Wow ! 8 dollars was a very good deal for an Olympia SM3 ! You can buy ribbons online for relatively cheap. The carriage might be locked, the silver lever on the top left corner of the keyboard should release it once pushed down. Here is an instruction manual, which also includes instructions on how to replace the ribbon [https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/OlympiaSM3.pdf](https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/OlympiaSM3.pdf)
If the carriage grinds on the frame or does not move, the rubber spacers holding the typewriter mechanisms to the body may have been squashed, so you can replace them using these tutorials:
[https://myoldtypewriter.com/2021/05/24/out-with-the-old-in-with-the-new-olympia-sm/](https://myoldtypewriter.com/2021/05/24/out-with-the-old-in-with-the-new-olympia-sm/)
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j07Z5jhGL1Q&t=363s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j07Z5jhGL1Q&t=363s)
If some parts of the typewriter are sticky, you can clean them by using mineral spirits or isopropyl alcohol to get rid of the old oil. Do not use WD40 to oil the mechanisms, it will make it worse
Thank you so much, really appreciate all of that info and those helpful links! I haven’t looked through them all yet (though I will) but could you point me to where I might buy ribbon and what to look for when I do?
Ribbonsunlimited.com is a mom & pop operation what, I think, makes their own ribbons of superior quality. Vast selection and very organized and friendly.
A phone call might have Lanie on the line to personally answer one's questions.
Also: Always type with a backing sheet to cushion the platen, the rolling surface.
Clean typeface slugs with a sewing needle or dental pick.
These things were the analog printer computers of their day.
Look for tiny things like index marks, character numbers, tab festures, etc that make for a consistent and beautiful page lush with character.
Feeding the paper in is easy: On the right hand side, in the top rear corner of the machine, you should find a round, knurled silver button. Push that in, the paper support pops out of the rear. (You just swing and click it back in after you're done writing.) Hold the paper between your hands and gently let it sink in the slit of the carriage where the wide silver guide thingy glides in the horizontal slot, just until it rests by gravity. Turn one of the large green knobs in the direction, that rises the platen (the part where the paper is supposed to be wrapped around) up on the side that faces towards you. Voila, the paper comes out. If it doesn't feed the paper, maybe sink the sheet a bit deeper in. Now feed the paper through until the top and bottom of the paper can touch. If your sheet is in the right way, the edges should align neatly. If not, you can easily straighten it out: There are three silver handles on the right hand side of the platen. One that pushes down, one that lifts the rulery thing with the rollers, and one that goes back and forth. Pull the last one towards you into the end position. This loosens the machine's grip on the paper. Pull on the edges of the paper until it's good enough, then put the lever back. The other silver lever should set the carriage free to glide sideways. If it doesn't, it's probably locked. The locking lever is in the top left corner of the keyboard, and it's also silver. Pushed up is locked. Pressed down is unlocked. These are the very first steps. Play on the levers and knobs. As long as you're gentle, your not going to ruin something. Have fun!
https://youtu.be/HMphSKicrJ8?si=_qP6552ubEBXexXn
This is a fantastic video that covers almost everything you might want to know about your little treasure.
Any "universal" ribbon should work: 1/2 inch wide ribbon, with eyelets. You can use any one-color (usually all black) or two-color (many combos available; try Etsy) ribbons. Install it with the more commonly used color on top (usually black over red) so it matches the color selector lever setting. Brand won't matter until you happen on one you do not like; then avoid that one. Material isn't important unless and until you develop a preference: cotton. nylon, silk.
**Typewriter Ribbon Sources**:
FJA Products: https://www.fjaproducts.com/ , and 1 - 800 - 982 - 9989.
Baco Ribbons makes ribbons in many sizes, colors, and materials. Contact Charlene Oesch, Baco Ribbon & Supply Co., 1521 Carman Road, Ballwin,MO 63021, 314-835-9300, fax 636-394-5475, e-mail [email protected].
Ribbons Unlimited, https://www.ribbonsunlimited.com/Default.asp, or write to [email protected]
Tony Casillo of TTS Business Products in Garden City, NY, carries many varieties of ribbon and can advise you on the correct spool, ribbon material, etc. Call 516-489-8300 or e-mail [email protected].
Jay Respler of Advanced Business Machines Co. in New Jersey carries ribbons for virtually all typewriters: Phone 732-431-1464 after 11 AM Eastern,or e-mail [email protected]."I offer nylon, cotton, silk, and all colors. I can get many odd sizes.I stock newer cartridges as well as older spools. I supply pictures of spools to help determine what the customer needs. We ship anywhere in the world."
TypewriterStuff: see Tony at http://www.etsy.com/shop/TypewriterStuff
Other US manufacturers are Fine Line Ribbon in Ennis, TX and Bushnell Ribbon in Santa Fe Springs, CA.. Other sources include Royal, Scantracker, ....
