The 18-inch Ritchey-Chretien telescope was purchased in 1973 from Mr. Richard E. Brandt, Chief Optician for the UCLA Department of Astronomy. The purchase and installation were under the supervision of Dr. John Oliver. Many UF graduate students have been involved in the improvement of this telescope, most notably Dr. E. Whit Luddington, Dr. Dave Gordon, and Dr. Scott Fisher.

Mr. R. E. Brandt adjusting the drive of his 18 inch RC scope