The KA Portable Microscope released in 1934 and the shared viewing microscope introduced in 1929 were simplified versions designed for easy portability. The stage and the base of the KA portable microscope could be folded up and transported in a leather case.
This microscope was used by students taking lab classes in university science departments and medical schools. Students took turns observing a specimen by handing the microscope from one person to another. The microscope did not come with a mirror; therefore, users had to orient the microscope toward a light source.
The SPM simplified portable microscope was similar to those marketed as "field microscopes" by foreign manufacturers. Higher magnification was obtained by attachment of objective lenses mounted on the tip of the fixed objective lens. A leather round shaped case came with this model for storage. The shape of the case, which could be carried around the shoulder, was another distinctive characteristic of this microscope.
