As far as Pentel goes, there were 3 Pencils/Series of For Film Pencils.
Pentel 11 probably back in the late-60’s. (I have seen this once, and completely forgot about it. I need to contact the person I know who purchased it for pictures for the Pentel ID Book).
This pencil is the same design as the Pentel Graph II, so it is from 1970/71 era.
PF330 / PF500 Series - I am not positive of the exact start/end date, but I have catalogs with them starting in 1976 to 1997, as well as a page from a German 1975 catalog. 1976 would be the beginning of Generation 4 (I believe), and I have a Generation 3 (and possibly 2) PF335.
The PF500 series is the Japanese Domestic Market version of the PF330 series. I have only ever seen 1 of each size.
So Pentel was making the film lead containers with beige lids (and presumably beige outer cardboard boxes) in the 1970s? I see that those in the Graph for Film wallet have the earlier m/m marking.
Is it possible that later on the matte lead cases were traded for reddish transparent ones? I think I have a P1 or P2 case with this unusual hue; must check my inventory…
I retrieved the lead container; pictures coming soon. From what I can see, it is a bright reddish/orange and semi-transparent plastic. The paper band right below the black cap has three bands (top golden with black writing, middle black with gold writing, bottom gold with black writing) and reads “Pentel For FILM, 0.5 m/m P1, 12 pcs.”.
The raised letters on the tube barrel read “[Logo] Hi-Polymer PENTEL” on one face, and “SPARE LEADS / MADE IN JAPAN / B - 15” on the adjacent one, then on the other two faces the previous pair is repeated.
It was the last specimen in the shop where I got it, so no idea whether there were more variants. I will find a better lighting setup and provide some pictures.
While I concede that the plastic walls are not exactly transparent, they seem at least translucent to me. As for the colour, I let you decide whether this is closer to a red or to an orange. The leac cores inside are original — one or two may be missing, having ended up into pencils over these years.
Well, believe me, I never imagined I could be someone able to surprise the Pentel guy, let alone with a lead container.
Now, I see that I can find P1 or P_x lead here in Europe if I need it, and I have no real use for this lead container. It is nice of course, and certainly unique in my collection, but I would be glad if you could have it. In my hands, it is just another way to store film lead; in yours, it may be a cool and unique addition to a true, great collection.
I also think, however, that shipping this item alone to the US would be a bit pointless (and environmentally vile), but I see an opportunity for a trade, or something along this line. If you want, drop me a DM, we’ll figure a way to make this plan work.