Comments on: Royal Futura 800

By: BishopShapiro

BishopShapiro — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 14:38:45 +0000

In reply to Scott Bierly. I'm curious...which is/are your favorites?

By: Scott Bierly

Scott Bierly — Sun, 13 Feb 2022 17:20:12 +0000

Between this review and all the comments, I can only smile that smile that only us typewriter collectors can appreciate. It seems there can be no agreement on what is a “good”, “not so good”, or “the best” typewriter, there are so so many variables in taste, and these old machines come in wide ranging conditions. My first two typewriters, bought years ago in complete ignorance (maybe I read something online) were a Futura 800 and a Hermes 3000. I could not decide which one I liked typing on better, there were pros and cons. The Future was much more attractive than the late-model 3000. I just bought my 3rd Futura, I find the gorgeous lines and colors irresistible. Very many machines later, I now know that neither of my first machines are my favorite typers, or lookers, Are any of the Futura 800’s in my top 10? Probably not quite. But this evolved QDL is a great machine and a looker, don’t be dissuaded!

By: Restoring My Soul One Key at a Time - Chiara Talluto

Restoring My Soul One Key at a Time - Chiara Talluto — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 00:05:03 +0000

[…] Royal Futura 800 […]

By: Chiara T.

Chiara T. — Sat, 07 Dec 2019 17:53:33 +0000

In reply to AdventuresInAnkara. Hi there. Wow! It worked. Thank you. I unclasped it and slid it forward and viola'. Thank you so much for your reply back. Next...ribbon spooling.

By: AdventuresInAnkara

AdventuresInAnkara — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 16:19:57 +0000

In reply to Chiara T.. Hi Chiara, I saw your comment so thought I would answer. The typewriter should have a lever on each side. Pull those out then slide it forward. That's it. Do not replace the spools. Measure the width of the ribbon and buy the same width. It is pretty easy to figure out how to put the new ribbon onto the old spool. Good luck!

By: Chiara T.

Chiara T. — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 21:58:56 +0000

Hi Daniel. I came across your post doing research on the Royal Futura 800. I found it at a Good Will store for my 11 year old daughter for Christmas. This one comes in a suitcase. It seems in decent shape. I have to clean it up. It even has the metal spools that I love. I can’t get it out of the case to clean though. Any knowledge on how to remove it? Also, do you know a good vendor on Amazon that sells the metal spools with black ribbon? Appreciate your thoughts. Thank you!

By: AdventuresInAnkara

AdventuresInAnkara — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 00:07:27 +0000

In reply to John.

Hi John, I’ve take mine apart – just for practice. A clip-like piece fell out of each side as I removed the sides. I didn’t see them before they fell out and have no idea how/where to put them back in. I would love to talk to you about it.

By: Ricky Garni

Ricky Garni — Fri, 05 Oct 2018 19:32:27 +0000

UPDATE: So, I have been using The Royal 600 Futura for about a week or so and I love it. Yes – the feel is a little plastic-like, but in a joyful way. In a way, it resembles my Olympia SM9 a bit (not at all like the hearty SM3) – The font is fantastic. All systems go. Don’t be afraid of buying this machine. Now if it were only blue.

By: Ricky Garni

Ricky Garni — Mon, 24 Sep 2018 19:00:28 +0000

I purchased a Royal 600 Futura online a few days ago before reading your review and of course my heart sank a little. Still waiting for it and we’ll see – heartened in the meantime however by John’s response in ’16. I bought it for three reasons: cool look; great name; nifty type font (as mentioned) and – bonus reason – the top flipping up when you press the ‘Royal.’ From the looks of the typing sample they sent (see link) this might work out better than the one you have/tried; I hope so. I am in the opposite camp with the Olivetti Studio 44 – I love the clunky feel by the type itself (even after changing the ribbon) is rather ragged. Might require some pro help. I still love it, though: https://www.etsy.com/transaction/1498729669

By: TomR

TomR — Wed, 14 Sep 2016 14:46:41 +0000

Thanks for the review, good info. I agree, that typeface is reason alone to seek out Futuras. The typeface is apparently called “Merit”, and was the “standard” typeface on most Futuras. However, as Mark above points out, there were many other typefaces available. I find the Futura an eminently enjoyable typewriter; it’s no Quiet Deluxe, but then again, not many other typewriters are either.