Typewriter Video Series - Episode 53: Olympia SM9

Joe reviews his 1970s-era wide carriage Olympia, along with its bespoke Hartman Skymate pigskin suitcase.

[@phxxer]

Wide carriages were popular for Balance Sheets and Income statements, prior to computer spreadsheets. I worked for a small company where the manager was a CPA, and we had several Royal standard typewriters with 18" carriages, so we could type on two letterheads fed into the typewriter at the same time. We would have spreadsheets with 14 columns, showing monthly totals and a total for the year. Wide carriages were also used for church bulletins, so you could type on a legal sized sheet sideways, then fold in booklet format. (When I saw the thumbnail for this video, I thought the typewriter was in a coffin).

[@rolandotokes8531]

I bought my sm9 for $20 with its original case and everything. it is in perfect condition. the lady at the garage sale told me she was willing to sell it for $20 although she knew it was worth around $200 online.

[@johnandrewmunroe]

That is one pretty typer. The best iteration of the later SM9s with the new logo. Great score - and that case! Brilliant.

[@Switcharoo12]

I just got ahold of an Olympia SM9 a local place called the Tool Barn for $20. It's in perfect condition with the case and key but no dust cover. It's replacing my Smith Corona Sterling as my daily typer. West Germany engineering at it's finest. Cheers

[@thethriftyfawn]

I got up to make a snack while still listening, then at the 8:30 markpoint heard "Ahhhhhhhh-haaaaaa-haaaaa" and was like 😳⁉️ had no idea where that sound came from or what it was... was it something outside? The neighbors?? Scrolled back on this video and realized it was Joe... LOL!

[@copyrightfreevideobyttf]

Imagine looking outside and finding out Joe WAS your neighbor? LOL!

[@campbellpaul]

I must say that you have quite the knack for engaging people with storyline, which has become something of a lost art in an informative/instructional video. I may be biased because I live in Albuquerque, but still, that's well appreciated by me, as it couples perfectly with my mental imagery, so thank you, Joe! I have recently purchased a 1950's Remington Quiet Riter in its respective case, as the need for one came about (for writing a graphic novel or three). I also left the thrift store before going back a second time to make the purchase, as the moldy outer-case was enough to think twice about making a purchase. I'm very glad I did go back, however, as I find that the Remington fits my needs perfectly (and cleaned up quite nicely, I must say!) On another note, I've also found the comments section is a great addendum to these good-natured videos, as many knowledgable enthusiasts are sure to give their three nickles worth (adjusted for inflation, of course.) I thank you for the videos as well as the comments, my friend! -Paul

[@biholl8002]

Wide Carriage & Legal sized paper in landscape orientation got me thinking about diagrams, mind maps, more room for outlinung or brain dumping or META activities, etc. It's like being a dog and having both of your all-time favorite (dog, or otherwise) parks join into a MEGA dog park. Multiplicative favorites!!! Thanks Sir! You rock!!! The wealth of perspective and knowledge you bring forth is invaluable and greatly appreciated!

[@copyrightfreevideobyttf]

At the 8:30 markpoint, the "Ahhhhhhhh-haaaaaa-haaaaa" was absolutely epic!

[@bsmetal]

I'm surprised there aren't more views. I thoroughly enjoyed this video. Your descriptions, expertise, resolution, audio quality, and camera angles are top notch. You should consider having a website link under your video with your book, or a webpage. Perhaps you may allow your viewer's financial contributions. It's a win-win. Dalton

[@sanm2801]

I just bought an SM9 as well, I got mine for about 40 dollars as well, with a case. Mine actually types in cursive script, it is a great and gorgeous machine, completely clean and no issues to speak of. I got it locally from a seller who vleans out storage units, truly an amazing find. Olympia is certainly my favorite brand.

[@NatiEierkuchen]

this is so interesting. I love all things vintage but I'm very thankful for KZbin videos like these. Otherwise I wouldn't know how to use a typewriter with all its functions! this is so cool!

[@thethriftyfawn]

Agreed!

