A printer includes a photoconductor, a charge roller, and a positioner. The photoconductor includes an outer surface defining a seam region and a non-seam region while the charge roller is configured to rollingly engage the outer surface of the non-seam region. The positioner is operably coupled to the charge roller and includes a discrete step drive configured to maintain a minimum spacing between the charge roller and the seam region of the outer surface when the seam region passes underneath the charge roller.