Is anyone familiar w/ Nikon EM motor drives?

[gone]

I can't figure out how to get my EM's motor drive apart to see if it can be fixed (serious battery corrosion issue). The screws are all out, and there isn't anything visible that's holding it together. I know this is a long shot, but has anyone ever had one of these apart?

 

[AZD]

I’ve never used that model (MD-12 only) but I wonder if there’s a screw or two hiding under the leatherette. Pretty common on cameras, wouldn’t surprise me to see it on a motor drive.

 

[reddesert]

I haven't taken one apart, but I have taken apart an MD-11 and MD-12. On those, there are about 6 screws under the side leatherette, mostly close to the top, but one near the grip end is further down. The top plate has "fingers" that reach down with holes that these screws go into. You probably don't have to peel up every inch of the leatherette, I would start peeling at the top of the sides until you start seeing screws, take them out, and then if it is still held together, work around the sides of the leatherette panels to discover the remaining screws.

 

[Nitroplait]

As mentioned by others, peaking under the leatherette could expose some hidden screws.
When fixing a MD-12 I had good support from an online repair manual when identifying the access points, but I have not seen (or looked for) one for the MD-E.

By the way, Nikon calling the MD-E for a "motor-drive" is a bit of a stretch. Winder more like it.

 

[Chan Tran]

I had the EM and the MD-E for a little over a year back when it was introduced. I wouldn't know how to open up the drive though.

 

[flavio81]

I can't figure out how to get my EM's motor drive apart to see if it can be fixed (serious battery corrosion issue). The screws are all out, and there isn't anything visible that's holding it together. I know this is a long shot, but has anyone ever had one of these apart?

On most camera equipment, you'll find screws hidden beneath leatherette.

Peel all the leatherette (EDIT: i see they have given you pointers on where to peel -- you can also just peel enough to see screws)

A good way to do it is to get a syringe with acetone, and apply a bit of acetone on the corner of the leatherette, and then try to peel off that corner using a suitable tool. Once you can peel a little bit, add more acetone (between the leatherette and the body) and continue peeling.

The acetone helps you remove the leatherette with minimum force, which is good to keep the shape of the leatherette intact.

 

[Evanbutson]

If you succeed please post pics, I have an em winder that shows a light when batteries are inserted but doesn't wind, it's way down in my list of things I need to fix though