[@samking4179]

Joe, every time I watch one of your machine reviews I want to buy one of that particular machine so that I can experience the typing experience for myself. And the search for a well priced, good condition machine is also part of the fun. Keep the videos coming!

[@DriveupLife22]

I love my SM8 and SM9. One big reason: I've got long fingers. These machines are best for people who dont mind a long key travel. I totally prefer long travel over a higher level of force needed to press a key.

[@justbank5007]

I found a near-mint 1968 SM9 at the thrift store a few days ago, complete with case. $5.99!!! What a steal! It has that robotic/sci-fi typeface (Senatorial) you mentioned. Personally, I love it! Thanks for the great review!!

[@Joe_VanCleave]

Congrats!

[@MacakPodSIjemom]

Wow, just a few days later (Saturday 22nd) I found one from 1967, also near mint , but you were luckier than me - I paid $7.40 ... Well, it's still a steal, as you said. I didn't like the look of it before, and I bought it just because it was cheep with the intention to resell it to the repairman I knew, and i cooperate occasionally. But, after sitting by my desk for a few days I grew to like it, so I'm gonna keep it. I should mention that I'm from Serbia, and Olympias are pretty common thing here, I believe they were the most popular machines of foreign make, so relatively easy to find these days.

[@MarinaGarrison]

Great video. I just purchased a 1966 SM9 wide carriage model and your video was informative even for the earlier version.

[@DavidGuilbaultSongs]

Hi Joe. These videos are terrific. I'm getting a manual typewriter soon. These Olympia SM9's were in the Washington bureau of ABC News in the '70's, when I was working my way up to being a news producer. I'm also very interested in the Hermes 3000 and some of the small Smith-Corona portables. Thanks for all the great information. Hope all is well with you and yours. Kind regards. David.

[@paulnixonvo]

I LOVE my Olympia SM-8! Thanks for recommending it (albeit a model younger than the SM-9)

[@ks-eq3yx]

Thanks for a very instructive video ,I learn a lot about the Olympia sm9 I just bought, didn't need the first half but very pleased overall.

[@MarinaGarrison]

I believe the wide carriage was for typing an address directly on an 8.5 x 11 envelope without needing to type onto a label. Perhaps sticky labels weren't even available when these typewriters first appeared??

[@gombet]

Thanks for going over all of the elements.

[@akradr]

I’ve had surgery on both eyes for detached retina and the shape and spacing between the letters makes it easier for me to read PICA and techno typeface in PICA is the easiest for me to read.

[@jlg4880]

When the paper support arm is fully telescoped, the uppermost edge of the sheet will align with lines/numbers as the paper's advanced indicating how many lines are left before the end of the sheet. When the edge coincides with the number six line, you've got one inch left.

[@christophermckellar1352]

Joe, I am enjoying the series! My Olympia which is I think a little older than that has the same paper support in the back. On mine you just leave it fully extended and the numbers indicate how many lines you have left as you measure the paper as it grows up out of the machine. This is with an 11 inch sheet of paper.

[@michaeld.frederick6007]

Excellent review! Very clear and useful. Thanks..

[@TheWaterbug101]

I also have an early 1970s Olympia SM9 with a ten inch carriage and pica style type. It's a nice well engineered machine that produces very neat characters on paper, but I too find the feel of the keyboard to be kind of tiring when used for longer periods of time. However, it is easier to use than my Olympia SM7 model which has a carriage shift for making upper case letters.

[@comedy_by_ali]

Hi Joe, thanks for the review of SM9! I have one of these for almost a year now. I love it except the ink is not black enough. I have even changed ribbons and changed the touch force without getting a nice black print. I use normal papers not thick ones. Wonder if that’s an issue. Thanks for all the reviews! I see them all the time.

[@The1973Drummer]

We just happen to have one of these and a Smith Corona Galaxy 12 side by side and the action on the Galaxy is much better. On the Olympia I always feel like I have trouble keeping my fingers on the keys.

