My first Leica M3: curtain issue?

[faithseed]

Just got my first Leica M3, the first curtain does not stay flush. I have attached a photo. Second contain looks good and there is no issue with shutter whatsoever. Is this normal?

 

[4season]

Just got my first Leica M3, the first curtain does not stay flush.
...
Is this normal?

No, it normally should appear evenly taut. It's possible that your camera is due for service, and if the topmost screw of the lens mount still has an intact black "L" seal, it's possible that it's never been serviced before.

 

[faithseed]

Thanks for the information. I got this from an old gentleman who told me it has been staying on the shelf for too long. I will try with a roll first then see if i need to get it for a CLA.

 

[Bikerider]

I think the shutter has a flexible tape to pull it across the film plain and this may have given way. M3 cameras are repairable by a competent camera mechanic to as good as new condition. If you got it free from someone then I would certainly have it repaired, The price of a half decent working model M3 in UK would be around £1200 or about 1500$ even without as lens, so it is worth doing.

 

[John Koehrer]

No, it normally should appear evenly taut. It's possible that your camera is due for service, and if the topmost screw of the lens mount still has an intact black "L" seal, it's possible that it's never been serviced before.

What he said.^^^
The shutter ribbons may have lost tension, This "can" affect evenness of exposure across the negative. Sometimes this is visible as
a dark/overexposed section on one end of the neg that's called shutter bounce.

 

[faithseed]

Great advise. Thanks all for the suggestions. I am getting in touch with Youxin to get it addressed properly. As mentioned, I am afraid of the worst of causing a jam or damaging the curtain.