Welcome to one of history's finest portable typewriters, lovingly restored for your writing pleasure.

You’ll get the exact machine pictured. There is one is now available, and when it's gone, it's gone.

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In my experience, the Olympia SF is one of the finest ultra portables ever made. It's flat, compact, and built with refreshing precision. The angles are unique to the era and inspiring. I like the minimalist ‘industrial’ aesthetic, personally. The durability and attention to detail are impossible to match.

This one came out of the Olympia factory in Wilhelmshaven, West Germany, circa 1965.

"SF" stands for Schreibmaschine Flach, or flat typewriter, and it lives up to the name. It slides into a bag or onto a café table and takes up a fairly small footprint. I like to type with the ribbon cover off for a steampunk vibe. Though probably keep it on for protection for the most part (sigh).

Most ultra-portables give up stability for portability. The SF is the exception. The typing action is crisp and even; the carriage glides like butter. The smaller type bars make for ultra light action, reminiscent of a Lettera 32.

By the way, design-wise, this is like the little sibling to the 60’s Olympia SM9. If you need a stable that includes a portable and an ultra portable that match, this is the pair that is probably one of the highest quality matches you can get.

The case zipper can be a weak link, as any 70 year old zipper is. We get ones that work or partially work. Even if it ever dies, you can tuck this machine into a bag or backpack with relative ease.

We source the cleanest examples we can find and then restore them properly.

Take it with you, and write on.

Features:

• Ultra-flat, compact design, about 12 lbs

• Cream finish with teal accent keys

• Adjustable margins

• Two-color ribbon selector with stencil setting

• Single, 1.5, double line spacing.

• Carriage lock for transport

• Original metal ribbon spools

• Automatic ribbon reversal

• Automatic spring-loaded paper support

• Pica or Elite typeface

• Visible margin indicators

• All metal construction, with a few plastic knobs and buttons

Includes:

• Fresh 2-tone ribbon, installed

• [Original case / no case]

• Digital copy of the owner's manual

• The Classic Typewriter Guarantee

• Lifetime Trade-in Policy

• New feed rollers, platen.

Condition:

• These often have a ding where the fold down carriage lever hits the body during transport.

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We restore beautiful machines and put them in the hands of writers, poets, and dreamers. Our factory-trained technicians do the difficult magic. We pride ourselves on quality, and we won't rest until you're thrilled.

When the inspiration strikes, be ready!™

Choose your Condition at checkout:

EXCELLENT = Daily Writer Fully restored and ready for heavy daily use. Clean, smooth, reliable. All mechanical issues addressed. May show light cosmetic wear from 60+ years of age. Perfect for writers who want a stunning working tool that will write and write.

1 YEAR WARRANTY.

BEST = Pristine cosmetic condition. Collector-grade aesthetics with flawless mechanics. For those that require or demand the best.

3 YEAR WARRANTY

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If you have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. (There is also a form at checkout where you can put requests, concerns, usage, etc).

📧 Email: steven@classictypewriter.com

Most sincerely,

Steven Budden Jr.

Classic Typewriter Co.

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

classictypewriter.com

WHAT SETS US APART

Our Promise | Warranty | Working Guarantee | Lifetime Tradein Policy

RESOURCES

FAQ | Condition Explanation

REVIEWS

Karl S. Dec 9, 2024 — "Typewriter exceeded my expectations. The Hermes 3000 has become my new workhorse typewriter. A gorgeous piece of European ingenuity."

Gaye M. Sep 2, 2025 — "It's PERFECT!! Steven was with me every time I got in touch with any question."

Hope Bennett Jan 22, 2025 — "The typewriter will have a permanent position of honor in my sunroom."

Tracy N. Nov 4, 2024 — "A beautiful machine and works like a charm. I'm looking forward to many days of happy writing. Great service."

Douglas C. Jan 4, 2026 — "Beautiful typewriter, outstanding service. Highly recommend!"