TypewriterMinutes - Typewriter Review: 1966 Hermes 3000

Today we review our 1966 Hermes 3000. Is it an overengineered, overhyped typewriter or a buttery smooth Swiss engineering marvel? Watch and decide!

[@DriveupLife22]

After much research, I discovered a pamphlet that shows all the available type fonts for the Hermes 3000. This font is called "Techno" and was designed to compare to dot matrix fonts. My typewriter repairman said that you had to specifically ask for this font and it came with an extra charge, making this one of the more rare type fonts found on a Hermes 3000. There were about 275,000 of these "2nd model" Hermes 3000 made, and I would guess that only 5 to 10% of all of them had this font.

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Good info! Thanks. It’s cool looking, for sure.

[@davidsterling564]

I've come across about fifteen H3K's over the last few years in my locality (NY Metro). With one exception, all of them had the Techno type style. It was evidently quite popular in the mid-late 1960's. It took a lot of patience and fortitude to find a '67 with Hermes' S6 Pica type (my preference). I've not come across another. It's far more common to find smaller Elite type styles on the H3K. BTW, my H3K did not come with those yummy buttery biscuits, popcorn and waffles. Now THOSE is a great accessories!

[@samking4179]

That good to hear. I can't stand the Techno font and I am looking for one of these 1966 or later models. I would like a more traditional type font. Fingers crossed! Thanks for the info!

[@cn9800]

Love that your kids are in the video and interested. It’s good to know their favorite buttered food too.

[@TypewriterMinutes]

And if they don’t help me with the videos, I send them to bed without supper or their favorite buttery food.

[@PotterPossum1989]

Do they understand that butter itself is a food group?😁

[@sporter323]

Best video for adjusting the margin ribbon on a HERMES 3000.

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Thanks!

[@Shipwright1918]

The holy grail of typewriters, just once I'd like to have a go on one of these just to see if all the hype is true.

[@TypewriterMinutes]

It’s a really good machine even if it is overhyped. But it is over engineered with that red ribbon in the paper bail.

[@specialsauce255]

I have one and it is DEFINITELY worth the hype. I am selling mine on eBay though for a starting bid of $300, if you are interested. It comes with the case all the brushes, and the owners manual, and the typewriter(obviously)

[@Shipwright1918]

@@specialsauce255 Too rich for my blood, mate. Sure it's worth it, but I've yet to spend over $100 for a typewriter.

[@specialsauce255]

Shipwright1918 yeah I would be hard to spend $300 on a typewriter, even that one

[@TINGSTARR]

Great content. I finally picked-up a 1966 H3K - now to find some platen knob replacements. 😁

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Join the antique typewriter collector group on Facebook and look up a guy named Pete Volz-he was 3D printing them last time I heard.

[@hakonsoreide]

That is actually a really fiddly way to move margins. The single advantage is you can see them from the front, but then again you can see that after typing a line or two of text anyway.

[@TypewriterMinutes]

I agree. It seems a little over engineered but people love that feature. Thanks for watching!

[@Ryowazza99]

Great video! That typeface on Hermes was called "techno", and senatorial was the one of the Olympias!

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Thank you. I like to call it the Robot font. :)

[@Melvorgazh]

Hey! I saw "techno font" but also "techno pica".

[@tochtliochtli7239]

Beautiful! I just got one and it is buttery smooth as you say!

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Enjoy your new H3K!

[@mikeminici4956]

Would it be possible to index on the video how to (re)set left & right margins? Are these considered “magic” whereby they spring to extreme left or right as outline demands or are they “engaged” separately. I don’t have a manual and my paper bail is half black and half red which doesn’t correspond to carriage position. Thank you.

[@TypewriterMinutes]

At 5 Minutes into the video we show how to set the margins. Unless the ribbon is broken, you should be able to see red ribbon on the left side of the paper bail and also on the right. Each side is set separately. It sounds like whichever side has half red, the margin needs to be pushed farther to the side. Hard to explain in words. Hopefully the video will help.

[@carlottasolari5174]

thank you so much! you explained how to set the margins so well!!

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Thank you!

