Pretty interesting comparison. Do you find that one rattles? I have two, and on one, the face metal rattles while the other does not. Love the letter too.
As far as I know, the changes all happened at once. I didn't realise there were so many changes though! I only was aware of the textured metal by the spacebar, and the touch selector.
THat's a great little machine, and I'm curious about the manufacture of it. Are there any differences between them on the decals on the back? They could have been manufactured at different locations. That's just an idea... it could have been a design change that occured all at once.
Ken, here's wishing you a great adventure on your travels out west. I am greatly looking forward to your upcoming blogs about your visit with Cam. You will be plunged into a completely different environment for that week, and I am expecting entertaining reading as you relate your view of the bits of Northern California you experience, from the perspective of an easterner for the first time out of his time zone, and a richly endowed writer at that. May the travels go smoothly, and any hiccups become part of an interesting experience.
PS - as one who on occassion attempts decorated correspondence, I love the idea of using a map to form an envelop - thanks for taking the time to post those images. That is just another example of how this wonderful community helps and inspires each other. And thanks for those photos of the type slugs. Man would I love to find a decent typer with that Congressional typeface. I'll be taking a big hand lens along on my next thrift shop outing in the future.
Great looking SM7s. That one from Cameron has a very nice typeface. I just got my second SM7 and will be getting to is whenever I finish the SM4 I was going to junk. I'm sure you will have a great time visiting Cameron. Happy Trails.
Your comparison piqued my interest in the SM7 differences so I got both of mine out. Both are elite and have platen knobs and the textured places in the front beside the tab set and clear keys. What caught my eye was that you had one that was not blue metal. Both of mine have the blue metal frame underneath. One is from 1963 and one from 1964. Seems Olympia made 2 models of the same machine in 64. Hermes did that with the 3000 in 1966 with the rounded one and also the square one.
Hello, I have SM7 DeLuxe s/n 1907092 (which places it around 1961) in pink - it is basically identical to your CE here. Same: 1. platen knobs in shape - colour scheme different so mine are all off-white 2. no soundproofing - keystroke sounds a bit harsh to me 3. tension adjustment arrangement 4. rubber rollers 5. mid-marker in red 6. smooth metal on the sides of the space bar 7. two significantly blue metal bars underneath 8. smell (I think - I have two other Olympias that smell the same)
Differences: 1. no red paint in the + on the tension adjuster 2. "-" and "+" instead of "clear" & "set" on the tabulator adjustment keys 3. standard Elite typeface
This is a brilliant machine however after a few lines of text I immediately started thinking about glueing some soundproof material to the cover... :)
Great post! It's very interesting to see the subtle differences between your SM7's.
ReplyDeleteYes, I too am VERY happy with our trade, and am greatly enjoying using the SM9 in "techno"!
What a mysterious and wonderful thing, to receive such a nice anonymous letter AND a monetary gift! Thanks for sharing that news.
The Typosphere will definitely be getting smaller with your imminent visit. Looking very much forward to it!
Pretty interesting comparison. Do you find that one rattles? I have two, and on one, the face metal rattles while the other does not. Love the letter too.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great, encouraging letter. Thanks for this post, and bon voyage to you and Leila.
ReplyDeleteAs far as I know, the changes all happened at once. I didn't realise there were so many changes though! I only was aware of the textured metal by the spacebar, and the touch selector.
ReplyDeleteTHat's a great little machine, and I'm curious about the manufacture of it. Are there any differences between them on the decals on the back? They could have been manufactured at different locations. That's just an idea... it could have been a design change that occured all at once.
ReplyDeleteKen, here's wishing you a great adventure on your travels out west. I am greatly looking forward to your upcoming blogs about your visit with Cam. You will be plunged into a completely different environment for that week, and I am expecting entertaining reading as you relate your view of the bits of Northern California you experience, from the perspective of an easterner for the first time out of his time zone, and a richly endowed writer at that. May the travels go smoothly, and any hiccups become part of an interesting experience.
ReplyDeletePS - as one who on occassion attempts decorated correspondence, I love the idea of using a map to form an envelop - thanks for taking the time to post those images. That is just another example of how this wonderful community helps and inspires each other. And thanks for those photos of the type slugs. Man would I love to find a decent typer with that Congressional typeface. I'll be taking a big hand lens along on my next thrift shop outing in the future.
ReplyDeleteGreat looking SM7s. That one from Cameron has a very nice typeface. I just got my second SM7 and will be getting to is whenever I finish the SM4 I was going to junk. I'm sure you will have a great time visiting Cameron. Happy Trails.
ReplyDeleteYour comparison piqued my interest in the SM7 differences so I got both of mine out. Both are elite and have platen knobs and the textured places in the front beside the tab set and clear keys. What caught my eye was that you had one that was not blue metal. Both of mine have the blue metal frame underneath. One is from 1963 and one from 1964. Seems Olympia made 2 models of the same machine in 64. Hermes did that with the 3000 in 1966 with the rounded one and also the square one.
ReplyDeleteStirring stuff, Ken. I hope you have a great visit to Cameron's place.
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteI have SM7 DeLuxe s/n 1907092 (which places it around 1961) in pink - it is basically identical to your CE here.
Same:
1. platen knobs in shape - colour scheme different so mine are all off-white
2. no soundproofing - keystroke sounds a bit harsh to me
3. tension adjustment arrangement
4. rubber rollers
5. mid-marker in red
6. smooth metal on the sides of the space bar
7. two significantly blue metal bars underneath
8. smell (I think - I have two other Olympias that smell the same)
Differences:
1. no red paint in the + on the tension adjuster
2. "-" and "+" instead of "clear" & "set" on the tabulator adjustment keys
3. standard Elite typeface
This is a brilliant machine however after a few lines of text I immediately started thinking about glueing some soundproof material to the cover... :)