[@berniepokorski2489]

I 'Gifted myself' with a Polish-keyed Olympia SM-9 for Christmas of 2019. It was a SGW auction win, and it was shipped from Madison, Wisconsin to my home near Grass Valley, California. GoodWill Industries followed my packing instructions 'to the letter', and. I am happy to report that it arrived at my home with no visible trauma to the shipping box, and absolutely no shipping trauma to the machine itself. Dziękuję Ci, GoodWill In Madison, Wisconsin,

[@enrico4703]

I bought mine weeks ago which costs 1,400 php or 28 US dollars. Needs a bit of restoration on it"s housing. Probably the usage of its wide carriage is for book keeping or in accounting stuff. Great review!

[@simonjonasmusic8410]

Thanks for this wonderful video! I recently found an old Olympia 2000 L in my parents' house. It was acquired in the seventies and looks very similar to an SM9. Are you familiar with this model? I can't find ANYTHING on the internet...

[@Joe_VanCleave]

There are a few registered on the Typewriter Database. Compare your serial number with those in the database to see when it was made. typewriterdatabase.com/Olympia.2000+L.61.bmys

[@johnmood5653]

Putting up a weekly schedule would be one use for the extra-wide carriage... Or a lunchroom menu in a school, or a mess hall for the military.

[@johntapp1650]

I'm thinking the carriage width more likely than not would be for addressing wide envelopes, particularly manila envelopes. I've seen carriage lengths go all the way to 22" before what with blueprints and bills of lading, et cetera. Worse than the SM are the SG uprights Olympia in having a somewhat mushy feel. At least in my experience. But they are still superbly built machines with that German overengineering of theirs. In fact, there is an international forum that has an owner's club dedicated to preserving the SG.

[@joebeamish]

I agree the key action feels “loose.” I recall being around 12 years old and typing on my mom’s powder blue portable Smith Corona made around 1960. It sure was snappy and responsive. (I wish I knew what became of that thing. Not my mom, but the typewriter.) I like my SM9 though. It seems forgiving of my rusty typewriter fingers. And a solid workhorse. The typeface (modern elite) prints up super clear and elegant.

[@Naolslager]

I have one of these on the way. I am excited.

[@JamesSmith-od7po]

I enjoyed the video and the case is beautiful. Nice machine too. I had an SM8. It was a really high quality machine and the typing action was good, I just never liked the typing feel. My SM4 however is like driving a Mercedes, maybe the spring loaded keys at the thing that makes it, but saying that, the whole machine is stunning to type on. Completely different feel to the SM8

[@johnlennon1049]

Nice, real nice.

[@joebeamish]

Do you have a preference for the touch setting on this model? There are several degrees between “-“ and “+” to choose from. To me, the description in the manual seems ambiguous. Is the “+” setting more sensitive, or less?

[@Joe_VanCleave]

The + setting requires more finger force to type but with a fresh ribbon and new rubber platen roller should make a darker imprint. Also, the automatic ribbon spool movement and reversing happens more reliably with harder finger force.

[@mikeminici4956]

Thank you for this upload. Just picked one up in original case and could you tell me where to find the model number? Are ribbon spools.easily found, and is any light oiling indicated? Mine looks like yours but it has a lot of Ko-Rec-Type dust inside. Thanks!

[@Joe_VanCleave]

Olympias usually don't have model numbers on the machine. You find the serial number (a 7-digit number, usually under the left rear corner) and look up the date of manufacture on the serial number data base (typewriterdatabase.com) and it'll tell you the date of manufacture and which SM model it is. Universal replacement ribbons can be found on Amazon, or manufacturers like Ribbons Unlimited (call Lonnie Hurwitz at 1-800-250-7426). You can get standard nylon, and also silk ribbons (which are more expensive but make a darker imprint). The machine may need extensive cleaning (to remove the eraser shavings and other debris), degreasing to remove the hardened lubricants, and a light oiling on some (but not all) parts. I've done a few videos on cleaning typewriters, but you should also look at Phoenix Typewriter's channel, he has lots of videos on repair and cleaning.

[@mikeminici4956]

Joe Van Cleave Serial # still not evident but mine’s a little newer based on the black roller knobs and touch control absence among other things.

