Typewriter Video Series -- Episode 267: Optima Super Versus Olympia SM3

[@douglasjackson9058]

Love the little pointing finger hand!!!

[@davidcornillie]

Great comparison!. The fact that many perfectly functional examples of both machines still exist is a testament to their build quality.

[@johnc.bojemski1757]

I inherited my Mom's 1960's era OLYMPIA. I keep it mostly "cased" in its original condition because it brings back memories of her using it to type address labels for dozens of the huge, 40lb., brown paper wrapped, taped and rough cord tied "care" packages bound for our then almost destitute relatives in Europe. She WASN'T a typist but could manage the operation of the machine just enough to fill out the international destination labels neatly and correctly. She was AMAZED and pleased when she saw how fast I could type when I first started to borrow her treasured typewriter for my homework from school. Mom NEVER stopped doing the package labels herself even AFTER she saw that I would've easily accomplished the task for her if requested. I DID ask her once but Mom refused my offer, politely. I think she REALLY enjoyed the feeling of accomplishment at doing it herself not having been formally educated beyond the early elementary years in her home country because she was a dirt poor "tenant farmer", a "girl" to boot where the prevailing attitude was "Well? She's gonna marry and have kids anyway so the cost and effort will be WASTED on her...etc.". Ugh. Ignorance abounded in that generation amongst males and females too who allowed it to be perpetrated!

[@Joe_VanCleave]

John, that's a wonderful story!

[@Riveryachter]

I enjoyed your story of the history of your Aunt Pat and her Royal 10. You asked about Family history and stories. Turns out, I AM the aging relative with a Royal 10. I have distinct memories of typing single fingered at the age of about 9 or 10, writing letters to my grandmother on what I am certain was a Royal 10. I don't know what happened to that one, but when I was about 20 years old I was with my favorite aunt at an antique mall. I saw what I later came to understand was a Royal 10 and bought it under her advice that "the time to buy and antique is when you see it". Many years passed. I got married and had two sons. Recently my mother died and we were cleaning out her house of 60 years. My Royal 10 was in my old bedroom. My oldest son, nearing 40 years by this point, expressed curiosity. We talked about it and I told him he could have it when I passed on. That got him curious about fixing it. One thing let to another and over the span of about 2 months our mutual interest grew. I showed him a 1946 Smith Corona Sterling portable I have but have no memory of how I came to possess it. Next thing I know he bought a 1961 Royal Futura 800, then I bought a 1958 Smith Corona Silent-Super. A friend gave me a 1917 'Oliver No 5 Standard Visible Writer' and the list goes on. We watch your excellent videos and encourage and support each other in brain storming repairs and trouble shooting. This has been a very positive bonding experience with my son. We are both energized by learning new things. As you can see, two fledgling typewriter enthusiasts have joined the ranks! He may have stories to tell after I am gone. I hope so.

[@Joe_VanCleave]

This is such a positive, encouraging story! I wish you both well in your typing, and bonding

[@joellebrodeur1015]

I'm partial to the Optima. I inherited my grandfather's 1961 Optima Super made in Germany with the 1 DDR logo on it. It's in sage green and it has punctuation for Spanish. It's in remarkable shape and works flawlessly. He had it repaired sometine in the 70s for $25 (still has the tag). I have never used it until it came into my possession after my mom passed. She was a writer and had many typewriters. The Optima is cool. Very smooth compared to my mom's early 80s Underwood 319. I still don't know a lot of the functions yet on the Optima, but I'm learning. It's definitely a keeper.

