IMAGING APPARATUS WITH MOVEABLE ENTRANCE GUIDE

An imaging apparatus includes an exposure system having an output engagement point and operating at a first rate, and a processor having an input engagement point and operating at a second rate, which is at least equal to the first rate. A guide assembly includes an entrance guide which is configured to be at an extended position and to introduce a curve to and to direct an imaging media along a curved first transport path having a first length between the output and input engagement points before a leading edge of the imaging media is engaged by the input engagement point, the first length being less than a transport direction length of the imaging media, and which is configured to move to a retracted position after the leading edge is engaged by the input engagement point but while a trailing length of the imaging media is still engaged by the output engagement point to enable the imaging media to transition to a second transport path having a second length which is less than the first length.