An image transfer device has a screening plate attached to and protruding from a paper guide so as to partially block the corona ion current from its transfer charger such that only the forward portion of an incoming transfer paper sheet already in contact with the surface of a photosensitive drum is exposed to the current. An elastic guide plate separated from the drum surface by only about 1 mm serves to allow transfer paper sheet of different stiffness to come into contact with the drum surfaces at a predetermined position.
