Hi AlbertInFrance,
I read the manual too, and it is true, when the lens is mounted on an appropriate Nikon camera body. When off of a Nikon body, as in when mounted on an adapter, nothing happens when you press the button. Thanks for your suggestion, and no I did not think you were being snarky. I've made more than one stupid mistake in my life so do not turn down well meant help regardless.
Eric