I now have a working $10 (AUD) Lexikon 83DL typewriter and a second Pica 15 golf ball (in addition to the Eletto 12 ball I obtained by buying a non-working Lexikon 82).
I say “working” even though the ribbon is bone dry, and the chug-a-chug-chug of the drive belt sounds like it was transplanted from an old washing machine.
A bigger problem is the lack of a new (old stock) ribbon. The prospect of finding one is not good.
According to advertising of the time (1977) these Lexikon 82/83-compatible and SCM Vantage/Intrepid-compatible ribbons were once available in 5 colours.
It’s worth repeating, the Olivetti Lexikon 82/83DL (and, for that matter, the Smith Corona Vantage and Intrepid) is NOT more portable than my Brother Super 7300 golf ball typewriter, despite its more streamlined shape.
In terms of bulk and weight, they’re “on a par” (golfing pun intended).
While I’m on the subject, I should mention I updated my A Whole New Ball Game post to make mention of a few golf ball typewriters I missed the first time around.
4 responses to “Lex Looter”
That Lexikon is a triumph of futuristic ’70s design. Back in that decade, I had a collection of Milton Glaser posters, including his ads for this machine and for the Valentine. There was a feeling of excitement and coolness around those typewriters.
Yeah it’s a fabric ribbon. The spools are also partly exposed on the underside. Worth a try… 😀
Is it a cloth ribbon? Might want to try the old “WD-40” trick, if you can either crack open the ribbon shell or just pull out all the ribbon, WD-40 it, then crank it back into the cartridge. I have had luck with dried-up Nakajima cloth ribbon cartridges.
I like the futuristic Olivetti styling. The key tops look very similar to the Praxis 48.