I have a 1956 Olympia SF, and no one has mentioned yet the Olympias (SF, Splendid 33, 66, 99, Traveler) as ultra-portables. I find mine quite sturdy, reliable, and a joy to type on, although it is one of the heavier ultra-portables. I especially love its margin-release key that also doubles as a type-arm de-jammer!

I’ve pretty much got them all, and the first thing I can say about Brother’s small machines is I’ve found 100% to have platen rubber that’s like new or close to it, and that makes them feel really good when they’re set up, and they’re super easy to work on. I’ve done lots of weight checks, and the winner hands down is always the little aluminum bodied Hermes Baby or Rockets from the fifties and sixties. The Skyriter is a pound heavier but more rugged, and I think 95% of the old Hermes ultraportables have platens that have gone hard. So often I tell myself I should like something else more, but every time I work over and set up a Skyriter it’s like I’m home; as you say, it’s super personal! I’m with you on the Corsair and similar machines, those Skyriters dressed in plastic that some collectors love to hate. They just need a proper setup and are very enjoyable to type on. About them scooting around the table while typing, the rubber on the feet is usually harder than it started out being, and I see you’re typing on what looks like an attractive unfinished wood surface. The combination of bare wood and old rubber will do that more than a varnished or painted desktop or table. Though the Brother platen rubber is fantastic, their little grey feet are made of something else that gets old, hard and even crumbly. The good news is they’re the easiest typewriter of all to just screw on little replacement cabinet feet that cost a quarter each. I’ve redone the feet on a lot of little typewriters, and on my varnished kitchen table where I always end up working on them, they sit rock solid if the feet are good. It’s fun seeing you do this, so keep up the good work; it looks like you’re having a good time! As I got increasingly geeky weighing and measuring little typewriters, I kind of separated them into a couple categories I call “small portable” and ultraportable. The backpack test kinda says it. It’s so easy stuffing the Skyriter in there compared to the others, and the Hermes Baby would be the same. There aren’t nearly as many that small compared to the ones that are just a bit bigger. I’ve got a Hermes that’s just over 7 lbs. and even though it’s my lightest one and feels more refined as a European work of engineering, I keep going for the Skyriter as my preference as a rugged and reliable little machine that I totally trust. Oh…be sure to try a Hermes or equivalent Empire Baby from the thirties if you haven’t already. They’re kind of primitive but I totally love the design. The black Empire with the little silver lion logo is very cool looking. Happy typing, and thanks. 🙏😊

Found your channel from the qwerkywriter video and subbed because i love your content! Quality is amazing and your vids are kinda like a comfort watch for me. Keep up the awesome work ❤️

My go-to ultraportable, which I have used when on travels, is a Hermes Baby. Actually, without even trying, I have managed to get a few. I like them, but there is a difference between them all in terms of the typeface, keys and importantly the feel. This is similar to the Skywriter, but all mine are black only machines. Also, no tabs. I rarely use these machines unless I am going somewhere with them. I also have an Olympia SF, which has cursive and is awesome, but the case is rubbish and the zipper is destroyed. That's great for writing letters to people.

@rosemarystrobel3437

2 жыл бұрын

I have an Olivetti lettera with script. So fun for letters and cards and poems.

In the late 1970’s a teacher from the Anglo American School in San José, Costa Rica, where I was born, asked us to bring our parent’s typewriters. Dad had the Corsair and a girl brought the Deluxe. It sure did look Deluxe! I still have dad’s typewriter. I used it oftenly during my college years to turn in papers. However, a friend of mine had a Smith Corona Sterling with cursive gothic type or perhaps it was a Remington and I rather used this heavier typewriter because my Corsair moved whilst typing. Decades ago dad had it cleaned and lubed. He gave it as a present to his constructor for her daughter too learn secretarial studies. This was in the early era of computers. Which were very expensive. I would imagine that the typewriter was used extensively because when I bought it back from dad’s friend, it was lacking the right hand platen knob and the ribbon reels! I am very close to have it repaired with parts brought from England from the Mr. & Mrs. Typewriter Shop! I have already cleaned it!

