Now that we have a forum we can all start a crusade for automatic extension tubes that mate with the newer AFS lenses and modern film cameras like the F5 and F6 and use present day 10 pin connectors. We have to make a concentrated effort to pester Nikon to bring these out ASAP so we can use them in the up and coming summer season.
You may ask what are they good for? For one thing closer focusing possiblilites (as in minimum focusing distance) with new 400, 500 and 600mm telephoto lenses so we can capture larger images of smaller wildlife like birds on our film cameras. Some are going to say they (the telephoto lenses) lose their ability to focus at infinity but at this stage of the game who cares! Most small birds are photographed at closer distances so this thing about infinity falls by the wayside easily.
It also opens the extra benefit of using the RGB meter on both the F5 and F6 cameras. Presently if you want to use Nikon's near perfect meter, you are out of luck. As soon as you attach the extension tube on the camera, the meter resorts to center weighted metering even if you hve the selector switch on Matrix. Canon, sorry to say, has the automatic tubes and why Nikon can't get this into their product line is besides me.
There are other benefits of course, too many to list here and if someone comes up with a better idea --- no, no not those Kenko tubes --- jump in and share it with us. In the meantime, drop an email to Nikon and let's get the ball rolling......