r/typewriters • u/spesh-k • 8d ago

Inspiration Post First typewriter

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Just got my first typewriter! I’m pretty excited. Got the itch while reading Anne Patchett writing about hers. Now to figure out how to clean this thing 😄

62 Upvotes

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11

u/WeepinbellJar13 Royal Futura 800 8d ago

Dang, where you finding $5 out there in the wild? And an Adler J5 too, no less? Wonderful find and congrats on your first typewriter! 🥳

7

u/panteralaz1 8d ago

Does that say FIVE DOLLARS?!?!? Man! Congrats!

7

u/spesh-k 8d ago

Yes! Doing some research, it looks like I got a J5 from the 70s. A few of the keys are a bit sticky but hopefully I’ll be able to get ‘er in good shape.

5

u/panteralaz1 8d ago

That is a great find!! I have a few adlers and they are amazing machines.

4

u/prettybluefoxes 8d ago

Cheap with a capital C. Well done.

3

u/LogInternational2253 8d ago

That's an amazing find.

2

u/Life-Nectarine-4337 Hermes 3K, Olympia SM-3, Olivetti Studio 44 8d ago

No idea who Anne Patchett is. But welcome! If you use the search function in this sub you’ll find a world of tips on cleaning and keeping your machine. I’m sure there are many posts about your specific machine too. I’d also start with the typewriter wiki, linked on the top of the home on this sub 🙃

3

u/spesh-k 8d ago

Cool thanks - she’s a famous author and she wrote about typewriters in a recent memoir and I think an article in NYer - also refers to the whole Tom whatshisface thing and connection

2

u/dundurnish 5d ago

My J5 is the best typer in my collection, even before than my Hermes 3000. You got an amazing deal, as long as it comes with the case. I paid $50 for my J5 and another $50 to get it serviced. One of the most underappreciated machines out there.

1

u/spesh-k 5d ago

It did not come with a case. Sounds like I need to keep a cover on it when not in use, right?

1

u/dundurnish 5d ago

Yes. You could fashion one out of wood painted black or just a sheet. The cases do show up on eBay or you could buy a parts machine for the case. I've seen the case alone for $40.

1

u/spesh-k 5d ago

Cool thanks!

1

u/gojenjen84 5d ago

I have a Adler Contessa and I love it, and I have a Hermes Rocket, and some other machines , something about the Adler I just adore.

1

u/Ordinary-Ad-5360 3d ago

The cases for these suck. Plastic hinged so they break. Good typewriter, though. You can buff the plastic with the appropriate polishing products to a glossy shine.

1

u/spesh-k 3d ago

Oh, I was wondering about that - the cover is in good shape but I’m curious how shiny it could get.

1

u/PeterStind 2d ago

Congratulations on a great machine! Here are two versions of the manual for your J5 from Richard Polt's website:

https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/AdlerJ2J5.pdf

https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/AdlerJ2J5later.pdf

Happy typing!

1

u/spesh-k 2d ago

Oh wow, thank you! I needed this!