1979 Olivetti Lexikon 83 DL #E12-244142
Status: My Collection
Hunter: James Grooms (jgrooms)
Created: 09-15-2025 at 06:12PM
Last Edit: 10-24-2025 at 04:53PM
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Description:
Update-
I successfully wound a new 5/8 in nylon ribbon into an Olivetti cartridge and super glued it back together. This new ribbon is not much darker than the 30 yr old ribbon. I also added some backing for the hard platen.
I’m not sure how, or even if, the impression/strike force can be adjusted. Can the ball be worn?
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After getting it unstuck and figuring out the tab switch, it is working. There was one spring missing (image w/ arrow) that wouldn't allow the tab button to return all the way, so this was jamming everything else up. Watch for the rubber body grommets on these. They turn to mush and get all over everything. I imagine these have taken out some of the drive side belts on some. For disassembly, take out the four bottom screws and then flip it back over and lift the mechanism and top shell up and out together.
The motor has a date of May 1979 on it, so I am calling this a 1979 model. First ads in 1976 and the last of them in 1982.
I have disassembled a ribbon cartridge and I am going to get one of these going!
Typeface Specimen:
Links:
Photos:
Hunter: James Grooms (jgrooms)
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Status: Typewriter Hunter
Points: 17413
Typewriters are the perfect blend of using one's technical skills, history and functional purpose. My goal is type tested machines. My interests are not isolated to anyone area. For example, I am a big fan of Smith Corona electrics, mid century electrics and all things Royal.
RESEARCH NOTE: When researching the Olivetti Lexikon 83 DL on a computer with lots of screen real estate, you may find that launching the Olivetti Serial Number page and the Olivetti Lexikon 83 DL By Model/Year/Serial page in new browser windows can give you interesting perspectives on changes throughout the model series.
