A printing apparatus with an index-feeding printing system having a first media path, a continuous feed finishing apparatus having a second media path, and a media buffer device having a third media path connecting between the first media path and the second media path. The third path may have a first portion communicating with the printing system, and a second portion communicating with the finishing apparatus, with the first and second portions merging with each other to form a common path portion terminating at a common path dead end, such that a media sheet from the printing system stops at the dead end and reverses direction for feeding to the finishing apparatus.