Sharp SF-7850 photocopies have large black band on pages?

Copier was working perfectly but suddenly pages produced had a large black band full length on 2/3 of page with 1/3 printing normally. I was using this copier at work and servicing regularly until retiring 5 yrs ago and only using it at home intermittently since. Copy check shows useage of only 530 copies in that time since last service with a total of 178378 copies to date now. Is it worth calling the tech to fix or would I be better off investing in a cheaper home style laser or inkjet multifunction copier now? The A3 and reduction capability is quite useful occasionally but perhaps this copier doesn't/won't like intermittent use in terms of bang for buck now and I should scrap it. I'm happy to pay a tech to fix it if it's worth it in the long run, assuming it's not cost prohibitive.