Contribute to the archive

Donate a Pen

The Cine Pen Archive catalogs and preserves the small, easily overlooked writing instruments of our industry: promotional pens, pencils, markers, styluses, and other branded tools that quietly move through the hands of cinematographers, assistants, rental houses, manufacturers, technicians, and collectors.

So go ahead, dig through your drawers, check the glovebox, and rescue that forgotten pen from the bottom of a gear bag. If you have a cinema-related writing instrument that is not already represented in the archive, we would love to give it a good home.

What helps most? It's easy: an approximate date you acquired it, any origin story or history about it, and a quick snapshot if you're requesting a pre-paid shipping pouch.
Duclos Lenses gift pen and sticker

Why Contribute?

Help preserve the everyday artifacts behind the camera.

These pens may seem insignificant on their own, but together they form a record of the companies, events, relationships, and everyday tools that shape the motion picture world. Contributions help fill gaps in the collection, document brands and events that might otherwise disappear, and preserve a more personal side of film industry history.

Once a contribution is received, it will be reviewed, photographed, cataloged, and added to the archive when appropriate. Contributor credit can be included with the entry unless you prefer to remain anonymous. Contributors who mail pens to be added to the archive will receive a gift pen and sticker from Duclos Lenses as a thank you.

Option 2

Mail It Yourself

You are welcome to mail contributions directly if you prefer. Please pack the pen securely and include your name plus any details you know about where it came from.

Option 3

Hand It Off

You can also hand a pen to Matthew in person at Duclos Lenses, trade shows, industry events, meetups, or whenever paths happen to cross.

Mail Your Pen

If you do not need a pre-paid shipping pouch, you are welcome to mail your contribution to us however works best for you. Please pack the pen securely enough to avoid damage in transit, and include your name plus any notes you would like preserved with the record.

Cine Pen Archive
20222 Bahama St.
Chatsworth, CA 91311

We always appreciate the generosity of our contributors. Every donated pen helps preserve and celebrate the little details that make motion picture history so fascinating.