This YouTube video showcases a Toshiba BW-2112, a Japanese typewriter from the 1980s. The video demonstrates the typewriter's various functions, including typing in Japanese using katakana and hiragana, as well as English letters and numbers. The presenter highlights the machine's unique features like the half-space key, margin settings, and correction capabilities. They also demonstrate changing the ribbon and the overall operation of the typewriter, emphasizing its compact and portable design.
This YouTube video, titled "Japanese Toshiba Typewriter Model BW-2112 (2020)," presents a comprehensive and loving exploration of a vintage Toshiba BW-2112 electric typewriter, likely manufactured in the late 1970s or early 1980s. The video showcases the typewriter's unique features and functionality in meticulous detail, demonstrating the elegant design and engineering characteristic of Japanese industrial output during that period. The presenter begins by exhibiting the typewriter's external appearance, highlighting its compact and robust build, the distinctive two-tone grey color scheme, and the clearly labeled controls.
The demonstration proceeds with an in-depth examination of the typewriter's various mechanical components and their operation. This includes a close-up view of the typebars and their striking action, the carriage return and line feed mechanism, the ribbon cartridge system, and the paper feed rollers. The presenter carefully elucidates the function of each element, explaining how they contribute to the overall typing experience. Particular attention is given to the typewriter's correction capabilities, showcasing both the lift-off correction tape and the traditional backspace/overstrike method.
The video then transitions to a practical demonstration of the typewriter in action. The presenter types a sample document, allowing viewers to appreciate the tactile feedback, the distinctive sound of the keys, and the overall smoothness of the typing process. The clarity and precision of the printed output are also emphasized, demonstrating the typewriter's ability to produce crisp and professional-looking documents.
Throughout the video, the presenter's reverence for the machine is evident. The careful handling, detailed explanations, and focus on the typewriter's aesthetic and functional qualities suggest a deep appreciation for its historical significance and enduring appeal. The video serves not only as a technical overview of the Toshiba BW-2112 but also as a tribute to the craftsmanship and ingenuity embodied in these vintage machines. The absence of spoken commentary allows the viewer to focus entirely on the visual and auditory experience of the typewriter, further enhancing the sense of intimacy and connection with the machine. The video concludes with a final, lingering shot of the typewriter, allowing viewers to fully appreciate its design and contemplate its place in the history of technology.
Summary of Comments ( 8 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43210537
HN users generally enjoyed the video showcasing the Toshiba BW-2112 typewriter, praising its design, sound, and the creator's obvious enthusiasm. Several commenters reminisced about using typewriters, highlighting the satisfying tactile experience and the focus they demanded. Some discussed the typewriter's specific features, like the unique key spacing and the half-space key. A few users expressed interest in finding a similar model, and others shared links to resources for typewriter enthusiasts. One compelling comment thread debated the practicality of using vintage typewriters today, considering factors like maintenance, ribbon availability, and the lack of editing capabilities.
The Hacker News post linking to a YouTube video showcasing a Toshiba BW-2112 typewriter has a modest number of comments, offering a mix of appreciation for the machine, personal anecdotes, and technical observations.
Several commenters express admiration for the typewriter's design and functionality. One user praises the "satisfying chunk" of the machine, highlighting the tactile pleasure derived from its mechanical operation. Another describes it as "a beast," acknowledging its robust construction and powerful action. The general sentiment reflects a nostalgia for older, well-built technology.
Some comments focus on specific features of the BW-2112. One user notes the impressive print quality, particularly the sharpness of the characters. Another mentions the typewriter's unique "snap-in" ribbon cartridges, contrasting them with the more common spooled ribbons and highlighting their convenience. The discussion also touches upon the relative rarity of the machine, adding to its appeal among collectors and enthusiasts.
Personal anecdotes add a human dimension to the discussion. One commenter fondly recalls using a similar model during their time in Japan, evoking a sense of nostalgia for both the machine and the associated period. Another shares a memory of encountering Toshiba typewriters in East Germany, suggesting the brand's global reach during that era.
A few comments offer technical insights. One user speculates on the potential for converting the typewriter into a computer keyboard, suggesting a way to repurpose the machine for modern use. Another highlights the engineering challenge of designing a reliable type slug mechanism, demonstrating an appreciation for the complexity of the technology.
Overall, the comments on Hacker News reflect a positive reception towards the Toshiba BW-2112 typewriter. They combine aesthetic appreciation, technical curiosity, and personal experiences to create a rich discussion around this vintage piece of technology. While not an extensive discussion, it provides a glimpse into the enduring fascination with mechanical typewriters.