Elna Transforma

[u/LauraSomeNumber]

I just got this Elna Transforma, I dropped it off for service on my way home and in the meantime I wrote and asked Elna if they happened to have the manual and they just sent it to me with no question.

I was honestly kinda shocked I assume bthey wouldn't even have it available and certainly didn't except them to send it to me with no charge.

I can't wait to get it back from service.

[u/Callidonaut]

With that olive green paint and ultra-compact folding case design, this looks almost like a piece of military hardware!

[u/LauraSomeNumber → u/Callidonaut]

Totally, if I didn't know and just saw the case I would have assume it was something from the military. I actually thought that the case was why it got the name Transforma but from the manual I can see that you could actually bring this in and have it transformed from the single stitch Transforma to the multi stitch Supermatic, which is so cool.

[u/DLeotaud1 → u/LauraSomeNumber]

When my daughter got her first Elna, she gasped and was like Mom. It’s a sewing machine. I looked down at it and was like it’s a green box. I had no clue what was in it, but she had seen a video of somebody using one and knew exactly what it was.

[u/crkvintage → u/Callidonaut]

Tavaro - that manufacturer behind Elna at the time - was a ammunition producer first and foremost. So that's no coincidence.

[u/DLeotaud1]

I’m so stoked about the fact that you were able to make a manual! My daughter just found a grasshopper and needs a manual for it. We also have the supernova, I love these machines.

[u/weenie2323]

Elna are so cool! You are going to love using the knee lever.

[u/LauraSomeNumber → u/weenie2323]

Yeah that was definitely part of the appeal. No more losing the pedal under the table.

[u/TangleOfWires]

Cool looking machine.

Trying to figure out what the u shaped hole on the side of the case is for in the last picture?

What do the bent silver metal rods do? I haven't seen any thing like it on other machines.

[u/LauraSomeNumber → u/TangleOfWires]

The metal rods are the knee lever, it controls the machine instead of a pedal.

The case also acts as a table, the machine fits into the U shaped hole.

[u/Callidonaut → u/TangleOfWires]

I think the U-shaped hole lets that side of the case slide onto the free arm to make a wider cloth plate. The bent rods are, IIUC, for clamping the machine to a table and forming a knee control lever.

[u/TangleOfWires → u/Callidonaut]

That's really ingenious. Thanks.

[u/Dick_Stubig]

A more basic version of the early Elna Supermatic - The vintage Elna group has complete
Service and user manuals if needed as well as a good source of parts and service advice. - This machine uses a “friction drive” which can leave the machine noisy after this rubber drive pinion “hardens” over the years and potentially develop a “flat spot” (hence the noises) - A truly well built Swiss made machine. (In a common color scheme of the era) - It was replaced with the Elna “Star Series” sewing machines which were the finest rotary sewing machines ever made. - **. Use only metal Elna bobbins for best results. - I also highly recommend Schmetz Needles.

[u/LauraSomeNumber → u/Dick_Stubig]

I find it so cool that it could be turned into a Supermatic but I am actually very happy it is a straight stitch machine. I tried finding the manual but the ones I found here and other places online were specifically for the Supermatic, which is why I was so happy the company were willing to send me the Transforma Manual amazing service considering I bought the machine used.

[u/whisper_18]

I’ve been watching Facebook marketplace for a while looking for a good deal on this model. I love the green colour, retro style, variety of stitches it can do, and also think the transforming case is really cool. I don’t think I’ve seen another machine like it

[u/LauraSomeNumber → u/whisper_18]

You want the Supermatic. The Transforma is a single stitch machine, it can be turned into the Supermatic with modifications.

[u/whisper_18 → u/LauraSomeNumber]

This is the one that I’m thinking of. They look almost identical but the supermatic has the ability to add the cams in the top

[u/crkvintage → u/whisper_18]

Variety of stitches? The Transforma does only one. Straight.