Those are so cute! Something for consideration regarding the sliding when typing on a smaller or ultra portable typewriter- dollar stores and department stores do sell dinner table placemats made of a non-slip puffy waffle texture, which might be worth a try for such a low cost! I have a relative who basically should have had stock in those placemats... would buy them and cut them to fit various equipment they used... under the computer keyboard to stop any slipping on the tray, under the tv remote controller so it wouldn't fall on the floor, under their coffee mug, in strips in the bathroom to prevent any toiletries or skin care products from tipping over or falling, in their tool box trays to keep tools sitting quietly and still when moving the box... I'll stop now before I'm here all day lol I wish I know what those placemats were actually called or if they even have a name, but for a dollar or two I'm certain they'd be worth a try and beneficial to stop any movement or shifting when working with any typewriter!

@JustMyTypewriter

2 жыл бұрын

I've made my own typing mats and that usually stops the shifting problem, but if I have a typewriter while traveling, I never think to pack the mat!

Love Ultra-portables. I have a few in various working orders but aim to get them all fully working again. I love the idea of being able to take one everywhere.

I love my Olivetti Letera 32. It's incredibly light and functions perfectly. Another thing I like about it is that it's very easy to tear down for cleaning and oiling, and yet it's quite sturdy. The only problem, which is quite common with them, is the case - the zipper is almost always broken.

@JustMyTypewriter

Жыл бұрын

definitely had my fair share of zipper breaks on those soft shell cases

I'm not sure if it's an ultra-portable or just a portable typewriter, but I really love my Underwood 255. It's a machine from the 1970s probably marketed mostly to students. It has a plastic top that just clips on and it's just the perfect size to keep by my desk for when I want to write. Being a pretty modern machine it's in a really great condition, but is still very simple. Don't tell my other typewriters, but it's my favorite to type on and show people.

Yayyy! Thanks for this video! At a time when I'm a little UP manic, still loving my Sperry Rand Remi- 333 and expecting my Zephyr any day now, I've been wondering about those Smith Coronas and the Skyriters! Thanks for sharing your unique views on these typers! As always, such fun and so interesting!

The ultra-portables that I have are a Sperry-Remington from the Netherlands which was my Christmas present last year and a McFarren 400 that I won for $11 at auction. Both are great typers with snappy action.

Well, my favourite ultraportable is the AdlerTippa 1 which i think has a better typing than the Hermes Baby. And by surprise, i am in love with my Royal 200 ( Mercury) a fine UP too even for heavy use, but a rubbermat is needed anyway. I often carry these things in the sidebags of my bicycle for fieldwriting.

@Rockmaster867

2 жыл бұрын

I just picked up an Adler Tippa as my first typewriter and I love it so far

Sorry just seeing this for the first time so just now commenting. I have a Hermes Baby and a Smith Corona Skyriter (that my husband gave me last weekend for my birthday, yes, he’s an enabler). I also have a Montgomery Ward Escort 77 (rebadged Olivetti Lettra model) this brings me to 35 typewriters.

To date, my Webster XL500 (Brother product) is like your Brother. It's my smoothest manual typewriter of all of my non-electric typewriters, both full, compact and ultra portable... I have a Brother Charger 11 which instead of a case, has a snap-on cover, and I wonder if that would be compatible with your Brother, as in, ditch the soft zippered case and use the snap-on cover, IF the pegs align correctly. That would definitely save space in a backpack. One odd note is my Charger 11 looks nearly identical to most if the parts of my Webster XL500, BUT, on a cheaper grade of metal, everywhere-- springs are thinner gauge, the ratchet for the ribbon spools are thinner stamped metal, even the slug arms are more cheaply made... I am wondering if you have ever encountered a typewriter that was similar yet made from cheaper manufacturing standards- looks great, but they definitely cut manufacturing corners. Also, someday I want a Skywriter!

I have a 1967 smith corona in the same color as yours and it is great. I also have a smith corona pride line cursive script typewriter 1970 that is the one I travel with. It is lighter than the other one.

I have a Brother XL500, same body as your Wizard, and she's awesome to type on, and somehow still super light with an all-metal body + the vinyl bag makes it even lighter. Those Brother ultraportables are just lil tiny baby workhorses

@JustMyTypewriter

2 жыл бұрын

I very much agree

Great video! I have 6 ultra portables. Love all 6. Each has a different feel,sound etc. I like you think my favorite is my wizard true type or Brother JP-1 machines.

