The Portable Divided was one of several twin-lens reflex cameras put on the market in the late 1880s and early 1890s. The concept was not new, there had been models made previously but not in great numbers. At this time hand-held detective cameras were available as were folding bellows cameras, single-lens reflexes were just making an appearance. The Portable Divided appealed to the user who wanted a larger finder that showed exactly what would be in the negative and was quick to use. This was true of the Ross, which was able to be used in the hand; advertisements stressed how, with the neck strap, it could be steadied against the body and used for action shots, the image remaining visible at all times. Advertisements recommended it for yacht photography.

It was fitted with a good lens but had only a small focusing distance and limited movements. The lenses can be racked back past infinity allowing the door to close with the lens and shutter in place. A swing back was available.

These are early models of the Portable Divided with a single door, later an improved folding model with double doors was introduced. The doors of the later model when open became the sides of the camera allowing a more compact design.

The De-luxe model, finished in brown stitched hide and aluminium, dates to c. 1897. The improved model, with double doors, was also sold in a de-luxe finish. The extension back with this example is a bellows unit with two side struts. It slots into the normal position for the dark-slide.