters and typing in general, not with digital keys or text but actual physical machines. It's now rare to even come across a typewriter at Goodwill or a thrift shop, normally now they are snapped up and can fetch prices over $400 to $1000 depending on the color and make such as the Hermes.

[@tasospappas6627]

Hi, I have an IBM Model C typewriter and the ribbon of the return key is broken, I found a new one witch is the same with the old one, but I don't know how will I fix it. I think that I found how, but I want to confirm it because I'm not sure for it. Please if someone can ask for me the man who has rhe typewwriter store if he knows something. Thank you...

[@Tguin]

Who else is watching this video in 2022? It’s getting close to go to September. I highly recommend getting one. For an example, when a storm hits and the electric is out. Then you are wanting type out your work for school. A manual typewriter is perfect for it. Unless you want to use it for other reasons. As in writing stories, poems, typing down your dreams, want to save the electric bill from typing, teaching young ones how important they still are in this modern world. Don’t want a child to get onto the internet to type, or you afraid to let your child type things out and turns out they messed up the computer. A typewriter is a great start for young ones to appreciate what they have.

[@zaarkhananal7165]

My mother is a high school Spanish teacher. Today she was telling me that there are children entering high school these days who don't even know how to use a pencil, because they mostly use text messaging. They don't even teach grammar in elementary schools anymore. Humanity is entering a stage of full on mental regression.

[@VintageTexas59]

I was lucky and found a 1959 Hermes 3000 2 years ago, smooth as butter and favorite machine, then a year later one Hermes Rocket from the same year, the perfect couple and same mint green buttons. Just a perfect combination and pleasure typing notes, letters or memoirs on.

[@ktel60]

Slapping that carriage return. Nothing like it. Tappyty tapp tapp. Slam!

[@coolduder1001]

im 14 i have seen at least 10 in person and i need one for some class a school

[@timmundorff2354]

I have close to 40 of them.

[@akshaychougaonkar]

Just your type! :D That made me smile. :)

[@arajoaina]

Tom Hanks is an avid typewriter collector. It is rumored that he will grant people to interview him when they offer rare vintage typewriters as a gift.

[@typingcat]

I was thinking, "What, the nerd has a girlfriend?" And then camera panned, and I was like, "oooh."

[@hammill444]

Well, I would say the renaissance did not quite take hold unfortunately.

[@angelofares1]

I am trying to find one myself to join the renaissance. I love my computer but i learned to type using a yard-sale typewriter. Drove my brother crazy when i would sit there and type on it even after we got a computer.

[@jerro95]

Wow that is the coolest teacher ever! I wonder how well his students' writing was?

[@doloresm7396]

I just got a mint 1950's Royal Safari types like it is brand new! My daughter, who is twenty tried it and said, "Oh, forget this." Couldn't push the keys down, maybe she has a muscle or strength disorder.

[@jrdavis1992]

Electric typewriters move the type element and letters electronically. Maybe she'll like one of those. IBM Wheelwriter or Selectric, a Brother, and even Smith Corona has a line of electric typewriters. She won't be saying "Oh, forget this," then.

[@doloresm7396]

I loved the IBM Selectrics. The only one I hated was the IBM Executive. Most annoying typewriter with the different size width of the letters. My daughter will only use her computer but thanks for the tip. It's always cool to go back to the past even for a short while.

[@pheminismisshit4571]

i guess typewriters need to b back with new looks suiting 21st century

[@FutureSapien]

I own a Corona 4, built 1933. Still has original case and manual. Wonderful machine.

[@KerseyKyle]

I did not go back as far as a typewriter but i did start using the lynx web browser.

[@MisterSnoopyboy1]

I'm surprised they didn't mention All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.

[@jrdavis1992]

I have a Smith Corona XE 1950 typewriter. It has correctable ribbons, various formatting options, and it still works.

[@mrk131324]

I use an even more retro, faster, quieter and more portable tool: A fountain pen.

[@fortunatejeremy]

I have an Underwood, and a Royal. Both are from the 40s I think.

[@AsianEyes2007]

I pick my first one up tomorrow evening. I found an elderly man looking for a good home for his typewriter. I contacted him and got a total for 35 dollars

[@MsSunshine633]

I bought my first typewriter a couple of months ago from goodwill and Im hoping that goodwill will have at least one new one soon for me to buy!

[@JohnDought]

When electricity falls out you can style type ;)

[@robertnussberger2028]

You can still get into the fashion of blank book writing. I once bought a blank notebook, and I replaced my laptop for 5 months for editing.

[@MrSinfold]

they're beautiful objects, people like them for the same reason they like classic cars. also they have heart and soul in them, they were designed and have been used and are robust.

[@SubterraneanChick]

Bleh. It's slowly becoming a fad and now typewriters are going for crazy prices on Ebay. Great for sellers, bummer for buyers. Less and less are at thrift stores/goodwill because of Ebay sellers scooping them up and making hundreds, leaving actual writers to pay more and more. Hoping for a "typewriter bubble" that will eventually burst sooner than later.

[@AsitorCorporation]

I can remember a good few years ago when people just left them outside their houses next to the bins, now even average ones are going for at least £40 when they sell, and good ones that still work are a few hundred.

[@ursaphoto7941]

Well a writer would only really need a good deal on one, considering the longevity of most typewriters. Definitely a bad time for a collector, unless they're liquidating :D

[@colinmoore5991]

Their rise in popularity may indeed make it difficult to find quality machines at low prices, but it may also help to put an end to the disgusting practice of keychopping.

[@weirdmindofesh]

Now I'm sad that I can't find my Brother Selectric clone typewriter.

