P.S.- Go for the ones actually made in Italy. Some were made in Spain, and I hear that those aren't as good, but I've actually never done a comparison in person. Mine is an Italian one. :)
I've got a '65 Lettera 32 and I agree, the touch is unbeatable in a portable. I'd say its on par with my well-worn SM9 and the only manual typewriter I own that types better is my SG1.
And I don't have any dirty or beaten up typewriters here, so that is saying something. It really is the perfect travel size and works just as well typing on my lap as it does on a desk.
I have one of the Spanish variety and I have to say that it is an incredible typer. It's become my daily typer. I'm not sure there's any difference in quality between the Italian version and the Spanish version because I've never typed on the Italian variety, but I can tell you that my Spanish Lettera is an excellent machine, a solid little typer through and through.
The L32s were also made here in Chile, where I live. Mine is one of these, locally made, and it is simply beautiful and a joy to use. It has become my favorite day-to-day machine, out of the 30-odd that I have. I could type on it all day long without problems and without getting tired, something I can't say of my "wish-I-could-love-it-more" Olympia SM4. Great little machine.
I own a made in Spain Lettera 32 that has outlived two Italian made ones. It works brilliantly and it is just a great performer. I think the bad rap is all about speakers from languages that lack the ñ being annoyed at the fact it shows up in those keyboards.
I have two Italian made and two Spain made. There is no great differences in performing. However spanish are newer. And newer is, of course, better. Especially for the rubber parts. I have also two nice 22. These machine are made to last for decades!
I have two Lettera 32 (Italy) and two made in Spain. Seem perform equally, both are well made. Spanish are newer, and so seem to be slightly better in the rubber parts. Only for age.
Just got one made in Spain. I also have one from Italy. Side by side I cannot tell a difference in the typing. Both are great typers. Looking at the mechanics I doubt there is any quality difference.
Ah, one of my favorites. The one I keep next to my computer, in fact.
ReplyDeleteThe original laptop!
I've got a '65 Lettera 32 and I agree, the touch is unbeatable in a portable. I'd say its on par with my well-worn SM9 and the only manual typewriter I own that types better is my SG1.
ReplyDeleteAnd I don't have any dirty or beaten up typewriters here, so that is saying something. It really is the perfect travel size and works just as well typing on my lap as it does on a desk.
Yes, this thing is absolutely amazing. I always wanted an Olivetti, and when I got it I was ecstatic!
ReplyDeleteI have one of the Spanish variety and I have to say that it is an incredible typer. It's become my daily typer. I'm not sure there's any difference in quality between the Italian version and the Spanish version because I've never typed on the Italian variety, but I can tell you that my Spanish Lettera is an excellent machine, a solid little typer through and through.
ReplyDeleteThe L32s were also made here in Chile, where I live. Mine is one of these, locally made, and it is simply beautiful and a joy to use. It has become my favorite day-to-day machine, out of the 30-odd that I have. I could type on it all day long without problems and without getting tired, something I can't say of my "wish-I-could-love-it-more" Olympia SM4.
ReplyDeleteGreat little machine.
I own a made in Spain Lettera 32 that has outlived two Italian made ones. It works brilliantly and it is just a great performer. I think the bad rap is all about speakers from languages that lack the ñ being annoyed at the fact it shows up in those keyboards.
ReplyDeleteI have two Italian made and two Spain made. There is no great differences in performing. However spanish are newer. And newer is, of course, better. Especially for the rubber parts. I have also two nice 22. These machine are made to last for decades!
ReplyDeleteI have also two Lettera 35 (Spain). Great also.
ReplyDeleteI have two Lettera 32 (Italy) and two made in Spain. Seem perform equally, both are well made. Spanish are newer, and so seem to be slightly better in the rubber parts. Only for age.
ReplyDeleteJust got one made in Spain. I also have one from Italy.
ReplyDeleteSide by side I cannot tell a difference in the typing.
Both are great typers. Looking at the mechanics I doubt there is any quality difference.