@JustMyTypewriter

2 жыл бұрын

They're also so much easier to store than the monster standards

That's a rather nice backpack.

Am looking at a SC Corsair and delighted to see your vids of them. SCs are not as common in Australia as the USA, so finding a Clipper or SkyWriter takes time. Found a cute little Corsair though, and wanted to know more about them. Love your vids. Thank you for such honest opinions and natural approach. You have helped me really enjoy the learning curve I'm on now that the typewriter bug has bitten me! 😅

I have a really really soft spot for the ultra compact type of typewriters. Not just because they are cute but also because i think they are function reduced sized down to perfection and the bare minimum. They also seem to be a lot quieter too. I have a Hermés Baby and it's such a delightful little marvel in terms of mechanical engineering. The thin metal case is dampened with felt inside and it's so lightweight it almost makes you think it's all aluminium. The cover for the ink ribbon opens like wings of a Butterfly and you won't really find plastic on this model, except for the keys. It reminds me a lot of the Smith Corona Skywriter like yours. And i LOVE your teal starter Smith Corona Corsair Deluxe. There are some really sweet ultra portables from the 50s and early 60s from Groma, called Kolobri. They were produced in East Germany and nearly all of them went into the export market and i think they also had a teal model too. Pretty sure you'd love it, if you ever want your Trio turn into a Quartet. :=)

I have a Remington portable No. 2 from about the mid 1920s that I just recently rebuilt. It seems to fall under the category of ultra portable though I'm not sure. I stumbled across your channel about a month ago when doing research on this machine. love your videos :)

Very good presentation of your ultra portables. I was given a Sears Tutor in Junior High by my parents for Christmas. It is the same as the Smith Corona Corsair or Profile that you have, only Sears Branded. My typewriter is also blue, but just a bit darker. I used it all through Junior High and High School to type homework and term papers. I can't say it was a comfortable typewriter to use, but like you, I have a massive sentimental attachment to the Sears Tutor typewriter and would never consider selling it. It definitely needs repair but I hate to send it away to get it repaired.

I've had a Royal Mercury circa 1972 for about 5 decades and it has served me well all these years. I also have my sister's old Royal Mariner which is basically the same model but in aqua blue, also made around the same timeframe. You can pretty much spy an ultra portable a mile away as they're almost always fairly flat machines. At any rate, they're great for typing on the go, they weigh almost nothing.

I love the quiet clean typing and compact Corsair

I just picked up my first typewriter! I feel like it probably classifies as an ultra portable. She's a Lettera 33, and I can't wait to get home and start cleaning her up!

My favorite right now is my Olympia Splendid. I really wanted a Skywriter ( I think mine is newer.. different case) but I don’t like typing on it so it will probably leave my collection. I have a royalite which is super cute but cranky ( skips letters). Love your videos ❤️

My favorite so far is the Olympia Socialite (is in the SF or Splendid family -- closest to a Splendid 33). It's great!

Have a 1938 Corona Zephyr, (the Skyriters older brother) it is a solidly built work horse of a machine. It types well and has a good spring feel on the keys. Only thing about it that I have to replace the 85yo rubber parts on it to get it to 100%, but for its age that’s nothing!

I'm very Ultra-portable-curious; it would been neat to have one that could come along on vacations and type up postcards with. My little Royalite that I've been trying to repair is giving me fits but I'm starting to understand that it was never the most well built machine. 😅 An odd question: what's it like if you just have them sitting on your lap? A good number of them seem to have an encased bottom; with that and a lighter touch to type, I wonder if they behave themselves as opposed to sliding around on a desk. 🤔

@JustMyTypewriter

9 ай бұрын

I've tried using them that way- far less sliding, but I find I apply less pressure which can lead to less ink transfer

Lovely!! As ultra-portable typewriters go, my top picks would be The Hermes Baby and the fantastic Olivetti/underwood Lettera 22 (in typical 1960´s baby blue)

Great video Sarah! I also have a Corsair Deluxe, but mine is a mustard colour. I just got an Empire Aristocrat. It’s tiny, it almost seems like an even smaller size bracket, as when compared to my Corsair, it’s about an inch shallower, and smaller on all sides. Very cool little thing though, it’s the British licence of a Hermes Rocket/Baby, and as a result it’s such a smooth machine. I’m also getting an Imperial Good Companion 3 in, which will be my first “standard portable” if you will. Far too big to travel with but has a case haha. Anywho, keep up the great content!

