The amazing IBM Selectric II typewriter - an electro-mechanical marvel!

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2023-08-02に共有

This 1979 IBM Selectric II (non-correcting) wasn't working at all when I got it. Some investigation revealed that the plug hadn't been wired properly! I spent several nights cleaning it out, flushing and lubricating some of its moving parts, and was overjoyed when it kicked into life and began to type. Here is a demonstration of the typewriter in action. I hope to make another video showing how I brought it back to life.

I have yearned for a Selectric for a long time. Last year, I bought three of them, but only one showed any signs of life. Now, all three have working motors, but two of the machines need more work to get them working. The one in the video is a bit dirty, and the outer case has seen better days, but it works a treat!

コメント (15)

@BokBarber 1ヶ月前

I just recently brought a correcting Selectric II back from the dead, and it's quickly become my favorite machine. I cannot believe that they managed to make such a refined user experience without any electronics except a motor.
@karenoloughlin5902 11ヶ月前

I and my secretary had these wonderful, serviceable machines. I wasn't bad, but she could type 110 words per of camera ready copy with NO mistakes for the brochures we printed for the University conferences. She was a treasure. So sad when she retired. Then I got a college student (45 words per) who thought clean copy meant making horrid corrections, i.e., a letter sunk into a glob of whie-out! Useless for printing. 😂 Haven't thought of that in years.
@HJKelley47 6ヶ月前

I put myself through college in the late 60s-early 70s as a medical transcriptionist, typing 130+ WPM on both the Selectric II and III. My IBM repairman said my problem was that I typed so fast that the ball did not get time to realign before I had typed 3-4 more keys causing it to jam. I had to slow down a bit to eliminate that problem. I still love the Selectric III. Would love to secure another one in good shape.
@AtelierDBurgoyne 11ヶ月前

Looking fantastic typing on the green Selectric II. I also have a green 1981 Correcting Selectric III. Expect a letter coming to you! Daniel
@brooksrownd2275 8ヶ月前

Beautiful electro-mechanical music for us oldsters. Exhilarating to hear one again.
@JonSmith-xt1cb 11ヶ月前

Awesome, nostalgia, reminds me of late dad's from 70s
@hese61 6ヶ月前

The sound of Selectric typewriters is so soothing. Brings back good memories.
@susankuver8378 10ヶ月前

Congratulations on your repair of this green Selectric II ! Quite an achievement, Anthony! Great job!
@paulgaughran4999 11ヶ月前

I enjoyed this much more than I expected to, - having seen your video of that Text Ball in action in slow motion has helped I am Sure !! Great work Anthony, a great achievement Sir
@NewleafTypewriters-iz1fy 10ヶ月前

What wonderful euphony. I could listen to you type on this all day!
@kickinghorse2405 11ヶ月前

Lol! This is the machine on which I learned to type. I had forgotten about the "whhhhr" sound.
@onemoremisfit 10ヶ月前

I have an old Smith Corona that somebody gave to me long ago. It uses cartridges with correction, I still have some new cartridges for it, and it worked fine the last time I used it. But it has literally collected dust (heavy dust) for close to 30 years now. Maybe I should clean it up and see if it still works.
@waynebird6062 11ヶ月前

Might be me but listening to the typing it’s so therapeutic you will need some hand therapy after a few pages Anthony
@typingcat 3ヶ月前

Would have been good, if it did not have that base motor noise.