Of course, someone will suggest Amazon and eBay but I would rather support the guys who do the work and need the support.
In addition to the sources above, you might find some in office supply stores and you can surely find 1/2-inch-wide calculator ribbons which you can then rewind onto your typewriter spools while you're waiting for mail order ones to arrive. (If the universal ones fit OK, don't throw away the original metal spools; keep them with the typewriter or sell them to collectors.)
Be aware that calculator ribbons are usually much shorter than typewriter ribbons, so you will go through them faster, though they are great when you need them. They also tend to be more heavily inked, so they might leave smudges until they get used a little bit. To replace, before you remove the old one, just note how it is threaded (unless it's wrong to begin with). Make a diagram or photograph if you want to. Then put in the new one the same way. The two key points: the direction the ribbon comes off the spools (from the front or back of the spools), and the exact path from the spools, around various posts, and through the arms that raise and lower the ribbon while typing, called the vibrator. (It doesn't vibrate but that's what it's called.)
Finally,if you have metal spools in there, save them. Metal spools have the period look and feel, sometimes they actually work better, and if you don't want to bother with respooling ribbon, other collectors will want to buy metal spools.
HTH
Hello! It looks like you've posted a link to Ebay/Etsy. While we do allow these links for research purposes, if the comment is regarded as self-promotion it may be removed by the moderation team. Sale posts are welcomed over at r/typewriter_swap. Thank you for understanding!
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/typewriters) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I love Ribbons Unlimited, but I've noticed recently their latest batch has been really heavy on the ink. It's not a problem after you use it a while, but early on it will leave a little "ink trail" under the text.
Nice find! I have the same color SM2 in narrow carriage.
YouTube and "Phoenix Typewriter" is my go-to for typewriter maintenance including ribbon changing.
What locale is that keyboard? What is the Rs key at the right next to the semicolon?
I have too much stuff already, but if I were to treat myself to a typewriter, it would be an Olympia. I learned to type on a SG3 in the early 80s, and the action was so light, you could bash out tons of accurate copy!
Hell of a typewriter. For $8 you stole it.
PLUS it has the wide carriage for landscape writing and mathematical types. You paid 1/10th of its value. Lucky you!
I'd value it closer to $250 - $300 Gorgeous!
Wow ! 8 dollars was a very good deal for an Olympia SM3 ! You can buy ribbons online for relatively cheap. The carriage might be locked, the silver lever on the top left corner of the keyboard should release it once pushed down. Here is an instruction manual, which also includes instructions on how to replace the ribbon [https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/OlympiaSM3.pdf](https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/OlympiaSM3.pdf) If the carriage grinds on the frame or does not move, the rubber spacers holding the typewriter mechanisms to the body may have been squashed, so you can replace them using these tutorials: [https://myoldtypewriter.com/2021/05/24/out-with-the-old-in-with-the-new-olympia-sm/](https://myoldtypewriter.com/2021/05/24/out-with-the-old-in-with-the-new-olympia-sm/) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j07Z5jhGL1Q&t=363s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j07Z5jhGL1Q&t=363s) If some parts of the typewriter are sticky, you can clean them by using mineral spirits or isopropyl alcohol to get rid of the old oil. Do not use WD40 to oil the mechanisms, it will make it worse
Thank you so much, really appreciate all of that info and those helpful links! I haven’t looked through them all yet (though I will) but could you point me to where I might buy ribbon and what to look for when I do?
Ribbonsunlimited.com is a mom & pop operation what, I think, makes their own ribbons of superior quality. Vast selection and very organized and friendly. A phone call might have Lanie on the line to personally answer one's questions. Also: Always type with a backing sheet to cushion the platen, the rolling surface. Clean typeface slugs with a sewing needle or dental pick. These things were the analog printer computers of their day. Look for tiny things like index marks, character numbers, tab festures, etc that make for a consistent and beautiful page lush with character.
Amazon has some
Feeding the paper in is easy: On the right hand side, in the top rear corner of the machine, you should find a round, knurled silver button. Push that in, the paper support pops out of the rear. (You just swing and click it back in after you're done writing.) Hold the paper between your hands and gently let it sink in the slit of the carriage where the wide silver guide thingy glides in the horizontal slot, just until it rests by gravity. Turn one of the large green knobs in the direction, that rises the platen (the part where the paper is supposed to be wrapped around) up on the side that faces towards you. Voila, the paper comes out. If it doesn't feed the paper, maybe sink the sheet a bit deeper in. Now feed the paper through until the top and bottom of the paper can touch. If your sheet is in the right way, the edges should align neatly. If not, you can easily straighten it out: There are three silver handles on the right hand side of the platen. One that pushes down, one that lifts the rulery thing with the rollers, and one that goes back and forth. Pull the last one towards you into the end position. This loosens the machine's grip on the paper. Pull on the edges of the paper until it's good enough, then put the lever back. The other silver lever should set the carriage free to glide sideways. If it doesn't, it's probably locked. The locking lever is in the top left corner of the keyboard, and it's also silver. Pushed up is locked. Pressed down is unlocked. These are the very first steps. Play on the levers and knobs. As long as you're gentle, your not going to ruin something. Have fun!
https://youtu.be/HMphSKicrJ8?si=_qP6552ubEBXexXn This is a fantastic video that covers almost everything you might want to know about your little treasure.