[@johnbarry7167]

Haha, the bloke with the blue typewriter in the thumbnail has my has my typewriter, kmart 1964 brother

[@UnlicensedOkie]

Currently at 7 typewriters so far

[@turkenlegoflims]

My church was just giving away a vintage IBM Selectric II. I picked it up two weeks ago, and it's been amazing! The only downside I've found so far is it isn't quite mobile. 😂 Although as long as you've got a sturdy table, you're free to type as you please.

[@m8gumi]

Got mine few month ago YEY !!

[@jrdavis1992]

Ditto. Got mine for my birthday.

[@leslieelaine8499]

I'm so sad, I refused to take typing class in school, saying I'm not growing up to become a secretary.

[@alvinjones6856]

There are plenty of free vids and courses on YT if you want to learn...get an IBM Model M keyboard of a unicomp modern copy and the key strikes should feel just like a very good electric type writer

[@MercuryBlether]

My 11 year old LOVES the type writer. She says it's an ADHD'er dream come true. It's tactile, it's noisy, it gives instant feedback on a page she can grab, but most importantly: it celebrates every line she has typed with a ding and then being allowed to ' slam' the carriage back. Hahaha. She used to do a little dance after every line and type for hours on end. Now it's become something she likes to do as a hobby (typing stories when she feels like it).

[@ZeacorZeppelin]

I want the cool red one, that came in a case.

[@proletariennenaturiste]

Typewriters are useful on job applications, cheques, bills, etc, especially if you have bad handwriting. Computers don't let you type immediately upon paper like that. A cheque you can just stick in a typewriter.

[@MikeRoberts1964]

I wonder if valu-village has any typewriters......

[@MikeRoberts1964]

I have no memory of writing this, yet the algorithm brought me back to this page.

[@juanez8]

This was a great video. I hope mom kept our old typewriter. I used it when I was a kid.

[@charliedrosario999]

Every time I watch a yankee sequence like this wunn full of perfectly disgustingly stultifying people and I am always reminded of the virtues of British Conservative values.

[@FennixGamingYT]

I really wish I could open my own typewriter shop since I know how to repair them, but I’m afraid it would just fail lol.

[@shy.kumquat]

I’m 27 and looking at buying a typewriter. I also just bought a 1930s singer sewing machine. You could say I’m an old soul.

[@BugVall]

Im a bit late. But i think todays technology is way too perfect. It's made for robots that need flawless execution. Humans will never be flawless, and constantly having everything you need at your fingertips doesn't feel like you have done anything do make that happen. It's like if you had a servant for your every need, sometimes we like to do it ourselves. Many people return to stuff that is more time consuming, difficult and expensive. Like typewriters or vinyl or even books instead of e-books. At least thats my thoughts on why there is such a vintage renaissance lately.

[@mclaine33]

Well the best alternative for a computer is to get a mechanical keyboard. I would recommend the IBM Model M keyboard. It was the best mechanical keyboard ever produced. It used a spring buckling trigger to make all the keys click. In a way it sort of remind me of the old school typewriters.

[@Maxi23543]

mclaine33 actually there are much better mechanical keyboards than the model m like the earlier ibm model f and the ibm beamspring though good luck finding that.

[@Solitaire001]

That's what did with my current computer: Replaced the flat keyboard thar came with it with a mechanical keyboard. It was a vast improvement.

[@RandomDuude]

This is hipster on a whole new level...

[@tatmannewsnetworkyourfavor3822]

No. No. No damn you

[@loveisall5520]

Mesa restored an Underwood Noiseless Portable from the thirties nearly a decade ago. Beautiful work and I'm in the Houston area.

[@internetlife-gw3oo]

when my dad was my age there was only typewriters

[@nowongaming2888]

corona

[@rajdeepvijayaraj4243]

Well, these are common in Mumbai, India. But fast disappearing.

[@SunilParashars]

I do daily journaling, and I want one!

[@captainkeyboard1007]

The typewriter will not disappear immediately. Despite of the desktop and laptop computers, the typewriter will always have its useful purpose in life.

[@EugenioScamardella]

I'm Italian, and I love typewriters too. I have an Olivetti Studio 42, and I'm using it almost everyday. Just hope ink tapes' industry never runs out.

[@rheijm9201]

And would you say, all places in the world dig the PC? And the system manager , and all that jazz? I can totally Imagine 3rd world countries just favour the mechanic repair possibility .. further PCs are very West ish I believe. Printers are widely acknowledged as troublesome machinery...last but not least type writers are cheap, only less fast if you press for that. But who in 3rd world does?

[@brandonnaylor2735]

It's like a gathering of technophobes...horrifying but fascinating at the same time.

[@noirblanque5324]

That pun was DEFINITELY intended!

[@joocelord]

Hoping to get an Olympia SG3 or SM2 tomorrow! :)

[@sdlrdlr4518]

Welcome my son, welcome to the [typewriter] machine...😏👍

[@Maxi23543]

3:16 has anyone else noticed that the teacher has a model m keyboard?

[@eplays9419]

I saw that too, except I think it's a Northgate Omnikey

[@seanwright8384]

Yeah, it looks like a Northgate OmniKey 101 with white Alps. Very nice board!

[@MarkMphonoman]

Fantastic documentary. Thanks for posting.

[@Mayala285]

its not a documentary its a news report.

[@MarkMphonoman]

Whatever.

[@Mayala285]

good for you what a lovely poem you made

[@bbgerli]

I just got a Smith-Corona Serling and after cleaning works very good except the Lever, It doesn't change the line to keep typing, anybody have an idea what it is stuck ? Thanks in advance.

[@jillalexiestrada2308]

I need a typewriter!!!

[@jillalexiestrada2308]

For the millionth time!!! It's important!