[@johnc.bojemski1757]

Hi Joe! Thank you so much for your typed note to me!!! I've been kinda sick for months (My usual condition which I think is a holdover from my survival of COVID 19 VIRUS back in early 2020. It never REALLY went away.) so I JUST emptied out my "snailmail" box here in my building's tonight! What a surprise to find YOUR very cordial, typewritten note to me. My original goal WAS to work towards being a classic "Ink stained wretch" starting as a NEWSPAPER reporter. However? I discovered that I had a talent for "talk" with a good, clear, distinctive voice and could write too; so I chose to become a RADIO station broadcaster instead. Preferably in the NEWSROOM but like many of my colleagues I took ANY job I could get, usually as an "ANNOUNCER", just to get my foot in the door. After some specialized training in the art of electronic news gathering I was OFF and running! (I had a bit of an edge because I DIDN'T have to be tutored in WRITING; unlike MANY others. I was basically a "natural" at it. This ability has served me well over my career.) Well, anyway... Thank you again for sending out your note to me!!! I SAW the program where you detailed how you make your own stationary and envelopes. Little did I know or expect that I'd actually receive one of those hand crafted letters from you! I opened it extremely carefully, will photocopy it and will frame the original complete with its envelope and CANCELLED 1st CLASS USPS stamp. It clearly SAYS: Albuquerque, NM.... 870... 15 MARCH 2021 PM 4 L I'll send YOU a photocopy of it via USPS to the RETURN address you gave along with a "proper" typed letter too! Wow! Please forgive me. I'm still kinda "STAR STRUCK" that a genuine internet "STAR" would take the time to not only acknowledge my E-Mails but also SEND me an actual "HARD COPY" letter too!!! Thank you again! You made my day, week, year, decade, CENTURY!!! Yours Sincerely, John C.Bojemski 1133 Midland Ave.#2G Bronxville, NY.10708 914-918-4123

[@donaldlampert331]

I just received my second Optima…. an Elite 3, but missing it’s type cover… but I enjoy seeing the works, like on the early typewriters! Mine also has the heavier type, like yours, that looks a lot like the type on my 1955 Adler Universal! I believe the typeface is called “Congress”! I love it!

[@HotRodTypewriter]

The sound of the switch blade paper rest on the SM3/4 just has a sound to it that tells you “let’s get to it”.

[@drandallesq]

Thanks Joe, Fascinating comparison. I'll keep an eye open for an Optima, now we can visit antique malls again. The SM3 in my collection was also made the year I was born!

[@thethriftyfawn]

You're right, the typeface on the Optima is very handsome! Would love to try an Olympia typewriter one day, perhaps own one! 😃

[@aldolagana7126]

Recently found an Optima Super in cursive. Also have an SM-4 I lucked to find in Maine. The SM-4 is teutonic. It is optimized. I also like the Super better, mostly for the feel. The SM-4 is smooth and perfect in every way, but the Super's keys (bit larger) and strike leverage...it is nicer. A Remington from 1949, the All-New Portable has the same large key caps and super solid "ka-thunk" type feel of the Super. But the super is smaller and lighter.

[@aphexteknol]

I had a feeling this comparison was coming. Thanks JVC!

[@villeelomaa7836]

Thanks for this video. I recently bought a 1961 Optima Elite 3. The machine is green, the keys a are darker green then the cover. I have to say that it is one of the most beautiful typewriters i have. You are right that the Olympias have more chrome and they are more like luxury products, but some of the color schemes of these DDR typewriters are really nice. And as you say, the Optima is a good typewriter. You might think that lots of DDR typewriters were sold here in Finland, but actually it isn't easy to find Optimas. Rheinmetalls are much easier. Gromas are nearly impossible. Also the Olympia SM3s are quit rare. It is easier to find Olympias made before the WW2. Wasn't it so that both the companies made typewriters with the name Olympia until the DDR company was forced to change the name as Optima? I had once a black 1951 Olympia Elite and in my opinion it was made in DDR before the name was changed to Optima.

[@saulysw]

I believe the metal finishing on the Olympia vibrator is called "Perlage", often seen in watches. Love the little pointy hand. The push button pop-out paper support is on the "De Luxe" model only I believe, the others you have to pull it out manually. The SM4 would have been a closer comparison when it comes to the tabs. The Olympias need their rubber body mounts (above the feet) replaced if they get squashed, which is fairly easily done and other than that, they feel like they will go forever.

