The "614" model is part of a series of ultra-portable, ultra-simplified machines designed for students and travelers. It is a "portable" in the truest sense: it usually lives inside a hard plastic carrying case that is only slightly larger than the machine itself. Unboxing an Easy Renault 614 (if you are lucky enough to find one) is an exercise in 1970s industrial design. The machine is almost comically small. Compared to a standard portable like a Hermes 3000, the Renault 614 looks like a toy. But it is not plastic.
This article is a comprehensive guide to the Easy Renault 614 Portable. We will cover its history, mechanical design, common flaws, and—most importantly—why this "easy" machine is actually a very difficult one to find in working order. First, let’s clear up the name. The "Easy" brand is not referring to the difficulty of typing. "Easy" was a badge-engineered brand used by various European distributors. The Renault name here is a massive red herring. This typewriter was not made by the French car manufacturer.
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Today, its legacy is that of a survivor. Because it was cheap, many were thrown away. The ones that remain are a testament to Brother’s robust, if uninspired, engineering.
Because the machine is so light, it is genuinely portable. You can shove it in a backpack. The keyboard layout is standard QWERTY, so there is no learning curve. The action is surprisingly crisp for a budget machine; because the levers are short, the typebars snap to the platen quickly. The "614" model is part of a series
The "easy" moniker fails when you look at the touch. The keys require a decisive, deep press. This is not a machine for a soft touch or fast typing. If you try to type at 80 words per minute, you will find the keys locking up frequently. However, if you type slowly and deliberately—as one might when writing a letter or a journal entry—it works beautifully. The "Portable" Feature: Carrying Case and Travel The most common way to find an Easy Renault 614 today is still inside its original hard case. The case is usually a beige or black plastic clamshell with a metal latch.
The Easy Renault 614 uses universal 2-inch spools. However, many 614s have reversed the ribbon vibrator (the part that lifts the ribbon). If your ribbon does not move up and down, check the tiny vibrator forks for bends. The machine is almost comically small
One specific trick to know: The carriage often does lock down automatically. To transport the machine safely, you must turn a small red or grey lever near the right platen knob to disengage the carriage spring. If you forget this step, the violent shaking during travel can snap the carriage return lever.