If I recall correctly, there is only one model of manual typewriter for which ribbons are still being produced. Unfortunately, I can't recall the model and my Google-Fu is weak.
This doesn't mean that it's impossible to find ink for other models, but it will be harder (and they'll likely cost more), since there is a limited supply.
Hopefully, someone will be able to list the model I'm thinking of and help you out more than I've been able to. posted by asnider at 3:00 PM on July 29, 2011
IBM Selectric II...ribbons still available on amazon...easily interchangeable typeballs for various fonts...my mother had one of these and it was a workhorse of a machine... posted by sexyrobot at 3:04 PM on July 29, 2011
oh, and IIRC, it was the most mass-produced of all typewriters, ever...if you're gonna find parts and service for any machine, it's going to be this one posted by sexyrobot at 3:06 PM on July 29, 2011
It seems that Canon Typestar IR 50 ribbons are easy to find. As far as the actual typewriter, that I can't see for sale. I had a Typestar 6 way back, and even then it was part word processor. If you want a really old totally manual typewriter I'm guessing you'd have to re-ink your ribbon by hand, if such a thing is even possible. posted by Splunge at 3:06 PM on July 29, 2011
or did you mean manual as in 'not electric'?...in which case, never mind...you're going to have trouble...i did, however work on a decorating project recently that involved a wall of antique typewriters...ebay, PITA hand-inking of ribbons, and if possible, buy a backup as parts/service are now fully obsolete... posted by sexyrobot at 3:10 PM on July 29, 2011
Folks, the OP is asking about a manual machine, not Selectrics, or anything with a motor between their keyboard and the paper.
Eh, about 95% of manual machines can use a universal 1/2" width ribbon, on two spools, and they're not hard to find, as manual machines are still useful for filling in multi-part carbonless forms. Some machines, particularly those with 10 pt or larger type, need wider ribbons, like a 7/8" width ribbon, and some single color machines use only 5/16"" single color ribbons.
I have a 47 year old Remington 333, that I used in high school and college from 1965 to 1969, and on which I typed my application for degree from the university at which I eventually graduated, 35 years later, in 2004. The application for degree, from that large university, with lots of up to date, online technology courses, was a 3 part carbonless form, that no laser printer could complete... I still write letters on it, and have only had its platen re-rubbered once. Occasional type cleanings with a brush and some rubbing alcohol, and a few drops of oil here and there, have kept it, otherwise, in tip top typing shape. It happily uses 1/2 inch, two color, two spool universal ribbons.
Remingtons are tough, reliable manual machines, and a joy on which to bang away deathless prose. posted by paulsc at 3:28 PM on July 29, 2011 [7 favorites]
A year ago I had good luck finding a universal ribbon on ebay. No hand-inking required, and worked great. posted by jessicapierce at 4:12 PM on July 29, 2011
I actually just typed up 5 sets of liner notes for my MeFiswap CD mixes on a lovely old Smith Corona Sterling.
This is what the font looks like - it's definitely old-style. There's no "1" key, no exclamation point, or a lot of other modern punctuation. It's a lot of fun to use - much slower than a computer keyboard, obviously, and I had to adjust my thinking to make sure I was spelling words correctly. It is a portable, though - if you're looking for something heavier-duty, you might want a true desk typewriter. posted by god hates math at 4:20 PM on July 29, 2011 [3 favorites]
I was in a spot recently with my Underwood portable, couldn't find something that fit, so I just unspooled a new ribbon and wound it onto the old spool. Ain't no thing.
It depends a lot on where you live. If there are lots of artsy/eccentric types in your area (think NYC, San Francisco, Portland, etc.) then there should almost certainly be a hole-in-the-wall typewriter shop somewhere. Go in and ask them what stuff they are still able to stock/repair/replace easily and buy based on that, since that place is likely to be your only hook-up.
I live in northern California and owned a manual typewriter for several years, and there was a local shop which supplied me with (relatively) cheap ribbons, and also did cleanings and repairs when I needed them. posted by Qongqothwane at 4:56 PM on July 29, 2011
I have an old Royal from the early mid 20th Century and can still get ribbons for it from Royal. posted by kuppajava at 8:32 AM on July 30, 2011
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This doesn't mean that it's impossible to find ink for other models, but it will be harder (and they'll likely cost more), since there is a limited supply.
Hopefully, someone will be able to list the model I'm thinking of and help you out more than I've been able to.
posted by asnider at 3:00 PM on July 29, 2011