An image forming apparatus including a plurality of image forming cartridges arranged one above another each configured to form an image on a medium. An optical writing support unit, including an optical writing unit, hingedly attached to the image forming apparatus at a lower end position of the optical writing support unit and movable between a first position covering the plurality of image forming cartridges and a second position uncovering a side of the plurality of image forming cartridges opposite to a photoconductive element. Each of the image forming cartridges is configured to be mounted to or dismounted from a housing in the image forming apparatus when the optical writing support unit is in the second position.