My first typewriter is an Erika 5 and it's also an ultra portable

I have a 1950s Smith Corona Skyriter

I have an Olivetti Underwood Lettera 32. It's a beast.

Does anyone know where one can get a Ravian T-10 portable typwriter

Thank you for this video! Very informative. I really want to get a more substantial portable or especially a desk based one but unfortunately due to space constraints (still saving for a house deposit), I have to stick with the ultra-portables for now

Sadly I have lost the bottom panel of my only ultra portable typewriter at the moment

The way it's sitting on the desk, the Skyriter looks like the biggest of those three, but it's actually the smallest. 🤯

@JustMyTypewriter

2 жыл бұрын

I have it propped up a bit so you can see it!

Had a typewriter, an IBM Selectric 2, called it, The Tank!

Another great video thank you for sharing

Portable typewriter introduce which year

I also have problems with my Smith Corona Delex Corsare sliding around.

Didn't you pick up a rebranded Olivetti in a recent video/insta post..? Tower or something, which looked like the Olivetti 22? I'd put that (and the 32) in ultraportable category, they're definitely not as hefty as something like an Olympia SM but still good solid machines for their size.

@JustMyTypewriter

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, I did- I film these videos out of order, so when I filmed this one, I didn't have that yet!

5:30 I have one of these! Where would you recommend getting a new ink ribbon? I’ve been trying to find one for it.

@JustMyTypewriter

Жыл бұрын

I found mine on etsy! If you're missing the original spools, look for a listing that says "ultra portable" or skyriter- they have smaller spools. The ribbon is the same size, the spool is different! You can use the same size ribbon as any other machine (standard ribbon) and rewrap it if you have the original spools. If you do have the original spools, just get a universal replacement and rewrap it- it's much cheaper!

I love my portable typewriter. Takes me back to the 70's. I have a Smth-Corona Corsair Teal portable typewriter. I have recently got it back from my mom's home and would love to start using it. Would you be able to help me find the correct ribbon for it? Much Appreciated :)

@JustMyTypewriter

Жыл бұрын

The first thing I would do is see if you have the spools on it- if you do, any standard replacement ribbon will do, you just have to rewrap it on those spools! If it doesn't have the spools, you'll have to get one that is for ultra portables- the only difference is the spool size! I do have a list of ribbon recommendations and instructions in my Ribbons 101 video (check the description for links!)- kzread.info/dash/bejne/p6Rok5R_mrerm9o.html

@MyCre8tiVeSpAce

Жыл бұрын

@@JustMyTypewriter thank you! I will do that:)

awesome video, thank you!

I did not like the Skyriter as well. I did have one and sold it; it did not feel as comfortable typing. The typewriters that won me over... Smith Corona Empire (a Hermes in disguise) and the Smith Corona Silent (won over the Royal Quiet Deluxe, also sold). The Adler Tippa 1 is running a close second to the Empire.

I’ve just moved into my van so I don’t have a ready access to a printer. I really want to send letters to family and friends so a typewriter seems like a very good option. Of course I would need an ultra portable. There is just not very much room to carry a desktop typewriter.😂 it looks like the sky rider might be a good option for me. It’s got a nice shallow depth and I like the hard cover case because driving in a van can get kind of bumpy. What thoughts do you have about a solution for this unusual situation?

@JustMyTypewriter

Жыл бұрын

I think skyriter is the perfect fit! The later versions do come in a soft style case so I recommend the older versions. If it's bumpy, you may also want to find a way to wrap the typewriter and case in something to help lessen the vibrations. There are lots of springs inside a typewriter and adjustments that can react to being jostled. Maybe just buffer it a bit with blankets!

@teripittman

3 ай бұрын

I used to live in an Airstream. Skywriter works easily in small places.

