In my modest collection, two typewriters can be mentioned in the same breath because they exemplify an era that put a premium on modernist elegance. That said, I find it interesting that they are not elegant in the same way. Below are my descriptions of each machine within the frame of the modernist design "school" that birthed them. The two typewriters in question are easily among my most attractive: Smith-Corona Sterling Floating Shift and Olivetti Studio 42.
Of course, the question that arises from this double spotlight is "which is the superior machine?" Or perhaps "which machine do I choose if I had to pick only one?" For me, it would be a mistake to pit the two in an artificial typewriter beauty contest. Each has its own special qualities; both are remarkable machines in their own right. And truth be told, they look ridiculously good together.
What might be some interesting pairings from your own collection?
* See also my older posts on SC Floating Shift and Olivetti Studio 42.
12 comments:
Beautiful machines, both, Ton. And they can't really be compared in terms of design because the Smith-Corona is all gentle sloping curves while the Studio 42 (gotta get one of those) is almost all about straight lines. Nice typewriters. I know the SC is a nice typer, if it's anything like my '46 Stirling, but how's the Olivetti to type on?
Someone commented in my blog some time ago that he compared collecting typewriters with being "in the hunt for the perfect machine", a never-ending hunt because one find has features and characteristics the others lack. There's no such thing as a "perfect" typewriter, and that's what keeps us "in the hunt".
I'm personally partial to Art Deco and its variations; I find the curved, streamlined designs very attractive, particularly in industrial objects (in architecture I'm still debating between Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Mid Century Modern).
Perhaps a couple of pairings I would try would be: Corona 3 Vs Underwood 3; Oliver 5 Vs Hammond Multiplex (as soon as both work...); Corona 4 Vs. Remington Portable 2 (love those raising typebars!); and in an electric mood: IBM Model D Vs. Selectric I.
Now if you ask me which is my favorite typewriter, the answer usually is, "the one I'm using at the moment".
My personal taste runs to streamlined Deco, but they are both classy typewriters.
I wouldn't kick either one of those beauties out of bed, y'know?
Each one is elegant and lovely in its own right. I agree that competition is unnecessary.
I prefer the Studio 42, but this opinion might not be un-biased - and so far, I've not seen a Floating Shift in person.
@teeritz, thanks, I'd like to think they complement each other. They're two different expressions of a particular era. I do hope you snag a Studio 42, it's a very well designed machine. There's a softness to the typing feel that almost encourages your fingers to type elegantly, it does not need a heavy pounding.
@Miguel, true, but I do think that it's even more satisfying when your hunt is based on criteria you've set for yourself. I totally agree that the favorite machine is the one currently in use! I'm glad you answered my question on possible pairings. How about your Remington 25 vs. Studio 46? That should be interesting.
@Richard, I somehow predicted that you'd choose the SC Floating Shift.
@Florian, I somehow predicted that you'd choose the Olivetti Studio 42.
@Ted, @Dana, you said it, I couldn't agree more!
I would go for the Smith-Corona. Both of those machines are great so if I had both I would never settle for just one (kind of like the potato chips -- bet you can't eat just one...).
Exquisite machines.
I love my speedline Sterling, but i have rather lusted after one of those Studio 42 machines for quite some time. Nice comparison.
Naturally, it's a very subjective choice. The studio 42 is more ofr a 50's refined home living kind of design, while the Speedline nicely captures the opulence of an era that is oddly so foreign to us now.
I love the look of that red streamline job. I know Olivettis enough to assume I would want to type on the studio 42 and look at the sterling. I find most Coronas too stiff, except for my 3.
Both machines are beautiful in their own way. I've seen less than perfect streamlined Coronas in burgundy in person. Nice lines; nice feel. However, the Olivetti is a rarity. As irrational as it sounds, the unattainable has more appeal.
@Bill, thanks, I certainly understand your choice.
@Scott, interesting that you described the 1939 Studio 42 as evoking a 50's design, just shows that it was ahead of its time.
@Peter, preference for typing feel really varies from typist to typist, doesn't it. I'm moody about it, sometimes I like the Studio 44 resistance, and at other times, I just want a buttery soft Hermes 3000.
@Dwayne, not irrational at all. Unattainability is extremely attractive!
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