[@JamesSmith-od7po]

I have the 1970''s version and the only thing I can see that is different is the arm that controls the touch and ribbon selector is plastic throughout on mine, even the cog, but everything else looks identical. I suspect they just kept the body as it just plain worked. Mine types beautifully too and I've tested lots of different brands. I would love to test the really old curvy one next to mine though.

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Richard Wood thanks for the comment. The typing action on my older curvy one feels the same as on this angular version. I don’t have a 1970s machine ... yet. :) I hope all is well with you across the pond.

[@Kevinrajglgwerder]

Could you please use Swiss music the next time you rewiew a swiss typewriter? For example: „Echo vom Geissehimmel“ from „Rees Gwerder“ pleeaassee😁

[@TypewriterMinutes]

I’ll do my best. :)

[@eastwoofer]

hi, i have acquired a seemingly "mint" mint hermes 3000 from about the same period, picked up at a second hand shop, and the problem it has i can't find reference to anywhere on the internet. for some strange reason, the round toothed gear that the right ribbon spool is set on will not turn in any direction. one obvious cause could be that it is frozen, but nothing in the typewriter's condition or history seems to suggest that. again, it is in very clean mint condition, even the original manual came with it, tucked away in the case. and there were holes punched in the ribbon by repeated typing in the same spot which suggests the last user didn't know or understand the machine, and perhaps took it out of storage years later to give it a whirl. i mention this idea within the context of this being a possible mechanical problem unrelated to this ribbon advance wheel gear being frozen or ceased. is there anything on the machine that could cause such a lock up of this gear? have you heard of these gears freezing solid on mint machines? because this hermes seems to have last been in the hands of a novice (not unlike myself), i'm wondering if they simply pushed a button or switch that would cause this, and the remedy is a simple one.

[@TypewriterMinutes]

I have limited experience working on Hermes. Unfortunately I would have to tinker with it for ideas.

[@natevart4156]

It’s so funny hearing a young kid say “Switzerland is know for its fine engineering” 😂

[@Melvorgazh]

On mine, there is a big button with 2 arrows in the top. What is it called? Each time I type I have to press on it to pass through the 2nd half of the line. Which is very annoying. Do you think I can easily disable this feature? What is it for anyway? Thanks

[@TypewriterMinutes]

That button with two arrows should be the margin release key. It sounds like your right margin may be set too far to the left. Does your paper bail still have the red ribbon inside it? It so, where along the ruler is it set?

[@TypewriterJustice]

What's that old saying about a mechanics car never running right? Totally applies to me. Despite being one of my all-time favorites, my H3k is in dire need of a bath. i'm afraid it will have to take a number and get in line ;)

[@TypewriterCollector]

Loved the intro. What external mic are you using?

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Typewriter Passion We don't have an external mic but are thinking of getting one if they're not too expensive. We just get as close to the iPhone as we can while doing the review. Thanks for watching. Looking forward to your next musical masterpiece.

[@TypewriterCollector]

TypewriterMinutes LOL thanks. I was like, man their audio is so crisp. I will definitely give it a try. I've been having requests to hear the typing sounds but my internal mic is poor.

[@memereview9803]

what did you think of the typewriter in general? how much money would you pay for it? i'm simply curious lol

[@TypewriterMinutes]

It’s a great machine. I’m a cheapskate so what I would pay is probably not a good guide but $50-100 depending on the condition, including the case.

[@coinz9007]

Great video!! What a nice looking typewriter! I am asking. For a typewriter for Christmas, any ideas? Thanks! Continue the great work!

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Frankie's Coins thanks for watching. Boy there are so many great typewriters out there to choose from. If you want an ultraportable, Brothers are fairly common and inexpensive but very good typers. For regular portables, Hermes 3000s are great but can be pricey. It’s hard to go wrong with a Smith Corona from the 1950s or 60s. Great to type on, fairly inexpensive, and durable.

[@coinz9007]

TypewriterMinutes thanks!!

[@danieldeary9344]

I have the 1963 #1curvy version that lacks #1 key...version 2 which I believe you have has the #1 key with 12 keys total on top row... mine just has 11. BTW my knobs are intact. Love the video.

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Thanks! I love all variations of the H3K.