Wow the academics of the 1920-1970 must have been buff with knowledge.

I was not aware the Corsair Delux was plastic. I’ve been looking at ultra portable models and this one is going for some crazy prices for something that’s not that old, and doesn’t seem to be all that rare. Is this just pie in the sky reseller prices or is this typewriter that desirable among collectors???

@JustMyTypewriter

2 жыл бұрын

It could be a few things. The current typewriter market has definitely made a major swing to the pricier side. A lot of collectors have noticed a massive shift in online pricing. They're not rare machines. I have found, though, they're terrible to work on and service. I recently did a big repair job on another Corsair, and if I were to charge for labor, I would also charge a ton. While I love the one featured in this video, I do know I got really lucky with condition and price. If you're looking for an ultra portable, most people seem to really like their skyriters. They're metal and very easy to work on (or at least get out of the casing). Of the three, the Wizard Truetype is my favorite to use.

@storydtechtiverobertjones464

2 жыл бұрын

@@JustMyTypewriter The retro market is increasing prices on everything and the resellers are terrible. Unfortunately, it’s causing a lot of confusion in what people believe typewriters are worth. I found a smaller typewriter on FB market place. I sent a reasonable offer, only to have the seller tell me how much money it was really worth! I’m patient though. The right one will come along!

@JustMyTypewriter

2 жыл бұрын

@@storydtechtiverobertjones464 I went 6 months between finding machines in my price range locally. It'll swing back at some point.

Yes I'm in the market for an ultra-portable. I have a portable, but it is still reasonably heavy. I intend to keep it at home and have something that is ultra-portable but that will also stand regular typing use in the likes of coffee shops for projects I'm working on. I was in a charity shop today and they had a Petite brand typewriter aimed at kids. Very plasticky and not what I was looking for. Typewriters are thin on the ground here, never mind ultra-portables. I'll keep looking

@JustMyTypewriter

Жыл бұрын

Petite brand is a toy typewriter- so not the same as an Ultraportable. Cute, but missing some of the basic typewriter functions for sure

Don't you have a Kolibri yet? Would like to see you compare a Kolibri to your other ultraportables.

@JustMyTypewriter

Жыл бұрын

I don't have one!

What do you think of the 3 bank Corona ca. 1917? I love mine, though it's different to type on.

@JustMyTypewriter

2 жыл бұрын

I've never tried a machine that old! My oldest machine is my Royal 10 from 1922

@rosemarystrobel3437

2 жыл бұрын

You need to visit more estate sales....I saw Haley on a book shelf. Her drawband was busted. Vale fixed her.

I believe the typewriter eroute to me is an ultraportable: early 60s Royal Arrow.

@JustMyTypewriter

Жыл бұрын

It's interesting, the arrow used to be in the same body design as the QDL and Aristocrat. It would've been just a standard portable, but the ones from the 60s look more like the Royal Parade which would be that lightweight portable style !

You really should learn ten-finger typing. There is an amazing WWII instruction video on YT on who to type correctly.

@JustMyTypewriter

6 ай бұрын

Hi there, I appreciate your feedback and have it on the list of things to try! Ironically, I type correctly on a typical keyboard- it's just the typewriters that trip me up....

@teripittman

3 ай бұрын

Just look for an old typing instruction book. Do the exercises. You too can use two spaces after a period!

Cool

No Hermes?

@JustMyTypewriter

3 ай бұрын

I don't any!

Any typewriter that you can take to Disneyland?

@JustMyTypewriter

2 жыл бұрын

You should check out my "I took a typewriter to Disney World" video- the answer is a Skyriter

@FrankRomerophoto

2 жыл бұрын

@@JustMyTypewriter Yup, that was a lot of weight for a "light" typewriter. :/

*1963* Wizard Truetype, not '73. (:

@JustMyTypewriter

2 жыл бұрын

today on Sarah still doesn't know how to accurately read the typewriter database...

I'm sure you first typewriter is not named after "Keroleen" Keroppi's girlfriend? Is its? Na...

@JustMyTypewriter

2 жыл бұрын

Nope- Caroline as in "Sweet Caroline"

You need a bigger backpack!