Thought this might be an interesting way to get some good pics of those nibs...

http://photocritic.org/macro-photography-on-a-budget/

Alternatively (and not to criticise the OP or article), but you can also use your scanner for Q&D images...

Oh, hey, good idea!

Wow...regardless of whether or not you look like a moron with a Pringles can strapped to your high-dollar dSLR, that's a sick shot of the burning match. The ballpoint was pretty cool, too!

I might have to give that a shot. I have tried to do that, but just holding the lenses next to each other. It's too hard.