I can't see through the eyepiece and since it was given to me used, I think that the viewfinder bracket must be missing since it is not attached anywhere. Is there a user's manual available online?

It is normal for everything to look inverted in an astro telescope. If you was to use it to view terrestrial, you will need to fit an erect image diagonal between the focuser tube and the eyepiece, such as

http://www.optcorp.com/os-d125ei45-45-erect-image-diagonal-1-25inch.html

This can still be used at night. The same is true for the small finder scope fitted to many telescopes. You can get a terrestrial type which can also still be used for planets etc

http://www.optcorp.com/tpo-8x50-right-angle-finderscope-and-bracket.html

Search for "eyecup Canon F1" on eBay. cost $4.00-$10.00 depending upon how fancy you want to get.

Hope that helps,
Bax

The bit you are missing is the finder scope, which is a small low-power scope that is used to line up the main scope on an object that you want to view. Without this it can be quite hard to get the scope pointed at anything, as the field of view is quite limited, and more so at higher powers.

It can be quite expensive to buy useful eyepieces for a scope, but they are readily available if the eyepiece mount tube is 1.25 inch inside diameter. The eyepieces that originally came with this scope probably were not very good, and in fact this scope is not up to much. It is rather small for a reflector at three inches diameter. You certainly won't be able to use it at the advertised 600 power, or even at 200. It has neither the resolution nor the light gathering ability with that small an aperture.

I would recommend that you explore the web page at THIS LINK for a lot of good advice about first telescopes, before you spend any money.

Most telescopes use a standard fitting eyepiece with a 1.25 inch outside diameter barrel. You can measure the mount where the eyepiece goes to make sure that yours is this size, then search on eBay or Amazon for "1.25 eyepiece" and you will find many available. Some of these will even be made by Meade, but any make will fit.

The other variable will be the focal length of the eyepiece, which is what determines it's power. The power of the scope will be the focal length of the main objective divided by the focal length of the eyepiece, so a 9mm eyepiece will give a higher magnification (and be dimmer and harder to focus and find objects) than a 20mm eyepiece. It is usual to have two or three different focal length eyepieces for viewing different objects.

You will find a large variation in prices, which is partly due to the difference in quality and type of construction of the eyepieces. Kellner eyepieces are simple and cheap, whereas Possl or orthoscopic ones are more complex and cost more. There are reasons why people will pay more for the better eyepieces.

I think I know what you are asking, but you haven't given me much to go on. Here are the names of the parts going from pedal to pedal -- pedal, crank arm, bottom bracket arbor, crank arm, pedal. Are you asking about attaching the crank arm to the bottom bracket arbor? And if so, are you missing the tapered pin that older bikes used to make this attachment? If so, the crank arm has 3 holes in it - one for the pedal, one for the bottom bracket arbor, one for the tapered pin. And your bottom bracket arbor will not have a square end, but will have a round end with a flat spot about 3/8 inches square. If you are missing this pin, then take the bike to a bike shop. It's a very inexpensive part, but might be hard to find the right size- or might require a little modification to fit. good luck Al K

Yes you can buy an eyepiece and a diagonal from many online retailers-- here is one:

http://www.agenaastro.com/

Eyepieces are typically expensive. Here is a link to some lower cost ones at $24 each. You only need 1 or two to get started. try 25mm and 12mm.
http://www.meridiantelescopes.com/antaresplossl.html

The bright circle seen in the eyepiece indicates the measurement area. When measuring subjects at about 1 m (3.3 ft) from the meter, use the eye point (that is the dot that you will see somewhat off center, is what they illustrate,) for close-range subject.

eye pieces are interchangeable and you will want a few of them for different magnifications.
The previous owner probably got a new scope and kept them for that.
Here's where I go for lens' in Toronto Canada.

http://www.escience.ca/telescopes/RENDER/5/2022/1052/W1052.html

The rule of thumb is cheaper eyepieces are ok for the low magnification 35mm-20mm but as you get to higher magnification a better eyepiece will make more of a difference. How expensive is up to you and how serious you are into this. I think my better lens was a used tele-vue for $80

This is not a problem. This is how the camera is designed to work. It is an SLR and you must view the picture you are taking through the small viewfinder not the LCD. It simply reflects the camera settings,etc. I too was thinking it was a "viewfinder" and a bit disappointed that it wasn't. Oh well.