[@altongansky]

I meant to tell you earlier how much I enjoyed this episode. As you know, I have the earlier body style (the typewriter, not, you know, me). My indicator ribbon is gone. So sad.

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Thank you! I'm kicking myself because I forgot to poke fun at the Swiss engineers about the pop-up paper support, which must be for display only because it doesn't really support anything. I plan to get that curvy version at some point when I find a good enough deal. I prefer that body style.

[@perault1]

I have a 1969 Hermes 3000 from Switzerland in excellent condition that I am looking to sale. The only "flaw" as you mentioned in your video is one of the turn knobs is cracked, but glued together and fully functional. I have all original paper work with no scratches anywhere on typewriter or case (includes 2 brushes as well). How much would you think it is worth if I actually decided to sale it.

[@TypewriterMinutes]

I would check the sold listings on eBay for the best guide as to sale price. I’ve seen them go for anywhere between $75 and $250 depending on the condition of the typewriter and the case.

[@hamilton3901]

Hi guys, I was lucky enough to get my hands on a H3K in the same, boxy 2nd generation bodystlye as you have in the video. But now I have the problem, that I can't figure out how to remove the body. The bottom plate just doesn't want to come off though I removed the 4 screws at the bottom. I had similar problems with my first Hermes, a Media 3 in the round 1st gen body style, but the lovely people of the typewriter community helped me out. So knowing how to open that one I really wondered that I could't manage to open the 2nd gen body. Do I have to aproach this body in a different way or am I just unlucky with a machine body that stubborn? Thanks a lot! And keep making great videos like this one, I really enjoy them and they are very informative.

[@TypewriterMinutes]

It has been a while since I worked on my H3K. I recall the bottom plate was tricky. Get a flashlight and peek inside by the spacebar if you can look from underneath. On mine I believe there were some metal latches up under by the spacebar that I had to finagle around to get it off. I’m definitely not an expert in Hermes.

[@hamilton3901]

Thanks for your help! I will definitely try that out.

[@av8bvma513]

Heh! Pretty groovy watch, the Seiko! May not be a legendary 6309, but close enough. Very cool.

[@TypewriterMinutes]

av8bvma513 Thanks. It was my dad's watch and it says 7002-7009 [A1] on the back. It runs about a minute fast per day so it has more sentimental value than actual value. Both my dad and the watch are still ticking.

[@cuthalion4281]

I think it's more likely that the paint chipping is due to people scratching their fingernails on it when they go to hit the backspace or tab. EDIT: Removed redundant "more likely"

[@TypewriterMinutes]

That’s very possible

[@koleyw932]

It looks beautiful.

[@TypewriterMinutes]

I really like the angles!

[@fryloc359]

I wish i knew someone who owned one so I could try it out.

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Trying to find one for sale locally and go give it a shot. They really do type nicely.

[@pheminismisshit4571]

im from India need to buy this any way out 😍

[@orafaelcesar]

Hi, thanks for this video. One question: is this techno typeface pica or elite?

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Hi there. It’s at my office so I will have to check tomorrow.

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Actually, following up on my last message, I see in the video that the paper bail scale goes to 95+, so it would be elite.

[@orafaelcesar]

@@TypewriterMinutes Many thanks!

[@lemurgolem]

If you ever buy a 3000, keep your hands off the 66-70 models. They are mechanically the same as the curvy 50s/early 60s model, but....: The platen knobs are sheer rubbish, really bad material. The sidepanes are plastic, too, they won't last either, unless you treat them like raw eggs. The frame is no longer double-bolted at the base, but only contained by the base cover feet screws, which is a gross design flaw that diminishes overall stability . And finally, who by Jove chose the material for that ribbon cover? It is oddly thick and fits coarsely onto the top design lines, giving the machine sort of a prototype look. They seem to have used the strongest material in the place where it is not needed. They should rather have made the sidepanes of metal instead! If you're a collector, well, get it, if you plan to actually write, go for the earlier model, it will outlive you twice.

[@hitbyabus4615]

I dislike how you blame things that are done by the customer, onto the engineers

[@ActionThanos]

Please don’t use children to present information about historical artifacts thank you