Olympia SM8 Guide

The Olympia SM8, is very elegantly designed. They have a smooth carriage motion and very clean, reliable typing action.

The carriage is locked, which is released with a switch in the upper left of the keyboard. Releasing that should start the action!

This is a weak design link, and sometimes can get a little stuck after shipping. Just fyi. Nudge to release.

This is distinguished from the SM9 by the tabs, which on this machine are in the rear and are set manually. This is a benefit in the sense that the SM9 tabs sometimes jam, and these never do.

It should last decades without much maintenance. It can take a 2-tone or a black ribbon.

The case hinges are sometimes a little weak. They are designed to separate so you can write with the machine attached to the bottom. Of course, this also means they often fall apart. In other words, never trust your prized machine to 60 year old plywood case: carry it carefully, strap it shut when needed, check it sometimes, etc.

Here is the manual for this model. Please let me know if you have questions.

That paper that your note came on can be purchased here.

And the SM8 uses a universal ribbon size, which is here.

Enjoy the written rapture!