[@AtelierDBurgoyne]

Great comments! May I ask if old rubber body mounts can be replaced with new rubber grommets?

[@saulysw]

@@AtelierDBurgoyne Almost anything rubber will do that is about the right size. I've used rubber tap washers. You can cut garden hose if you really want to cheap out. They are pretty easy to replace. There is a Pheonix Typewriter video here on youtube to find if you want to see it done (don't have link, sorry).

[@HotRodTypewriter]

I’ve always known the pattern and technique as “engine turned”. Engine turning metal produces that pattern. But I’m from a hot rod background not a watch collectors background. Maybe they’re the same thing different name.

[@LTHanlon]

How do the ribbon-reversal mechanisms compare? My experience is that even fully restored Olympia SM3 and SM4 machines can have difficulty reversing. Explanations I've heard include weight differences in metal vs. plastic spools or modern spools' reduced ribbon lengths.

[@Joe_VanCleave]

That's a good idea, I've been meaning to compare various ribbon reverse methods.

[@typewriterhobbyist6229]

That Optima typeface seems closer to the Olympia Congress Pica than regular Pica to me. I love it!

[@paulopirescoelho4973]

I have both... A SM3 sn939540 and a Elite 3 sn1147861 precisely 1957 and 1960... what a coincidence! Agree with U ! Both has Standard typefaces but I prefer Optima 12cpi. I do prefer the construction quality of Optima "strong and ugly" as we say here :-) Thx for this video !!!! "Abraço" from Portugal

[@joaorebochooaw6321]

Também tenho as duas. Continuo a achar a Erika a máquina alemã de eleição

[@DavidALovingMPF102]

Well thought out typewriters..no use to me, but a group of typing engineers stayed up late..You gave me Muppet ideas with the hand on a stick prop. Good job.

[@donaldlampert331]

Of course, the Olympias reputation proceeds it, but I have found little “character” or charisma to them, for me. I have my first Optima Elite, coming from Germany, so was interested to see what you thought?! Thanks, as always!

[@misterf7739]

I used to think the same thing, but the more I use them the more I like them. Undeniable quality.

[@BokBarber]

I haven't tried the Optima, but that typeface looks similar to the Congress typeface on my Olympia SM3. Mine is elite, but I believe they also offered it in pica.

[@VirtualGuth]

Nicely done as always Joe. This was an entertaining comparison. Olympia's "elite" typefaces have always been 11 characters per inch in my experience. I have never understood the attraction to script typefaces that many seem to have. I personally much prefer the typeface found on your Optima - it looks great.

[@LTHanlon]

Script typefaces are insufferable but that's part of the appeal! They add a special touch of irony in letters to friends, a hearty "Up yours!" in communications to officious snots, and on envelopes help the U.S. Postal Service calibrate automated sorting. Please don't diss these typefaces that cry out for inclusion in any diverse typewriter collection.

[@VirtualGuth]

@@LTHanlon That's funny, but I've never had an interest in owning typewriters that I don't use. I figure that those who actually do like script typefaces benefitted every time I've passed on a machine with such a typeface. Better those machines go to someone that will actually use them.

[@TheAnonyy]

I had an Olympia SM3 Deluxe same green colour a nice machine I've sold it years ago.

[@donaldlampert331]

It’s evidently Olympia “Congress Pica” No 83! Other companies may call it something else?!

[@ma-mo]

Comparing my SM4 and Optima Elite, I simply like typing on the Optima more. They're so similar in most respects, so for me it just comes down to touch. And the Optima (barely) wins that battle. For me, at least.

[@paolocruz8392]

The Optima has a modern typeface look.

[@donaldlampert331]

Now that I have my Optima Elite 2, I like it better than the Olympias…. More “character” and everyday!

[@tmunk]

uh-oh, I think you're infringing on Othias' Patented Plastic Pokey stick! :D