View finder showing very dark image - Olympus Camedia C-350 Digital Camera

Astro telescopes normally do show an inverted image, since for most purposes this does not matter. For terrestrial viewing, such as thru someone's window, you can buy an "erect image" or "correct image" prism which gives an upright image.

http://www.optcorp.com/telescope-accessories/optical-tube-accessories/diagonal-prism-eyepiece-holder.html?a_diagonal_design_f=1090

I don't know of such a thing for the finder scope, you would have to buy a new finder.

http://www.optcorp.com/celestron-9x50-illum-ra-correct-image-finderscope-93781.html

Sounds like your image stabilizer got damaged by the fall. You'll have to get your camera serviced by an authorized Nikon service center.

Hiram
Photo Tech Repair Service
110 East 13th Street
New York, NY 10003
212-673-8400

Yes, most finder scopes show upside down images, it's completely normal.

This is an astronomical telescope. Even the main tube shows upside down images unless you use what is called an "erecting prism" for terrestrial viewing.

Yes, nothing is wrong. Most finders show upside down images.

Try pressing the display button.

mirror is struck to ground glass/failure of the mirror mechnism

Please take a look at the symptoms listed here, and see if it's what you're experiencing.

http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/news-item.pl?mdl=DSCF717&news_id=161

Sony had a certain issue with the CCD chip on this camera. If it's this issue, they'll fix it free plus $20 until March 2010.

This sounds like it might be a defective CCD imager. If so, Canon should fix this for you for free, including free shipping both ways. This is regardless of your camera's warranty status. Please check this link for more info.

Applicable cameras include:
A40, A60, A70, A75, A80, A85, A95, A300, A310, S1 IS, S60, S200, S230, S330, S400, S410, S500, SD100, SD110, IXUS V2/300/400/430/500, IXY Digital 30/30a/200a/300a/D320/400/ 450/500

This sounds like it might be a defective CCD imager. If so, Canon should fix this for you for free, including free shipping both ways. This is regardless of your camera's warranty status. Please check the following two links for more info:

http://camerarepair.blogspot.com/2007/11/canon-digital-cameras-showing-black.html

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=PgComSmModDisplayAct&fcategoryid=225&modelid=13390&keycode=2112&id=29819

Applicable cameras include:
A40, A60, A70, A75, A80, A85, A95, A300, A310, S1 IS, S60, S200, S230, S330, S400, S410, S500, SD100, SD110, IXUS V2/300/400/430/500, IXY Digital 200a/300a/400/450/500

The aperture mechanism needs repair - though most parts are no longer available because Sony purchased Minolta, this is a problem that can be repaired by a competent independent repair shop.