John Lucas
Many Nikon lenses simply won't work on the digital cameras. They may fit on the camera but the camera will not let you take a photo. Some of those that will work won't give you any kind of meter reading. Your on your own guessing exposure.
I have a Nikon PB-6 bellows that is just about useless now. It will fit, and I can take a photo but I have to use hand held meter or take a wild guess at the exposure and then make corrections based on the image on the back.
I also have a 1/4 and 2x teleconverter that will not work on any of our Nikons except the $2000 and up versions. The less expensive cameras simply won't let you take a photo.
Best bet, just buy newer lenses. They are optimized for digital and many now have Vibration Reduction which is a god send in many situations where you can't carry a tripod.