[@tiggerdcat]

I can not figure out how to change the ribbon on mine, which is a bit different as the carriage is shorter and there's no plus/ minus on the left. The ribbon holder bit in the middle has the grabby fingers things that clasp it in the back so I can't figure out how to get the old one out and the new one in! HELP!

[@buildyear86]

Hi! I've got a question - left of the question mark key, there is a point key. But it has a second symbol as well... another point! Why is this so? What is the idea here? My typewriter also has the same key but I don't really understand it's intended use. Enlighten me! :)

[@Joe_VanCleave]

I think it’s so you can type a complete sentence in upper case including the period and stay in caps lock.

[@buildyear86]

Oh, never thought of that... interesting!

[@rosemaryo2997]

Where can the ribbon for this typewriter be purchased? I just purchased this same style of typewriter but I need a recommended site and style of ribbon to buy. Thank you.

[@Joe_VanCleave]

Here's an all-black ribbon: www.ebay.com/itm/Olympia-SM9-SM9-Deluxe-Typewriter-Ribbon-Black-Twin-Spool/163081933219?epid=16007479877&hash=item25f870d1a3:g:dNwAAOxypthRwj5z And black/red: www.ebay.com/itm/Olympia-SM9-SM9-Deluxe-Typewriter-Ribbon-Blk-Red-Twin-Spool/163081930991?epid=21007482614&hash=item25f870c8ef:g:6kYAAOSwh9hZ5-eP

[@carrieweyrauch3981]

Any experience with the Olympiette (Olympia International)? The electric typewriter keys seems "locked". It powers up, it has a manual return (no key) but when I try to type, the letters do not strike the paper. Carriage moves, tab key works, back key works. The metal plate on back of machine shows the following: Olympia Werke AG. Wilhelmshaven/West Germany Model SEP Made in Japan. No manual included, just the typewriter with ribbon and carrying case. Any clue how to unlock? Any help would be appreciated.

[@Joe_VanCleave]

This was probably made by Nakajima. Do the type bars move at all when you press the keys? If not, I'd suspect the motor, belts or spindle aren't turning. The most common problem is for the belts to break. When you turn on the power, can you feel or hear the motor turning?

[@carrieweyrauch3981]

@@Joe_VanCleave I can hear the hum of power. But I can't see a belt. Hitting the keys produces no movement. I can lift with my finger manually.

[@mistersparrow]

Just got one of these online without a case. Hope it isn't damaged on the way here!

[@mistersparrow]

so I've been using this typewriter now for a week and really love its type face. unfortunately, I find it to be just as mushy as you describe, it has a sloppy feel to it and too much residual mechanical, metallic clanking and scraping when the keys are even given the slightest touch. I will keep searching for a typewriter I can completely fall in love with, I just purchased a Smith Corona silent from 1951 but it's not yet in my position, we will see how that goes.

[@MacakPodSIjemom]

@@mistersparrow hey, Mister Sparrow! It would be interesting to hear if you have found that perfect typewriter for you?

[@judahsmall3023]

I found this on amazon, where do you get the ink? I want this so bad, also I am 11 years old!

[@Joe_VanCleave]

Search Amazon for Olympia typewriter ribbons.

[@hammill444]

Just another question if I could. I know the front of the unit lifts up. But is that enough to be able to change the ribbon? Or must the top be completely removed to be able to change the ribbon? If so, how does one completely remove it?

[@scottbierly3398]

You don't need to remove the cover, just pop the hood. A tweezers really helps! I just put a ribbon on my new SM9, what's befuddling me is it types until the ribbon eyelet hits the middle and jams. All research leads to confusing and missing descriptions on how the ribbon sets up and the reverse arms work. Some SMx units have two vertical arms on each side that trap the eyelet and reverse. Mine only has a single arm on each side (seems like this video, but you don't show how this works), and that does not stop the eyelet. Are these machines meant for no eyelet, should I cut those off each end and rewind?

[@scottbierly3398]

Ok, what a pain. So an hour later, I figured out that indeed on my SM9 (need to lookup serial to get year) you need to cut off the eyelets if you have them on your ribbon, and manage to get the ribbon very securely locked onto the sharp hook on the spool. It needs to survive pulling in either direction or it pops right off after reversing. You must do this on both ends! This did the trick for me.

