I bought the Supermatic in July of 2009. I visited a sewing machine repair shop, and he had some classic old machines for sale that he had reconditioned. This was my first real sewing machine.
The second one I saw at an "estate sale" store and picked up for some ridiculous price (like $30) thinking it would be good to have a spare. This turned out to be the SU.
I had the second one for years before I realized it was different.
Both machines are made in Switzerland. They are classic manual zig-zag machines.
The first machine is an Elna Star Series Supermatic. These were manufactured from 1964 to 1971. Mine is a model 62 (it has a free arm). The serial number is "K43..." so it was made 1970-71. The model 64 would have a table instead of a free arm.
The second machine is an Elna Star Series SU. These were manufactured from 1971 to 1978. Mine has a serial number beginning with "S" and was thus made in 1976. If you pay attention, it is easy to tell the difference from the Supermatic. The dials are metallic, and it is marked with "SU". This is also a model 62 (free arm machine). The free arm is very handy. The foot pedal from the SU will not plug into the Supermatic nor vice versa.
The Supermatic is my workhorse and the machine I use more than any other. After storing the SU for 5 years or so, I got it out, oiled it up, and it seems to work just fine.
On both machines, take care when you thread it to run the thread behind the metal plate on the tension mechanism. It is quite easy to run the thread in front of the metal plate and think you have it right, and that just doesn't work.
When purchasing the Supermatic, I asked the guy at the shop why people spend big money on fancy new machines if this one is so powerful and will last me forever. He said: "Simple: TV". People should watch TV for entertainment, not to get facts to base decisions on. I thought this was interesting and very solid advice and will continue to do business with this fellow.
You are supposed to use Elna #426000 bobbins, and like any sensible person, I bought a bunch so I can have one loaded up with whatever thread I get ready to use. Years later I bought a Singer 401A, which uses "class 66" bobbins, and as near as I can tell they are the exact same thing. I have heard it said that the Elna bobbins are "slightly taller", and my measurements indicate that indeed they are .01 inches taller. Only one one hundredth of an inch. Will these shorter Singer bobbins work in the Elna? They seem to work just fine.
Tom's home page / tom@mmto.org