Hi, I just got the MTF adapter for my F3. So happy to be able to use my Nikon primes. I want to add a zoom though and am not sure if I can use one WITHOUT manual aperture like the Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S DX? The other option WITH manual aperture would be the Nikon 17-35mm f/2.8D ED-IF AF-S D...

You might have found the solution by now. If not, I can only think of the Clip Browser itself. If you don't have the latest version you will get an black image. Try updating
Hope this helps.

Cinematographer with both a Sony F3 and a EX1.
Happy to work on interesting projects!