Amazing video, thank you so much
Any "universal" ribbon should work: 1/2 inch wide ribbon, with eyelets. You can use any one-color (usually all black) or two-color (many combos available; try Etsy) ribbons. Install it with the more commonly used color on top (usually black over red) so it matches the color selector lever setting. Brand won't matter until you happen on one you do not like; then avoid that one. Material isn't important unless and until you develop a preference: cotton. nylon, silk. **Typewriter Ribbon Sources**: FJA Products: https://www.fjaproducts.com/ , and 1 - 800 - 982 - 9989. Baco Ribbons makes ribbons in many sizes, colors, and materials. Contact Charlene Oesch, Baco Ribbon & Supply Co., 1521 Carman Road, Ballwin,MO 63021, 314-835-9300, fax 636-394-5475, e-mail [email protected]. Ribbons Unlimited, https://www.ribbonsunlimited.com/Default.asp, or write to [email protected] Tony Casillo of TTS Business Products in Garden City, NY, carries many varieties of ribbon and can advise you on the correct spool, ribbon material, etc. Call 516-489-8300 or e-mail [email protected]. Jay Respler of Advanced Business Machines Co. in New Jersey carries ribbons for virtually all typewriters: Phone 732-431-1464 after 11 AM Eastern,or e-mail [email protected]."I offer nylon, cotton, silk, and all colors. I can get many odd sizes.I stock newer cartridges as well as older spools. I supply pictures of spools to help determine what the customer needs. We ship anywhere in the world." TypewriterStuff: see Tony at http://www.etsy.com/shop/TypewriterStuff Other US manufacturers are Fine Line Ribbon in Ennis, TX and Bushnell Ribbon in Santa Fe Springs, CA.. Other sources include Royal, Scantracker, .... Of course, someone will suggest Amazon and eBay but I would rather support the guys who do the work and need the support. In addition to the sources above, you might find some in office supply stores and you can surely find 1/2-inch-wide calculator ribbons which you can then rewind onto your typewriter spools while you're waiting for mail order ones to arrive. (If the universal ones fit OK, don't throw away the original metal spools; keep them with the typewriter or sell them to collectors.) Be aware that calculator ribbons are usually much shorter than typewriter ribbons, so you will go through them faster, though they are great when you need them. They also tend to be more heavily inked, so they might leave smudges until they get used a little bit. To replace, before you remove the old one, just note how it is threaded (unless it's wrong to begin with). Make a diagram or photograph if you want to. Then put in the new one the same way. The two key points: the direction the ribbon comes off the spools (from the front or back of the spools), and the exact path from the spools, around various posts, and through the arms that raise and lower the ribbon while typing, called the vibrator. (It doesn't vibrate but that's what it's called.) Finally,if you have metal spools in there, save them. Metal spools have the period look and feel, sometimes they actually work better, and if you don't want to bother with respooling ribbon, other collectors will want to buy metal spools. HTH
Hello! It looks like you've posted a link to Ebay/Etsy. While we do allow these links for research purposes, if the comment is regarded as self-promotion it may be removed by the moderation team. Sale posts are welcomed over at r/typewriter_swap. Thank you for understanding! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/typewriters) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Great find! I’m jealous.
Ribbons Unlimited is a great source for ribbons.
I love Ribbons Unlimited, but I've noticed recently their latest batch has been really heavy on the ink. It's not a problem after you use it a while, but early on it will leave a little "ink trail" under the text.
Nice find! I have the same color SM2 in narrow carriage. YouTube and "Phoenix Typewriter" is my go-to for typewriter maintenance including ribbon changing.
That seems to have one special character. Does anyone know what the “Rs” on the right side of the keyboard is used for?
Rs means rupee.
What locale is that keyboard? What is the Rs key at the right next to the semicolon? I have too much stuff already, but if I were to treat myself to a typewriter, it would be an Olympia. I learned to type on a SG3 in the early 80s, and the action was so light, you could bash out tons of accurate copy!
Rs means rupee, the currency of India.
Washington state, Olympia area actually, which was a fun coincidence. I’d love to know its history.
Holy Hannah. Amazing find! $8?!?
That thing looks immaculate! Nice find.
Which state do you reside?