A magnetic recording and reproduction apparatus includes a pivotable arm
section; an arm pivoting center shaft for supporting the pivoting center
of the arm section; a capstan section for driving a magnetic tape so as
to run; a pinch roller provided on the arm section for pressing the
magnetic tape to the capstan section; and an extendable and compressable
section extendable so as to be wound around the arm pivoting center shaft
in accordance with the pivoting of the arm section and compressable so as
to retract from the arm pivoting center shaft in accordance with the
pivoting of the arm section.