[@the4kidstvshow]

I have this but in AZERTY order to

[@fingling8]

a fellow's trying to sell one for $125--much like this one. Seems steep. What do you think? I'd prefer the SM9 with the script font on the front.

[@Joe_VanCleave]

Seems a little steep. But prices have been going up. I’d recommend thoroughly testing it to make certain there are no lurking issues. Even then, it probably needs a good clean and degreasing.

[@fingling8]

@@Joe_VanCleave Impressed that you replied to a comment on one of your older 'Tubes. I've been wanting an SM9, though an earlier version, for a decade. I'd prefer to have it just-cleaned, just-checked by someone who is skilled ... but this one's in my remote town. I do have a Hermes Baby, Underwood 'desktop' (longest serving) and an olivetti-underwood portable (only one actually working now). Thanks.

[@fingling8]

@@Joe_VanCleave Dangnab. Missed it. Sold, I presume. But I did kind of want one that's been checked, cleaned ... except where will I find that?? I'll try eBay.

[@hammill444]

Thanks for this. Very helpful indeed. But how exactly does that plus minus tab selector work?

[@Joe_VanCleave]

To set a new tab, move the carriage to the desired location and press the lever to "+". To clear an existing tab, tab over to that position and press the lever to the "-" position.

[@hammill444]

@@Joe_VanCleave seems easy enough! Thanks very much. It is greatly appreciated

[@sewlfn]

i have the typewriter and i cant get the ribbon to go up and down as im typing which is very annoying as i cant see what i typing

[@Joe_VanCleave]

Check the ribbon color selector to make sure it’s on the blue/black setting.

[@feliperibeiro2440]

Hey Joe! Is it true that the late 70's SM9 models are of lower quality than the previous ones? Like this one typewriterdatabase.com/1978-olympia-sm9.7085.typewriter with the black carriage knobs. Great video! Beautiful suitcase and machine.

[@Joe_VanCleave]

I have that '70's version, and had the older, 1960's version, and mechanically I think they are very similar in quality.

[@feliperibeiro2440]

I see. Thanks a lot!

[@sandrahn2865]

Hey, there. Where can I find this model online? and delivered to Peru. Thanks.

[@Joe_VanCleave]

Ebay?

[@sandrahn2865]

Didn't find one there :(

[@herik1263]

www.mercadolibre.com.pe/ Yo uso mercadolibre e argentina, compre varias máquinas y no he tenido problemas, no se como funcionara en Perú. Es cuestión de tener paciencia, yo todos los días veo que publicaciones nuevas hicieron. Hay una opción que dice:publicados hoy. Si la miras todos los días tarde o temprano va a aparecer una sm9.

[@berniepokorski2489]

Oh, if I only had an OLYMPIA SG-1.........

[@Naolslager]

Indeed! I stumbled upon one for cheap. BEST machine I've used.

[@PatrickDonnelly-zw4uh]

Why does my sm9 different from others?

[@Joe_VanCleave]

Maybe it’s an older model?

[@PatrickDonnelly-zw4uh]

@Joe_VanCleave could be, I have found images of it online but no mention of the year.

[@Joe_VanCleave]

@@PatrickDonnelly-zw4uh Check the typewriter database. typewriterdatabase.com

[@PatrickDonnelly-zw4uh]

@Joe_VanCleave Hi Joe, no luck on the database. The closest serial number began with 4111, mine begins with 4113. It is a British model as there is a pound sign above the 5 and no dollar sign. Also, there is no pop up paper rest, has to be lifted, and no telescopic measure (for end of page). And, only one one lever on the left, no plus or minus. It's a little puzzling, other than that it's a great little typewriter.

[@Joe_VanCleave]

@@PatrickDonnelly-zw4uh I wonder if it’s the Monica, a lower-featured version of the SM?

[@lauraarzola2408]

I want to order pls. How much it cost.. Where can i buy this item pls reply to me

[@thomascope1920]

Look on eBay they have a few