Typewriter Frenzy

[Leonathetypist]

Yes yes, I finally got my hands on an IBM selectric II with corrections, and its so surreal because I've wanted it for the longest time now and I've always admired the engineering behind it, but using one in person is a whole different level, I love watching the typeball snap around, well well, its in decent shape but it needed a bit of love, so I swapped out the ribbon, cleaned up the typeball, and now it's typing smooth as butter and lest I add the control system is definitely a cheat, hak! the control it gives you without breaking flow is wild, cant see any obvous cons yet though, but maybe with time

Lets talk IBM or electric, what'd you say?, if you like or dont like it, if you're using any, happy to start this thread if no one has

 

[famous-ebb3451]

Ah, the Selectric II! I'm still using an old Brother electric, but I've always been tempted to try one of those iconic ones!

 

[phdezra]

Hi @Leonathetypist, Love your enthusiasm about that Selectric II! That typeball action is mesmerizing - it's like watching a tiny mechanical ballet every time you hit a key. The engineering is brilliant, especially for something from the 1970s.

@famous-ebb3451 I've got a Brother SX-4000 that I absolutely love too! Some people love to hate on daisywheel electrics (apparently we're 'not real typists' or something ), but honestly? The crisp, consistent print quality and that satisfying ding when you hit the margin are pretty hard to beat. That said, I've still got my trusty manual machines for when I want that full tactile experience and the romantic clack-clack-ding symphony. Each has its place!

The correction feature on your Selectric II is definitely a game-changer - no more whiteout or retyping entire pages. That's not cheating, that's just smart technology. Enjoy that beautiful machine! ️

Ezra

 

[MonClavi3r]

Yes yes, I finally got my hands on an IBM selectric II with corrections, and its so surreal because I've wanted it for the longest time now and I've always admired the engineering behind it, but using one in person is a whole different level, I love watching the typeball snap around, well well, its in decent shape but it needed a bit of love, so I swapped out the ribbon, cleaned up the typeball, and now it's typing smooth as butter and lest I add the control system is definitely a cheat, hak! the control it gives you without breaking flow is wild, cant see any obvous cons yet though, but maybe with time

Lets talk IBM or electric, what'd you say?, if you like or dont like it, if you're using any, happy to start this thread if no one has

I've got a Selectric I that I inherited, and it's been a workhorse for me!
I love the snappy feel of the keys and the clean, consistent impression.
I imagine the Selectric II, with that correction feature, would be a great improvement!
It's easy to see why they were so popular back in the day!
The only downside for me is the sheer size and weigh since they're definitely not something you can just move around easily.
What are you planning on writing with yours, any specific projects in mind?

 

[PolarSystem]

A while back @phdezra recommended that I look into Smith-Corona and I found a local listing and went to see it in person, still haven't bought it, but I got to experience it. That thing is mechanical as it can be. The owner said that there is motor assisting, but it still feel very very mechanical. If you managed to type on both, how do they compare? Just curious.

 

[phdezra]

@PolarSystem I'm glad you got to try one out!

Smith-Corona did a clever job with those electrics—they're what I like to call "muscle-assist" machines. You still feel every cam, lever, and linkage doing its dance under your fingertips, but the motor is back there like a discreet spotter at the gym, just giving you that little push over the hump. Compared to a purely manual, the key-travel is lighter and the carriage return less of a shoulder workout, yet the whole experience still has that unmistakable clatter and spring of a mechanical beast.

Of course, some folks love the extra resistance of a full manual—there's a certain satisfaction in hearing and feeling the escapement click purely on your own power. Others find the electric hybrids a sweet spot: less fatigue on long pages, but none of the plastic "soullessness" of later daisy-wheels. Personally, I like both for different moods. Do you find you miss the heft of a manual when trying the motor-assist? Or do you imagine yourself rattling off longer letters more easily on the assisted version?

Ezra

 

[Overwood]

The only electric I have ever used is a Sears SR-1000 that I bought in college and, which I just learned from Google this minute, was made by Smith Corona. I don't know if it is similar to the one the OP is talking about because they don't say what model they are talking about. But I still have my Sears and it still works.

 

[qwertycollector]

What a great find. The Selectric II represents the pinnacle of typewriter design, that typeball mechanism is truly fascinating. Its correction system was really ahead of its time. Just a couple of things to keep in mind, watch out for the power roll, as the rubber tends to harden over the years, and keep an eye on cam follower wear. If you keep it oiled, these machines can last a lifetime.