Comments on: Olivetti Underwood Lettera 32

By: klack goes the keyboard - an ode to the good old typewriter

klack goes the keyboard - an ode to the good old typewriter — Mon, 01 Jan 2024 14:00:50 +0000

[…] De Luxe (which started production in 1969). Then there is my favourite portable of all time, the Olivetti Lettera 32. It was produced from 1963 and was once described as “one of history’s most beautiful writing […]

By: Nina

Nina — Fri, 21 Jul 2023 06:40:14 +0000

Tell it to be quiet. It’s not a silent one or super quiet.

By: Rafael Cesar

Rafael Cesar — Sat, 01 May 2021 17:16:50 +0000

I have two Letteras 32 made in Spain. One has a normal bell and the other a very quiet bell (annoying, indeed). The difference is in the size of the metal tip that drags/pushes the bell hammer as the carriage moves. The quiet one has a small tip, so it pushes the bell hammer for only two or three “types” (would that be the word?), while the other is longer and keeps pushing the bell hammer for five or six types (so it releases the hammer from a longer distance, with more pressure, and hits the bell harder). To make things worse, the one with the quiet bell has a really beautiful/modern typeface. I might swap the metal pieces that drags the bell to have a Lettera 32 with a nice bell with and a beautiful typeface.

One question: I find my Letteras a bit noisy. Any idea how to improve this besides using a good pad? Thanks!

By: Madmud

Madmud — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 15:48:40 +0000

In reply to Jeffrey Burke. Aluminium...

By: My Weapon of Choice – Hugo Fenderbender

My Weapon of Choice – Hugo Fenderbender — Sat, 13 Feb 2021 00:58:56 +0000

[…] with my trusty Olivetti Lettera 32 typewriter with its easy-going basket shift, I dabble in transcribing the world around me. | […]

By: Daniel Marleau

Daniel Marleau — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 12:29:26 +0000

In reply to Jeffrey Burke. Great question! I don’t know. I’ve cleaned with ordinary water without any issues.

By: Jeffrey Burke

Jeffrey Burke — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 21:04:26 +0000

I have a 1965 Lettera 32, dating it from the serial number, and the original case. Do you know what the case is made of? I would like to clean it a bit, the case, but I’m worried it might be leather.

By: Kevin

Kevin — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 19:19:08 +0000

I picked up a beautiful 32 at a second hand store for 15 dollars Canadian just a couple of days ago. It came complete with the case which was in excellent shape and the original instruction card. It also came with new replacement ribbon. I typed a “test page” and it turned out pretty good. I’m now ready to switch from writing with my computer to writing with this work-of-art 32. I was never a professional writer, however this new journey into the art of writing has given me the inspiration to move on, and thanks to my new acquisition; the Lettera 32, it has propelled me forward into the writing world.

By: James

James — Tue, 16 Jan 2018 12:17:44 +0000

In reply to Sanjib. Metal. The 32 is metal.

By: Sanjib

Sanjib — Tue, 16 Jan 2018 07:28:40 +0000

May I know what material the body of the Olivetti Underwood Lettera 32 is made of? It looks plastic or similar material to me. Or am I wrong!